Clematis plants are a type of flowering vine that are native to temperate regions of the world. They are known for their showy, brightly colored flowers that bloom in a variety of shapes and sizes. The flowers can range in color from white to pink to purple and blue. The foliage of clematis plants is typically a bright green and can be either evergreen or deciduous depending on the variety. Clematis plants are popularly used as a decorative accent in gardens, along fences, and on trellises. They are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance.
Planning Your Garden With Clematis
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Clematis is a perennial. |
| USDA Zone | The USDA Hardiness Zone range for Clematis is 4-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Clematis is generally hardy in USDA zones 4-9, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as 25. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest clematis is 90 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown clematis plant is between 6 and 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | The best spacing for growing clematis is 18-24 inches apart. This allows the plants to spread out and get plenty of sunlight and air circulation. |
| Sun tolerance | Clematis is a sun-loving plant that can tolerate full sun to partial shade. In the hottest climates, it is best to provide some afternoon shade for the plant. |
| Shade tolerance | Clematis is a sun-loving plant and does best in full sun. However, it can tolerate partial shade, particularly in hot climates. |
| Water requirements | Clematis plants require consistently moist soil but should not be allowed to sit in standing water. Water the plants deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. It is best to water clematis in the morning so that the foliage has time to dry before nightfall. If possible, water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing clematis depends on the type of clematis you are growing and the soil conditions. Generally, clematis should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of soil. If the soil is poor, you may need to increase the amount of fertilizer. It is best to fertilize clematis in early spring and again in mid-summer. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing clematis is 6.0 to 7.0. |
Why Clematis is Popular
People like to grow clematis because it is a beautiful and versatile flowering vine that can be used to add color and texture to any garden. It also requires minimal maintenance, has a long blooming season, and is easy to propagate.
Companion Plants For Clematis
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for clematis include:
Common Pests For Clematis
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow clematis, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- snails
- thrips
- slugs
- aphids
- spider mites
- mealybugs
- scale insects
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
