We ❤ clematis for several reasons, namely, because there are SO many beautiful colors and shapes to choose from! We always struggle to decide which to grow each season and are extra excited for this year’s selection. Clematis can be a bit finicky to start in a greenhouse setting, especially in cooler months, but we altered our growing schedule and techniques and the plants look extra healthy and lush as a result! Clematis are most often grown vertically on a trellis or arbor, but many varieties also do well in pots or sprawling over a wall.

CLEMATIS GROWING TIPS

Clematis has a few specific needs that, once met, ensure a healthy, heavily blooming perennial vine year after year. Clematis are said to like having their “heads in the sun and feet in the shade”. Mulching around the roots will help keep the soil cool, as will the foliage of a low-growing perennial placed in front of this vine. The key is really maintaining moisture around the roots, as well as preventing hot afternoon sun from fading the blooms.

Choose an area with plenty of morning and midday sun, but some protection from direct sunlight in mid to late afternoon (or if in sun all day, preferably northern or eastern facing). When planting clematis, make sure to dig a large hole (up to 2 feet wide and deep), and amend the soil to improve drainage and give it some extra nutrition (try mixing ½ compost with existing soil and a bit of bark/soil conditioner). Plant the clematis with the crown of the plant 1-2 inches below the edge of the hole, and then fill the top in with mulch (straw and bark are both fine). Watering deeply once a week will help ensure lots of blooms!

Check on which pruning group your clematis is in to know when and how to cut it back for the best blooming results. (Pruning Group 1: prune mid to late spring after flowering has occurred, Pruning Group 2: prune in February and again after the first flush of flowers in early summer, or Pruning Group 3: prune in February.) Don’t panic if you don’t find the time to prune - it just may mean fewer blooms or only one flush for the season.

Below are our 2024 varieties and what makes each one special –

good luck picking just one!

All are sold in one-gallon pots for $18.50.

ASAO

One of the earliest clematis to bloom. Bold, fragrant, bright pink flowers. A good choice for containers or small gardens with trellising. Deadhead after first flush of flowers to encourage rebloom. Climbing 7-9’.  (Pruning Group 2)

BELLE OF WOKING 

A beloved favorite since its introduction in 1875. It still sets the standard for double-bloomers. Silvery flowers mature through slight mauve to light purple/blue. Climbing 7-9’. (Pruning Group 2)

NIOBE 

Deep burgundy, velvety flowers and widely considered the best red bloomer on the market. Climbing 8-10’. (Pruning Group 2)

POLISH SPIRIT 

One of the easiest clematis to grow and perfect for beginners. Extra vigorous, profusely flowering and highly rewarding! Rich purple blooms from summer to fall. Needs a wall or support to climb up to 13’. (Pruning Group 3)

DR. RUPPEL 

Durable, deer resistant, and heavy flowering. More tolerant of shade than most. Beautiful lavender-pink blooms and attractive seed heads. Climbs 10-12’. (Pruning Group 2)

DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH 

Large, luscious, velvety white blooms, fully double in first flush and semi-double in the fall. A treasured favorite since the late 1800s. Larger vines at 8-12’. (Pruning Group 2)

WESTERPLATTE 

Bold and massive, eye-catching blooms range from rich magenta to purple with darker centers. Semi-compact vine at 6-9’. (Pruning Group 2)

MISS BATEMAN 

6” white blooms with burgundy anthers emerge earlier, blooming in late spring, and then flower again in early fall. Vigorous, yet semi-compact at 6-8’. (Pruning Group 2)

NELLY MOSER 

Giant blooms (up to 8”) are pale pink with candy pink striping and reddish sepals (and per this photo, can vary quite a bit based on sun exposure, bloom age, etc). A favorite since it was introduced in 1897, with profuse blooms in May-June and again in September. Larger vine at 8-10’. (Pruning Group 2)

PINK CHAMPAGNE 

Masses of giant 6-8” flowers are deep rose with gold sepals, and have slightly cupped petals. Bloom in May-June and again in September. Semi compact at 6-8’. (Pruning Group 2)

BETTY CORNING (Clematis viticella)

A compact deciduous climber at 5-6’ with small flowers produced on the current year's growth.  Fragrant, lilac-purple, bell-shaped flowers bloom summer to fall. (Pruning Group 3)

Note: Clematis are toxic to many pets (including horses), so keep your furbabies from munching.