Flowering Vine Clematis (Clematis hybrids)

Clematis vines are among the showiest, most decorative, and spectacularly attractive of the flowering vines. Clematis is perhaps the most popular vine and no nursery is without it. A huge range of color and flower shapes may be found in the many varieties and species offered for sale.

Growing Clematis Vines

Clematis flowering vines grow best where they will not overheat, and do well when exposed to the east. If grown on the north and west side of a structure, however, it will be benefited by the midday shade. Maintain a cool, moist soil, which should be kept well drained. The soil can be kept cool during the growing season by using an organic mulch.

Clematis climb by leaf petioles that act like tendrils, which makes it useful as a ground cover. Clematis can also be used as a climbing vine, and when upright it can achieve a height of 8 to 10 feet, and will flower around late spring. Clematis grows well in full sun or partial shade. Protection from strong winds is desirable.

Clematis vines are perennials. Most types of clematis bloom on growth made during the current year and should be pruned in early spring before new growth starts. Pruning usually is not necessary during the first two years after its planting. Watering regularly will keep Clematis healthy, while plant food will optimise its beauty.

Various types of Clematis flowering vines means a variety of different flower types. Hybrid clematis vines are light and airy with a profusion of spectacular flowers in white, blue, violet, purple, pink, red or a bicolor. The Sweet Autumn Clematis is a more vigorous species that grows to 20 to 30 feet. It is an easy vine to grow and is popular for the masses of fragrant white flowers it produces.

Clematis vine: Star of India

The 'Star of India' is a strikingly pretty vine with showy, plum colored flowers that have a pinkish-red stripe and velvety petals. It flowers (the which have no fragrance) in late summer, and goes on to boast numerous blooms over a long period of time.

It is moderately strong-growing and easy to establish in the garden, its height reaching approximately 3-4 metres. Partial shade best ensures its growth and hard pruning should be carried out when considered necessary. Late flowered clematis are supposed to be pruned hard in late winter or early spring, starting from the bottom up.

Clematis vine: Gypsy Queen

Gypsy Queen is a wonderful flowering clematis vine with rich dark velvet purple blooms that are fragrant. It flowers in late-spring to early-summer and will quickly cover a trellis or fence. It is very hardy, showered with blooms, and can reach a height of 10-20 feet and a spread of 4-10 feet.

This flowering vine does well both in the full Sun and in the sun to partial shade. Take note that all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Prune the Gypsy Queen hard annually. For soil and watering, see above.

Clematis vine: Ernest Markham

The Ernest Markham flowering vine, also a type of Clematis, has magenta-red blooms and mid-green foliage. Its height can reach 8-12 feet, its average width 4 feet. Its vivid color makes it the ideal ornamental vine, and is best placed somewhere in the garden where a flash of color is desired.

It prefers a sunny location where its roots can be kept cool by the shade or mulch. The lowest part of its stem should be kept protected as it is very brittle and can break.

Blooming commences in mid-summer.