How to Grow Clematis Plants

Once you’ve seen a blooming clematis in full bloom, you’ll understand why this easy-care perennial vine is called the queen of climbers. The vines flower profusely in a range of colours, shapes and sizes, followed by attractive seed pods.

Clematis can grow to cover posts, pergolas, arbors and fences, to climb across the ground, or to drape gracefully from a container; grows up to 8 feet in a season. New plants can take a few years to put on their full show.

CLEMATIS BASICS
Zones:
Most strains are suited to zones 4-9; with some cultivars being hardy in zone 3 and others being heat tolerant in zone 10.

Height/spread:
Varieties from low-growing, trailing shrubs to climbing vines that can reach 30 to 50 feet.

Exposure:
Clematis need 5 to 6 hours of sun daily but appreciate some light shade in hotter climates. Excessive sun can cause petals to fade on large-flowered varieties.

heyday:
There are early bloomers (March to June), mid bloomers (April to June) and late bloomers (July to first frost).

Color:
Varieties available in blue, pink, dark purple, red and white.

Flower shape and size:
The flowers come in many flower shapes including solitary, double, semi-double, star-shaped, open bell-shaped, bell-shaped, tulip-shaped, and tubular. Most are 3 inches or less, but some can be as wide as 8 inches.

Toxicity:
The ASPCA lists clematis as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. However, it is noted that it has a very bitter taste and may deter animals from ingesting large amounts.

Deer Resistance:
Although listed as deer resistant; No plant is completely deer proof, as deer have been known to eat almost anything when hungry enough.