391 Species in Genus Clematis

Table of Contents

Clematis: A Climbing Obsession

My garden is my sanctuary, a place where I can lose myself in the beauty of nature. And among the many plants that grace my little Eden, Clematis holds a special place in my heart. These climbing wonders, with their vibrant blooms and graceful vines, have captivated me completely.

Clematis, a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), is a diverse genus boasting over 300 species. They hail from all corners of the globe, though they’re particularly abundant in Asia and North America. What unites them is their penchant for climbing, their delicate foliage, and most importantly, their stunning flowers. These blossoms come in a kaleidoscope of colors, from the purest white to the deepest purple, with countless shades in between. Some varieties even boast captivating patterns and unique shapes.

A World of Clematis

The sheer variety within the Clematis genus is astounding. Here are:

Clematis acapulcensis Hook. & Arn.
Clematis acerifolia Maxim.
Clematis actinostemmatifolia W.T.Wang
Clematis acuminata DC.
Clematis acutangula Hook.f. & Thomson
Clematis addisonii Britton ex Vail
Clematis aethusifolia Turcz.
Clematis affinis A.St.-Hil.
Clematis afoliata Buchanan
Clematis africolineariloba W.T.Wang
Clematis akebioides (Maxim.) H.J.Veitch
Clematis akoensis Hayata
Clematis albicoma Wherry
Clematis alborosea Ulbr.
Clematis alpina (L.) Mill.
Clematis alternata Kitam. & Tamura
Clematis andersonii (C.B.Clarke ex Kunze) H.Eichler
Clematis antonii (Elmer) L.Eichler
Clematis apiculata Hook.f. & Thomson
Clematis apiifolia DC.
Clematis archboldiana Merr. & L.M.Perry
Clematis arenicola T.Murphy & D.Estes
Clematis aristata R.Br. ex Ker Gawl.
Clematis armandi Franch.
Clematis aureolata D.Falck & Lehtonen
Clematis austroanatolica Ziel. & Kit Tan
Clematis austrogansuensis W.T.Wang & L.Q.Li
Clematis baldwinii Torr. & A.Gray
Clematis baominiana W.T.Wang
Clematis barbellata Edgew.
Clematis bigelovii Torr.
Clematis bojeri Hook.
Clematis bonariensis Juss. ex DC.
Clematis bourdillonii Dunn
Clematis bowkeri Burtt Davy ex W.T.Wang
Clematis brachiata Thunb.
Clematis brachyura Maxim.
Clematis bracteolata Tamura
Clematis brasiliana DC.
Clematis brevicaudata DC.
Clematis brevipes Rehder
Clematis buchananiana DC.
Clematis burmanica Lace
Clematis cadmia Buch.-Ham. ex Hook.f. & Thomson
Clematis calcicola J.S.Kim
Clematis caleoides Standl. & Steyerm.
Clematis campaniflora Brot.
Clematis campestris A.St.-Hil.
Clematis carrizoensis D.Estes
Clematis catesbyana Pursh
Clematis caudigera W.T.Wang
Clematis chaohuensis W.T.Wang & L.Q.Huang
Clematis chekiangensis C.Pei
Clematis chengguensis W.T.Wang
Clematis chinensis Osbeck
Clematis chingii W.T.Wang
Clematis chiupehensis M.Y.Fang
Clematis chrysocarpa Welw. ex Oliv.
Clematis chrysocoma Franch.
Clematis cinnamomoides W.T.Wang
Clematis cirrhosa L.
Clematis clarkeana H.Lév. & Vaniot
Clematis clemensiae H.Eichler
Clematis clitorioides DC.
Clematis coactilis (Fernald) Keener
Clematis coahuilensis D.J.Keil
Clematis columbiana (Nutt.) Torr. & A.Gray
Clematis commutata Kuntze
Clematis comoresensis W.T.Wang
Clematis connata DC.
Clematis corniculata W.T.Wang
Clematis courtoisii Hand.-Mazz.
Clematis craibiana Lace
Clematis crassifolia Benth.
Clematis crassipes Chun & F.C.How
Clematis crispa L.
Clematis cruttwellii H.Eichler ex W.T.Wang
Clematis cumberlandensis D.Rodgers, T.Murphy & D.Estes
Clematis cunninghamii Turcz.
Clematis dasyandra Maxim.
Clematis dasyoneura (Korth.) Kuntze
Clematis decipiens H.Eichler ex Jeanes
Clematis delavayi Franch.
Clematis delicata H.Eichler ex W.T.Wang
Clematis diebuensis W.T.Wang
Clematis dilatata C.Pei
Clematis dimorphophylla W.T.Wang
Clematis dingjunshanica W.T.Wang
Clematis dioica L.
Clematis dissecta Baker
Clematis dolichopoda Brenan
Clematis drummondii Torr. & A.Gray
Clematis dubia (Endl.) P.S.Green
Clematis elata Bureau & Franch.
Clematis elisabethae-carolae Greuter
Clematis elobata (S.X.Yan) S.X.Yan & L.Xie
Clematis erectisepala L.Xie, J.H.Shi & L.Q.Li
Clematis falciformis H.Perrier
Clematis fasciculiflora Franch.
Clematis fawcettii F.Muell.
Clematis fengii W.T.Wang
Clematis finetiana H.Lév. & Vaniot
Clematis flammula L.
Clematis flammulastrum Griseb.
Clematis flavidonitida W.T.Wang
Clematis florida Thunb.
Clematis foetida Raoul
Clematis formosana Kuntze
Clematis forsteri J.F.Gmel.
Clematis fremontii S.Watson
Clematis fruticosa Turcz.
Clematis fulvicoma Rehder & E.H.Wilson
Clematis fulvofurfuracea W.T.Wang
Clematis fusca Turcz.
Clematis gentianoides DC.
Clematis gialaiensis Serov
Clematis glauca Willd.
Clematis glaucophylla Small
Clematis glycinoides DC.
Clematis gouriana Roxb. ex DC.
Clematis gracilifolia Rehder & E.H.Wilson
Clematis grahamii Benth.
Clematis grandidentata (Rehder & E.H.Wilson) W.T.Wang
Clematis grandiflora DC.
Clematis grandifolia (Staner & J.Léonard) M.Johnson
Clematis grata Wall.
Clematis gratopsis W.T.Wang
Clematis graveolens Lindl.
Clematis grewiiflora DC.
Clematis grossa Benth.
Clematis guadeloupae Pers.
Clematis gulinensis W.T.Wang & L.Q.Li
Clematis guniuensis W.Y.Ni, R.B.Wang & S.B.Zhou
Clematis haenkeana C.Presl
Clematis hagiangensis N.T.Do
Clematis hancockiana Maxim.
Clematis hastata Finet & Gagnep.
Clematis hayatae Kudô & Masam.
Clematis hedysarifolia DC.
Clematis heracleifolia DC.
Clematis herrei H.Eichler
Clematis hexapetala Pall.
Clematis heynei M.A.Rau
Clematis hilariae Kovalevsk.
Clematis hirsuta Perr. & Guill.
Clematis hirsutissima Pursh
Clematis horripilata D.Falck & Lehtonen
Clematis hothae Kurz
Clematis huangjingensis W.T.Wang & L.Q.Li
Clematis huchouensis Tamura
Clematis hupehensis Hemsl. & E.H.Wilson
Clematis ibarensis Baker
Clematis incisodenticulata W.T.Wang
Clematis insidiosa Baill.
Clematis integrifolia L.
Clematis intraglabra W.T.Wang
Clematis intricata Bunge
Clematis iranica Habibi, Ghorbani & Azizian
Clematis ispahanica Boiss.
Clematis japonica Thunb.
Clematis javana DC.
Clematis jeypurensis Bedd. ex W.T.Wang
Clematis jialasaensis W.T.Wang
Clematis jingdungensis W.T.Wang
Clematis jingxiensis W.T.Wang
Clematis kakoulimensis Schnell
Clematis khasiana (Brühl) W.T.Wang
Clematis khuzestanica Dinarvand
Clematis kirilowii Maxim.
Clematis kockiana C.K.Schneid.
Clematis koreana Kom.
Clematis korthalsii H.Eichler
Clematis kweichouwensis C.Pei
Clematis ladakhiana Grey-Wilson
Clematis lancifolia Bureau & Franch.
Clematis lanuginosa Lindl.
Clematis lasiandra Maxim.
Clematis lasiantha Nutt.
Clematis lathyrifolia Besser ex Trautv.
Clematis latisecta (Maxim.) Prantl
Clematis laxistrigosa (W.T.Wang & M.C.Chang) W.T.Wang
Clematis leptophylla (F.Muell.) H.Eichler
Clematis leschenaultiana DC.
Clematis liboensis Z.R.Xu
Clematis ligusticifolia Nutt.
Clematis linearifolia Steud.
Clematis linearifoliola W.T.Wang
Clematis lingyunensis W.T.Wang
Clematis lishanensis (T.Y.A.Yang & T.C.Huang) Luferov
Clematis liuzhouensis Y.G.Wei & C.R.Lin
Clematis longicauda Steud. ex A.Rich.
Clematis longipes Freyn
Clematis longistyla Hand.-Mazz.
Clematis loureiroana DC.
Clematis lushuiensis W.T.Wang
Clematis macgregorii Merr.
Clematis macropetala Ledeb.
Clematis macrophylla (J.Raynal) W.T.Wang
Clematis mae Z.Z.Yang & L.Xie
Clematis maguanensis W.T.Wang
Clematis malacoclada W.T.Wang
Clematis malacocoma W.T.Wang
Clematis manipurensis (Brühl) W.T.Wang
Clematis marata Armstr.
Clematis marmoraria Sneddon
Clematis mashanensis W.T.Wang
Clematis mauritiana Lam.
Clematis melanonema W.T.Wang
Clematis menglaensis M.C.Chang
Clematis methifolia Hook.
Clematis metouensis M.Y.Fang
Clematis meyeniana Walp.
Clematis microcuspis Baker
Clematis microphylla DC.
Clematis millefoliolata Eichler
Clematis moisseenkoi (Serov) W.T.Wang
Clematis mollissima (Hallier) H.Eichler
Clematis montana Buch.-Ham. ex DC.
Clematis morefieldii Kral
Clematis morii Hayata
Clematis multistriata H.Eichler
Clematis munroiana Wight
Clematis nagaensis W.T.Wang
Clematis nainitalensis W.T.Wang
Clematis nannophylla Maxim.
Clematis napaulensis DC.
Clematis napoensis W.T.Wang
Clematis ningjingshanica W.T.Wang
Clematis nobilis Nakai
Clematis novocaledoniaensis W.T.Wang
Clematis nukiangensis M.Y.Fang
Clematis obscura Maxim.
Clematis obvallata (Ohwi) Tamura
Clematis occidentalis (Hornem.) DC.
Clematis ochroleuca Aiton
Clematis oligophylla Hook.
Clematis orientalis L.
Clematis otophora Franch. ex Finet & Gagnep.
Clematis ouachitensis T.Murphy & D.Estes
Clematis oweniae Harv.
Clematis pamiralaica Grey-Wilson
Clematis paniculata J.F.Gmel.
Clematis papillosa H.Eichler
Clematis papuasica Merr. & L.M.Perry
Clematis parviloba Gardner & Champ.
Clematis pashanensis (M.C.Chang) W.T.Wang
Clematis patens C.Morren & Decne.
Clematis pauciflora Nutt.
Clematis peii L.Xie, W.J.Yang & L.Q.Li
Clematis perrieri H.Lév.
Clematis peruviana DC.
Clematis peterae Hand.-Mazz.
Clematis petriei Allan
Clematis pettimudiensis K.M.P.Kumar, R.Jagad. & G.Prasad
Clematis phanerophlebia Merr. & L.M.Perry
Clematis phlebantha L.H.J.Williams
Clematis pianmaensis W.T.Wang
Clematis pickeringii A.Gray
Clematis pierotii Miq.
Clematis pimpinellifolia Hook.
Clematis pinchuanensis W.T.Wang & M.Y.Fang
Clematis pingbianensis W.T.Wang
Clematis pinnata Maxim.
Clematis pitcheri Torr. & A.Gray
Clematis plukenetii DC.
Clematis pogonandra Maxim.
Clematis polygama Jacq.
Clematis populifolia Turcz.
Clematis potaninii Maxim.
Clematis pseudoconnata (Kuntze) Luferov
Clematis pseudootophora M.Y.Fang
Clematis pseudopogonandra Finet & Gagnep.
Clematis pseudopterantha Kadota & Nob.Tanaka
Clematis pseudoscabiosifolia H.Perrier
Clematis pseudotubulosa B.K.Park
Clematis psilandra Kitag.
Clematis pterantha Dunn
Clematis puberula Hook.f. & Thomson
Clematis pubescens Hügel ex Endl.
Clematis pycnocoma W.T.Wang
Clematis qingchengshanica W.T.Wang
Clematis quadribracteolata Colenso
Clematis queenslandica W.T.Wang
Clematis quinquefoliolata Hutch.
Clematis ranunculoides Franch.
Clematis recta L.
Clematis rehderiana Craib
Clematis repens Finet & Gagnep.
Clematis reticulata Walter
Clematis rhodocarpa Rose
Clematis rhodocarpoides W.T.Wang
Clematis rigoi W.T.Wang
Clematis robertsiana Aitch. & Hemsl.
Clematis roylei Rehder
Clematis rubifolia C.H.Wright
Clematis rufa Rose
Clematis rutoides W.T.Wang
Clematis sarezica Ikonn.
Clematis satomiana Kadota
Clematis sclerophylla W.T.Wang
Clematis serratifolia Rehder
Clematis shenlungchiaensis M.Y.Fang
Clematis shensiensis W.T.Wang
Clematis siamensis Drumm. & Craib
Clematis sibiricoides Nakai
Clematis sichotealinensis Ulanova
Clematis simensis Fresen.
Clematis sinii W.T.Wang
Clematis smilacifolia Wall.
Clematis socialis Kral
Clematis songorica Bunge
Clematis spathulifolia (Kuntze) Prantl
Clematis speciosa (Makino) Makino
Clematis staintonii W.T.Wang
Clematis stans Siebold & Zucc.
Clematis stenanthera H.Eichler
Clematis strigillosa Baker
Clematis subreticulata (Harb. ex Small) Harb. ex T.Murphy & D.Estes
Clematis subtriloba Nees ex G.Don
Clematis subtriternata Nakai
Clematis subumbellata Kurz
Clematis takedana Makino
Clematis tamurae T.Y.A.Yang & T.C.Huang
Clematis tangutica (Maxim.) Korsh.
Clematis tashiroi Maxim.
Clematis tengchongensis W.T.Wang
Clematis tenuimarginata H.Eichler
Clematis tenuipes W.T.Wang
Clematis teretipes W.T.Wang
Clematis terminalis T.Murphy, Floden & D.Estes
Clematis terniflora DC.
Clematis teuszii (Kuntze) Engl.
Clematis texensis Buckley
Clematis thaiana Tamura
Clematis thaimontana Tamura
Clematis thalictrifolia Engl.
Clematis theobromina Dunn
Clematis tibetana Kuntze
Clematis tientaiensis (M.Y.Fang) W.T.Wang ex Z.Z.Zhang, Z.H.Chen, Feng Chen, W.Y.Xie & G.Y.Li
Clematis tinghuensis C.T.Ting
Clematis tomentella (Maxim.) W.T.Wang & L.Q.Li
Clematis tongluensis (Brühl) Tamura
Clematis tortuosa Wall. ex C.E.C.Fisch.
Clematis tosaensis Makino
Clematis tournefortii DC.
Clematis trichotoma Nakai
Clematis triloba Thunb.
Clematis tripartita W.T.Wang
Clematis tsaii W.T.Wang
Clematis tsugetorum Ohwi
Clematis tuaensis H.Eichler ex W.T.Wang
Clematis tunisiatica W.T.Wang
Clematis turyusanensis U.C.La & Chae G.Chen
Clematis udayanii Anilkumar
Clematis uhehensis Engl.
Clematis ulbrichiana Pilg.
Clematis uncinata Champ. ex Benth.
Clematis urophylla Franch.
Clematis uruboensis Lourteig
Clematis vaniotii H.Lév. & C.E.Porter
Clematis variifolia W.T.Wang
Clematis venusta M.C.Chang
Clematis versicolor Small
Clematis vietnamensis W.T.Wang & N.T.Do
Clematis villosa DC.
Clematis vinacea Floden
Clematis viorna L.
Clematis virginiana L.
Clematis viridiflora Bertol.
Clematis viridis (W.T.Wang & M.C.Chang) W.T.Wang
Clematis vitalba L.
Clematis viticaulis Steele
Clematis viticella L.
Clematis wallichii W.T.Wang
Clematis wangiana Mabb.
Clematis wenshanensis W.T.Wang
Clematis wightiana Wall. ex Wight & Arn.
Clematis williamsii A.Gray
Clematis wissmanniana Hand.-Mazz.
Clematis wuxiensis Q.Q.Jiang & H.P.Deng
Clematis xiangguiensis W.T.Wang
Clematis xinhuiensis R.J.Wang
Clematis yuanjiangensis W.T.Wang
Clematis yui W.T.Wang
Clematis yunnanensis Franch.
Clematis yuntaishanica W.T.Wang
Clematis zaireensis W.T.Wang
Clematis zandaensis W.T.Wang
Clematis zemuensis W.W.Sm.
Clematis zeylanica (L.) Poir.
Clematis zygophylla Hand.-Mazz.

Do deer eat clematis?

Absolutely, deer will eat clematis! I’ve learned this the hard way. A few years back, I planted some gorgeous clematis vines along my fence line, hoping they’d bring a splash of vibrant color to the yard. But then those pesky deer came along – they seemed to love those delicate blooms even more than I did. At first, it was just a few nibbles, but before long, there were only bare stems left. Nowadays, I either plant deer-resistant varieties of clematis or use some kind of repellant spray to try and keep the deer away.

Is clematis poisonous to dogs?

Unfortunately, yes, clematis can be harmful to dogs. I haven’t had a direct experience with my dog eating it, thank goodness, but I’ve always made sure to keep those pretty vines well out of reach. I did some research when I first planted them, because I know my furry friend is a curious chewer. From what I understand, clematis contains a substance that can cause some nasty side effects for dogs, like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Better to be safe than sorry, so I keep my pup away from the clematis and stick to dog-friendly plants in his play areas.

How to pronounce clematis?

The pronunciation of “clematis” can be a bit tricky. I used to say “cluh-MAY-tis”, but then a gardening enthusiast friend gently corrected me. The most common pronunciation is “KLEM-uh-tis”. You emphasize that first syllable, and the middle syllable sounds like “uh.” It’s a beautiful word for a beautiful flower, but it definitely took me a little practice to get the hang of saying it right!

When to cut back clematis for winter?

The timing for cutting back clematis depends on the specific variety you have. It gets a bit confusing, and I used to mix things up until I made myself a little reminder chart. Some types don’t need much pruning at all, while others benefit from a hard cutback in late winter or early spring. Last year I made the mistake of not pruning back my late-blooming clematis, and it ended up being a tangled mess with blooms way too high to properly enjoy. Never again!

Do you deadhead clematis?

Yes, I usually try to deadhead my clematis. It can be a little time-consuming, but it really does seem to encourage a second flush of blooms. Plus, I find it kind of therapeutic to spend a few minutes in the garden, snipping away those faded flowers and admiring all the new growth. Honestly, sometimes I get a little lazy later in the season, but I’ve noticed the plants that are regularly deadheaded definitely perform better overall.

How to grow clematis from seed?

I’ve tried a few times to grow clematis from seed, but I’ll admit, my success has been pretty limited. Those seeds can be finicky! It takes patience, which I’m not always the best at, and the germination rate isn’t great. One year, I followed all the instructions, carefully planting the seeds and waiting, and waiting…and nothing. But another time, I was rewarded with a few spindly sprouts. My biggest tip is to collect lots of seeds, because only some of them will actually sprout. I’m still working on mastering growing clematis from seed, but I find it’s a satisfying challenge!

When to transplant clematis?

The best time to transplant clematis depends on my climate and a bit on my tolerance for risk. Ideally, I like to move them in the very early spring, just as they’re starting to show some green buds. The cooler temperatures and extra moisture in spring help the plant recover from the transplanting shock. But hey, life gets busy, and sometimes I forget! In a pinch, I’ve moved clematis in the fall too, after it’s gone dormant. It’s not ideal, and the plant might take a little longer to establish itself, but it’s usually okay if I get it done early enough. The key is to minimize stress on the plant, whenever I can.

Can clematis be grown in pots?

Definitely! In fact, I love growing clematis in pots. I have a small patio, so containers let me enjoy these beautiful flowering vines without taking up garden space. I’ve found that certain varieties do particularly well in pots, especially the more compact ones. There’s something so satisfying about seeing those gorgeous blossoms spilling out of a lovely ceramic pot. Plus, I can move them around to brighten up different spots on my patio throughout the season.

Can clematis grow in shade?

Yes, some clematis varieties can thrive in partial shade, but they’re not all the same. I learned that lesson when I planted a sun-loving variety in a shadier corner of the garden – it grew all tall and lanky with barely any flowers. My neighbor, who has a gorgeous shady garden filled with clematis, gave me some great tips. She recommended varieties like the alpine clematis and sweet autumn clematis for those shadier spots. Now my once-bare corner is filled with beautiful blooms, all thanks to picking the right clematis for the space!

What do clematis seeds look like?

Clematis seeds are quite interesting-looking! They have a small, brown seed at the base, attached to a long, feathery tail. This tail helps the seed get carried by the wind to spread and plant itself in new places. Here’s an image to help you visualize them:

I find it fascinating how nature designs these seeds for dispersal – they’re like tiny parachutes! Some clematis varieties have really long feathery tails, while others are shorter and stubbier.

Do hummingbirds like clematis?

Hummingbirds do sometimes enjoy clematis, although it’s not their absolute favorite. Varieties with smaller, tubular-shaped flowers tend to attract them more than the ones with large, flat blooms. The color matters too – red, orange, and pink shades can sometimes catch a hummingbird’s eye.

Here’s why clematis isn’t a hummingbird’s first choice:

Not all blooms are easy to access: Some clematis flowers have a shape that makes it a little difficult for the hummingbird to reach the nectar deep inside.
Nectar production varies: Not all varieties of clematis produce the same amount of nectar.

If you want to entice hummingbirds to visit your clematis, try planting varieties with these features:

Smaller, tubular flowers
Brighter colors like red or pink

Do rabbits eat clematis?

Sadly, yes, rabbits do seem to find clematis rather tasty. I’ve had my share of battles with those furry little nibblers! They especially enjoy the tender new growth in spring, sometimes munching down the vines before they ever get a chance to really grow. It’s frustrating, and it’s made me learn to love chicken wire. A few years ago, I started surrounding my most vulnerable clematis plants with simple barriers, which at least seems to discourage the worst of the rabbit snacking.

Is clematis poisonous to cats?

Unfortunately, yes, clematis is considered toxic to cats. The whole plant contains a substance that irritates a cat’s digestive system. While my cat doesn’t usually bother my flowers, I’m still very careful to make sure any clematis I plant is out of reach. If cats eat it, they might end up with drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. It’s always better to be safe and keep our feline friends away from potentially harmful plants.

Why is my clematis not blooming?

Ah, the age-old gardener’s question: why won’t my beautiful clematis bloom? I’ve definitely experienced this frustration myself! There are a few common reasons:

Wrong pruning time: I made the mistake of pruning my early-blooming variety too late in the fall, cutting off all those new flower buds. Always double-check the specific needs for your variety of clematis!
Not enough sun: My first clematis ended up in a spot that got less sun than I thought. They really perform best with at least six hours of sunlight a day.
Nutrient imbalance: Sometimes it’s an issue with the soil – too much nitrogen fertilizer will make lush leaves, but not enough blooms.
Too young: Young clematis plants might need a couple of years to become established before they bloom reliably.

It can take a little detective work, but figuring out why your clematis isn’t happy often helps get those beautiful flowers back the next season!

Do clematis like acid soil?

No, clematis actually prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH. I always keep some lime on hand, just in case my soil is testing too acidic. Adding a bit of lime to raise the pH can make a big difference for my clematis! They seem to grow stronger and healthier, with more vibrant blooms, when the soil has a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

Do clematis like coffee grounds?

While coffee grounds can be beneficial for some plants, they’re not the best choice for clematis. Clematis prefer slightly alkaline soil, and coffee grounds are acidic. Adding a lot of coffee grounds to the soil around your clematis could shift the pH too far, making it difficult for your plant to thrive. It’s generally better to use coffee grounds on acid-loving plants like blueberries or azaleas, and to stick with more neutral fertilizers for clematis.