391 Species in Genus Clematis

Clematis | Monsteraholic
April 23 – Clematis
"Clematis, the climbing vine, represents April 23."
Clematis stands for ambition and elegance. You are driven and graceful, always reaching for the highest goals. Like this vine, you add beauty and purpose to your surroundings.

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:

  1. Clematis acapulcensis Hook. & Arn.
  2. Clematis acerifolia Maxim.
  3. Clematis actinostemmatifolia W.T.Wang
  4. Clematis acuminata DC.
  5. Clematis acutangula Hook.f. & Thomson
  6. Clematis addisonii Britton ex Vail
  7. Clematis aethusifolia Turcz.
  8. Clematis affinis A.St.-Hil.
  9. Clematis afoliata Buchanan
  10. Clematis africolineariloba W.T.Wang
  11. Clematis akebioides (Maxim.) H.J.Veitch
  12. Clematis akoensis Hayata
  13. Clematis albicoma Wherry
  14. Clematis alborosea Ulbr.
  15. Clematis alpina (L.) Mill. Plant FAQs: Clematis Alpina
  16. Clematis alternata Kitam. & Tamura
  17. Clematis andersonii (C.B.Clarke ex Kunze) H.Eichler
  18. Clematis antonii (Elmer) L.Eichler
  19. Clematis apiculata Hook.f. & Thomson
  20. Clematis apiifolia DC.
  21. Clematis archboldiana Merr. & L.M.Perry
  22. Clematis arenicola T.Murphy & D.Estes
  23. Clematis aristata R.Br. ex Ker Gawl.
  24. Clematis armandi Franch.
  25. Clematis aureolata D.Falck & Lehtonen
  26. Clematis austroanatolica Ziel. & Kit Tan
  27. Clematis austrogansuensis W.T.Wang & L.Q.Li
  28. Clematis baldwinii Torr. & A.Gray
  29. Clematis baominiana W.T.Wang
  30. Clematis barbellata Edgew.
  31. Clematis bigelovii Torr.
  32. Clematis bojeri Hook.
  33. Clematis bonariensis Juss. ex DC.
  34. Clematis bourdillonii Dunn
  35. Clematis bowkeri Burtt Davy ex W.T.Wang
  36. Clematis brachiata Thunb.
  37. Clematis brachyura Maxim.
  38. Clematis bracteolata Tamura
  39. Clematis brasiliana DC.
  40. Clematis brevicaudata DC.
  41. Clematis brevipes Rehder
  42. Clematis buchananiana DC.
  43. Clematis burmanica Lace
  44. Clematis cadmia Buch.-Ham. ex Hook.f. & Thomson
  45. Clematis calcicola J.S.Kim
  46. Clematis caleoides Standl. & Steyerm.
  47. Clematis campaniflora Brot.
  48. Clematis campestris A.St.-Hil.
  49. Clematis carrizoensis D.Estes
  50. Clematis catesbyana Pursh
  51. Clematis caudigera W.T.Wang
  52. Clematis chaohuensis W.T.Wang & L.Q.Huang
  53. Clematis chekiangensis C.Pei
  54. Clematis chengguensis W.T.Wang
  55. Clematis chinensis Osbeck
  56. Clematis chingii W.T.Wang
  57. Clematis chiupehensis M.Y.Fang
  58. Clematis chrysocarpa Welw. ex Oliv.
  59. Clematis chrysocoma Franch.
  60. Clematis cinnamomoides W.T.Wang
  61. Clematis cirrhosa L.
  62. Clematis clarkeana H.Lév. & Vaniot
  63. Clematis clemensiae H.Eichler
  64. Clematis clitorioides DC.
  65. Clematis coactilis (Fernald) Keener
  66. Clematis coahuilensis D.J.Keil
  67. Clematis columbiana (Nutt.) Torr. & A.Gray
  68. Clematis commutata Kuntze
  69. Clematis comoresensis W.T.Wang
  70. Clematis connata DC.
  71. Clematis corniculata W.T.Wang
  72. Clematis courtoisii Hand.-Mazz.
  73. Clematis craibiana Lace
  74. Clematis crassifolia Benth.
  75. Clematis crassipes Chun & F.C.How
  76. Clematis crispa L.
  77. Clematis cruttwellii H.Eichler ex W.T.Wang
  78. Clematis cumberlandensis D.Rodgers, T.Murphy & D.Estes
  79. Clematis cunninghamii Turcz.
  80. Clematis dasyandra Maxim.
  81. Clematis dasyoneura (Korth.) Kuntze
  82. Clematis decipiens H.Eichler ex Jeanes
  83. Clematis delavayi Franch.
  84. Clematis delicata H.Eichler ex W.T.Wang
  85. Clematis diebuensis W.T.Wang
  86. Clematis dilatata C.Pei
  87. Clematis dimorphophylla W.T.Wang
  88. Clematis dingjunshanica W.T.Wang
  89. Clematis dioica L.
  90. Clematis dissecta Baker
  91. Clematis dolichopoda Brenan
  92. Clematis drummondii Torr. & A.Gray
  93. Clematis dubia (Endl.) P.S.Green
  94. Clematis elata Bureau & Franch.
  95. Clematis elisabethae-carolae Greuter
  96. Clematis elobata (S.X.Yan) S.X.Yan & L.Xie
  97. Clematis erectisepala L.Xie, J.H.Shi & L.Q.Li
  98. Clematis falciformis H.Perrier
  99. Clematis fasciculiflora Franch.
  100. Clematis fawcettii F.Muell.
  101. Clematis fengii W.T.Wang
  102. Clematis finetiana H.Lév. & Vaniot
  103. Clematis flammula L.
  104. Clematis flammulastrum Griseb.
  105. Clematis flavidonitida W.T.Wang
  106. Clematis florida Thunb. Plant FAQs: Clematis Florida
  107. Clematis foetida Raoul
  108. Clematis formosana Kuntze
  109. Clematis forsteri J.F.Gmel.
  110. Clematis fremontii S.Watson
  111. Clematis fruticosa Turcz.
  112. Clematis fulvicoma Rehder & E.H.Wilson
  113. Clematis fulvofurfuracea W.T.Wang
  114. Clematis fusca Turcz.
  115. Clematis gentianoides DC.
  116. Clematis gialaiensis Serov
  117. Clematis glauca Willd.
  118. Clematis glaucophylla Small
  119. Clematis glycinoides DC.
  120. Clematis gouriana Roxb. ex DC.
  121. Clematis gracilifolia Rehder & E.H.Wilson
  122. Clematis grahamii Benth.
  123. Clematis grandidentata (Rehder & E.H.Wilson) W.T.Wang
  124. Clematis grandiflora DC.
  125. Clematis grandifolia (Staner & J.Léonard) M.Johnson
  126. Clematis grata Wall.
  127. Clematis gratopsis W.T.Wang
  128. Clematis graveolens Lindl.
  129. Clematis grewiiflora DC.
  130. Clematis grossa Benth.
  131. Clematis guadeloupae Pers.
  132. Clematis gulinensis W.T.Wang & L.Q.Li
  133. Clematis guniuensis W.Y.Ni, R.B.Wang & S.B.Zhou
  134. Clematis haenkeana C.Presl
  135. Clematis hagiangensis N.T.Do
  136. Clematis hancockiana Maxim.
  137. Clematis hastata Finet & Gagnep.
  138. Clematis hayatae Kudô & Masam.
  139. Clematis hedysarifolia DC.
  140. Clematis heracleifolia DC.
  141. Clematis herrei H.Eichler
  142. Clematis hexapetala Pall.
  143. Clematis heynei M.A.Rau
  144. Clematis hilariae Kovalevsk.
  145. Clematis hirsuta Perr. & Guill.
  146. Clematis hirsutissima Pursh
  147. Clematis horripilata D.Falck & Lehtonen
  148. Clematis hothae Kurz
  149. Clematis huangjingensis W.T.Wang & L.Q.Li
  150. Clematis huchouensis Tamura
  151. Clematis hupehensis Hemsl. & E.H.Wilson
  152. Clematis ibarensis Baker
  153. Clematis incisodenticulata W.T.Wang
  154. Clematis insidiosa Baill.
  155. Clematis integrifolia L. Plant FAQs: Clematis Integrifolia
  156. Clematis intraglabra W.T.Wang
  157. Clematis intricata Bunge
  158. Clematis iranica Habibi, Ghorbani & Azizian
  159. Clematis ispahanica Boiss.
  160. Clematis japonica Thunb.
  161. Clematis javana DC.
  162. Clematis jeypurensis Bedd. ex W.T.Wang
  163. Clematis jialasaensis W.T.Wang
  164. Clematis jingdungensis W.T.Wang
  165. Clematis jingxiensis W.T.Wang
  166. Clematis kakoulimensis Schnell
  167. Clematis khasiana (Brühl) W.T.Wang
  168. Clematis khuzestanica Dinarvand
  169. Clematis kirilowii Maxim.
  170. Clematis kockiana C.K.Schneid.
  171. Clematis koreana Kom.
  172. Clematis korthalsii H.Eichler
  173. Clematis kweichouwensis C.Pei
  174. Clematis ladakhiana Grey-Wilson
  175. Clematis lancifolia Bureau & Franch.
  176. Clematis lanuginosa Lindl. Plant FAQs: Clematis Lanuginosa – Woolly Clematis
  177. Clematis lasiandra Maxim.
  178. Clematis lasiantha Nutt.
  179. Clematis lathyrifolia Besser ex Trautv.
  180. Clematis latisecta (Maxim.) Prantl
  181. Clematis laxistrigosa (W.T.Wang & M.C.Chang) W.T.Wang
  182. Clematis leptophylla (F.Muell.) H.Eichler
  183. Clematis leschenaultiana DC.
  184. Clematis liboensis Z.R.Xu
  185. Clematis ligusticifolia Nutt. Plant FAQs: Clematis Ligusticifolia
  186. Clematis linearifolia Steud.
  187. Clematis linearifoliola W.T.Wang
  188. Clematis lingyunensis W.T.Wang
  189. Clematis lishanensis (T.Y.A.Yang & T.C.Huang) Luferov
  190. Clematis liuzhouensis Y.G.Wei & C.R.Lin
  191. Clematis longicauda Steud. ex A.Rich.
  192. Clematis longipes Freyn
  193. Clematis longistyla Hand.-Mazz.
  194. Clematis loureiroana DC.
  195. Clematis lushuiensis W.T.Wang
  196. Clematis macgregorii Merr.
  197. Clematis macropetala Ledeb.
  198. Clematis macrophylla (J.Raynal) W.T.Wang
  199. Clematis mae Z.Z.Yang & L.Xie
  200. Clematis maguanensis W.T.Wang
  201. Clematis malacoclada W.T.Wang
  202. Clematis malacocoma W.T.Wang
  203. Clematis manipurensis (Brühl) W.T.Wang
  204. Clematis marata Armstr.
  205. Clematis marmoraria Sneddon
  206. Clematis mashanensis W.T.Wang
  207. Clematis mauritiana Lam.
  208. Clematis melanonema W.T.Wang
  209. Clematis menglaensis M.C.Chang
  210. Clematis methifolia Hook.
  211. Clematis metouensis M.Y.Fang
  212. Clematis meyeniana Walp.
  213. Clematis microcuspis Baker
  214. Clematis microphylla DC.
  215. Clematis millefoliolata Eichler
  216. Clematis moisseenkoi (Serov) W.T.Wang
  217. Clematis mollissima (Hallier) H.Eichler
  218. Clematis montana Buch.-Ham. ex DC. Plant FAQs: Clematis Montana
  219. Clematis morefieldii Kral
  220. Clematis morii Hayata
  221. Clematis multistriata H.Eichler
  222. Clematis munroiana Wight
  223. Clematis nagaensis W.T.Wang
  224. Clematis nainitalensis W.T.Wang
  225. Clematis nannophylla Maxim.
  226. Clematis napaulensis DC.
  227. Clematis napoensis W.T.Wang
  228. Clematis ningjingshanica W.T.Wang
  229. Clematis nobilis Nakai
  230. Clematis novocaledoniaensis W.T.Wang
  231. Clematis nukiangensis M.Y.Fang
  232. Clematis obscura Maxim.
  233. Clematis obvallata (Ohwi) Tamura
  234. Clematis occidentalis (Hornem.) DC. Plant FAQs: Clematis Occidentalis – Western Clematis
  235. Clematis ochroleuca Aiton
  236. Clematis oligophylla Hook.
  237. Clematis orientalis L.
  238. Clematis otophora Franch. ex Finet & Gagnep.
  239. Clematis ouachitensis T.Murphy & D.Estes
  240. Clematis oweniae Harv.
  241. Clematis pamiralaica Grey-Wilson
  242. Clematis paniculata J.F.Gmel. Plant FAQs: Clematis Paniculata
  243. Clematis papillosa H.Eichler
  244. Clematis papuasica Merr. & L.M.Perry
  245. Clematis parviloba Gardner & Champ.
  246. Clematis pashanensis (M.C.Chang) W.T.Wang
  247. Clematis patens C.Morren & Decne.
  248. Clematis pauciflora Nutt.
  249. Clematis peii L.Xie, W.J.Yang & L.Q.Li
  250. Clematis perrieri H.Lév.
  251. Clematis peruviana DC.
  252. Clematis peterae Hand.-Mazz.
  253. Clematis petriei Allan
  254. Clematis pettimudiensis K.M.P.Kumar, R.Jagad. & G.Prasad
  255. Clematis phanerophlebia Merr. & L.M.Perry
  256. Clematis phlebantha L.H.J.Williams
  257. Clematis pianmaensis W.T.Wang
  258. Clematis pickeringii A.Gray
  259. Clematis pierotii Miq.
  260. Clematis pimpinellifolia Hook.
  261. Clematis pinchuanensis W.T.Wang & M.Y.Fang
  262. Clematis pingbianensis W.T.Wang
  263. Clematis pinnata Maxim.
  264. Clematis pitcheri Torr. & A.Gray
  265. Clematis plukenetii DC.
  266. Clematis pogonandra Maxim.
  267. Clematis polygama Jacq.
  268. Clematis populifolia Turcz.
  269. Clematis potaninii Maxim.
  270. Clematis pseudoconnata (Kuntze) Luferov
  271. Clematis pseudootophora M.Y.Fang
  272. Clematis pseudopogonandra Finet & Gagnep.
  273. Clematis pseudopterantha Kadota & Nob.Tanaka
  274. Clematis pseudoscabiosifolia H.Perrier
  275. Clematis pseudotubulosa B.K.Park
  276. Clematis psilandra Kitag.
  277. Clematis pterantha Dunn
  278. Clematis puberula Hook.f. & Thomson
  279. Clematis pubescens Hügel ex Endl.
  280. Clematis pycnocoma W.T.Wang
  281. Clematis qingchengshanica W.T.Wang
  282. Clematis quadribracteolata Colenso
  283. Clematis queenslandica W.T.Wang
  284. Clematis quinquefoliolata Hutch.
  285. Clematis ranunculoides Franch.
  286. Clematis recta L.
  287. Clematis rehderiana Craib
  288. Clematis repens Finet & Gagnep.
  289. Clematis reticulata Walter
  290. Clematis rhodocarpa Rose
  291. Clematis rhodocarpoides W.T.Wang
  292. Clematis rigoi W.T.Wang
  293. Clematis robertsiana Aitch. & Hemsl.
  294. Clematis roylei Rehder
  295. Clematis rubifolia C.H.Wright
  296. Clematis rufa Rose
  297. Clematis rutoides W.T.Wang
  298. Clematis sarezica Ikonn.
  299. Clematis satomiana Kadota
  300. Clematis sclerophylla W.T.Wang
  301. Clematis serratifolia Rehder
  302. Clematis shenlungchiaensis M.Y.Fang
  303. Clematis shensiensis W.T.Wang
  304. Clematis siamensis Drumm. & Craib
  305. Clematis sibiricoides Nakai
  306. Clematis sichotealinensis Ulanova
  307. Clematis simensis Fresen.
  308. Clematis sinii W.T.Wang
  309. Clematis smilacifolia Wall. Plant FAQs: Clematis Smilacifolia
  310. Clematis socialis Kral
  311. Clematis songorica Bunge
  312. Clematis spathulifolia (Kuntze) Prantl
  313. Clematis speciosa (Makino) Makino
  314. Clematis staintonii W.T.Wang
  315. Clematis stans Siebold & Zucc.
  316. Clematis stenanthera H.Eichler
  317. Clematis strigillosa Baker
  318. Clematis subreticulata (Harb. ex Small) Harb. ex T.Murphy & D.Estes
  319. Clematis subtriloba Nees ex G.Don
  320. Clematis subtriternata Nakai
  321. Clematis subumbellata Kurz
  322. Clematis takedana Makino
  323. Clematis tamurae T.Y.A.Yang & T.C.Huang
  324. Clematis tangutica (Maxim.) Korsh.
  325. Clematis tashiroi Maxim.
  326. Clematis tengchongensis W.T.Wang
  327. Clematis tenuimarginata H.Eichler
  328. Clematis tenuipes W.T.Wang
  329. Clematis teretipes W.T.Wang
  330. Clematis terminalis T.Murphy, Floden & D.Estes
  331. Clematis terniflora DC. Plant FAQs: Sweet Autumn Clematis – Clematis Terniflora
  332. Clematis teuszii (Kuntze) Engl.
  333. Clematis texensis Buckley
  334. Clematis thaiana Tamura
  335. Clematis thaimontana Tamura
  336. Clematis thalictrifolia Engl.
  337. Clematis theobromina Dunn
  338. Clematis tibetana Kuntze
  339. Clematis tientaiensis (M.Y.Fang) W.T.Wang ex Z.Z.Zhang, Z.H.Chen, Feng Chen, W.Y.Xie & G.Y.Li
  340. Clematis tinghuensis C.T.Ting
  341. Clematis tomentella (Maxim.) W.T.Wang & L.Q.Li
  342. Clematis tongluensis (Brühl) Tamura
  343. Clematis tortuosa Wall. ex C.E.C.Fisch.
  344. Clematis tosaensis Makino
  345. Clematis tournefortii DC.
  346. Clematis trichotoma Nakai
  347. Clematis triloba Thunb.
  348. Clematis tripartita W.T.Wang
  349. Clematis tsaii W.T.Wang
  350. Clematis tsugetorum Ohwi
  351. Clematis tuaensis H.Eichler ex W.T.Wang
  352. Clematis tunisiatica W.T.Wang
  353. Clematis turyusanensis U.C.La & Chae G.Chen
  354. Clematis udayanii Anilkumar
  355. Clematis uhehensis Engl.
  356. Clematis ulbrichiana Pilg.
  357. Clematis uncinata Champ. ex Benth.
  358. Clematis urophylla Franch.
  359. Clematis uruboensis Lourteig
  360. Clematis vaniotii H.Lév. & C.E.Porter
  361. Clematis variifolia W.T.Wang
  362. Clematis venusta M.C.Chang
  363. Clematis versicolor Small
  364. Clematis vietnamensis W.T.Wang & N.T.Do
  365. Clematis villosa DC.
  366. Clematis vinacea Floden
  367. Clematis viorna L.
  368. Clematis virginiana L. Plant FAQs: Clematis Virginiana
  369. Clematis viridiflora Bertol.
  370. Clematis viridis (W.T.Wang & M.C.Chang) W.T.Wang
  371. Clematis vitalba L. Plant FAQs: Clematis Vitalba – Old Man’s Beard
  372. Clematis viticaulis Steele
  373. Clematis viticella L. Plant FAQs: Clematis Viticella
  374. Clematis wallichii W.T.Wang
  375. Clematis wangiana Mabb.
  376. Clematis wenshanensis W.T.Wang
  377. Clematis wightiana Wall. ex Wight & Arn.
  378. Clematis williamsii A.Gray
  379. Clematis wissmanniana Hand.-Mazz.
  380. Clematis wuxiensis Q.Q.Jiang & H.P.Deng
  381. Clematis xiangguiensis W.T.Wang
  382. Clematis xinhuiensis R.J.Wang
  383. Clematis yuanjiangensis W.T.Wang
  384. Clematis yui W.T.Wang
  385. Clematis yunnanensis Franch.
  386. Clematis yuntaishanica W.T.Wang
  387. Clematis zaireensis W.T.Wang
  388. Clematis zandaensis W.T.Wang
  389. Clematis zemuensis W.W.Sm.
  390. Clematis zeylanica (L.) Poir.
  391. 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.

* Discover Your Birth Tree
Scroll to Top