Clematis are incredibly versatile climbers that can transform any garden space. I’ve found they’re pretty easy to grow, but with so many types that flower at different times of the year, pruning can be a bit confusing.
Don’t worry, though – I’m here to share my experience and hopefully clear up some of that confusion!
Clematis Varieties for Every Garden
1. Clematis ‘Fireworks’
This variety is perfect for natural scrambling. I’ve planted mine among low-growing rhododendrons in an ericaceous bed, and the effect is simply stunning.
2. Clematis ‘Oo Laa’
I love how this clematis spreads over my camellia, adding summer flowers when its support plant has finished blooming. It’s a great way to extend the flowering season in your garden.
3. Boulevard Series
If you’re short on space, the dwarf varieties in the Boulevard series are perfect for large patio pots. They bring that clematis charm to even the smallest gardens.
4. Clematis ‘Sazan’
This is another great choice for containers. I’ve planted Sazan so it can tumble over the edges of the pot without support, creating a beautiful cascading effect.
5. Clematis ‘Countess of Wessex’
For those who love bold displays, ‘Countess of Wessex’ is a compact variety that grows wonderfully in pots with a short support frame. The stems cling and scramble up, displaying their summer flowers in all their glory.
6. Clematis ‘Arabella’
‘Arabella’ is a non-climbing clematis that needs some support. I’ve used a metal obelisk for mine. The key with Arabella is to encourage new growth from the bottom for a fantastic flowering display.
7. Clematis viticella ‘Etoile Rose’
This is a later flowering, smaller-flowered variety that blooms from July onwards. I’ve grown mine behind a hydrangea, training it into a holly hedge. Its dainty hanging pink flowers are a delight.
8. Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’
Another viticella variety, ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ offers flamboyant simplicity with its beautiful four-petaled flowers.
9. Clematis ‘Kingfisher’
‘Kingfisher’ is a large summer flowering hybrid that boasts deep blue flowers. It’s a real showstopper in the garden.
10. Clematis ‘Alabast’
I’ve grown this large summer flowering hybrid up one of my garden arches alongside a golden-leaf jasmine called ‘Fiona Sunrise’. The pure white flowers of ‘Alabast’ create a stunning contrast.
11. Clematis ‘Multi Blue’
This impressive double-flowered variety is another large summer flowering hybrid that makes a bold statement in any garden.
12. Clematis ‘Crystal Fountain’
‘Crystal Fountain’ is unique among the large summer flowering hybrids. It features an unusual brush-like center that gives it an exotic feel.
13. Clematis ‘Dr. Ruppel’
This is one of my favorites! I’ve planted ‘Dr. Ruppel’ at the base of a pear tree and trained it up into the branches. It layers on some extra color throughout the summer, creating a magical effect.
14. Clematis montana
Clematis montana is a bold and bountiful spring-flowering clematis. Its rapid growth rate and robust nature allow it to scramble over fences, sheds, arches, and up into trees. If space isn’t limited, you can let it ramble naturally to its heart’s content.
15. Clematis alpina
This is a dainty, early-flowering spring clematis. It’s a joy to see its delicate blooms heralding the arrival of spring.
16. Clematis macropetala
Another early-flowering spring clematis, macropetala is equally charming and a great addition to any garden.
17. Clematis montana ‘Sunrise’
‘Sunrise’ is a recent introduction that’s more compact than other montana varieties. It produces double flowers in dusky pink, and its new leaves develop with a chocolate purple flush before turning green. It’s an excellent option for smaller gardens.
Pruning Guide
Pruning is key to keeping your clematis healthy and flowering abundantly. Here’s how to prune different types:
Summer blooming large flower clematis
Prune these anytime from winter up until the end of February. Follow the shoots down to where there are green shoots or buds growing at the bottom. Remove leggy top growth and cut just above the new green buds. This encourages new growth that will carry flowers in the summer.
Non-climbing types (like Arabella)
Cut these down to about 10 inches to a foot from soil level. This encourages new growth from the bottom, resulting in a good flowering display.
Later flowering Clematis viticella varieties
These are simple to prune – just cut them off at ground level. You can do this anytime during winter. New growth will come up from the base in spring.
Clematis montana
Prune Clematis montana immediately after its spring flowering display is over. For very old or overgrown plants, consider hard pruning back to their base. You might need loppers or a pruning saw for thick, woody stems. After pruning, keep the plant well-watered and give it a good drench with liquid feed.
Spring flowering types (Clematis alpina and Clematis macropetala)
Prune these once they’ve finished flowering. Shorten flowered shoots back to about a foot (25 cm) from their base.