17 Different Types of Clematis

When most people think of clematis, they picture something like the luxurious, deep purple blooms of 'The President.’ This beauty is a traditional clematis vine, happy to clamber up a trellis or blanket a fence. 'The President’ opens its first flush of flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by a second blooming with smaller flowers in early autumn. Prune in late winter or early spring, cutting vines back to 6" to 9" tall. Place cuts just above a pair of strong buds. These deer- and rabbit-resistant plants grow 8' to 12' tall by 3' to 4' wide. Hardy in Zones 4-8.

Many gardeners grow clematis because they crave blue and purple colors in planting beds. Brother Stefan clematis delivers beautiful blue blooms — all summer long. It flowers on old and new growth, creating a plant that’s blanketed in blue hues. This gorgeous vine is named for Stefan Franczak, a Jesuit monk and noted horticulturist in Poland who developed many excellent clematis varieties. In early spring when buds swell, cut stems back to 3' high. Vines grow 5' to 7' tall and 4' to 6' wide — a great choice for an entry arch or tuteur in a planting bed. Hardy in Zones 4-9.

Violet to brown tinted centers on these clematis flowers contrasts strikingly with pure white petals. The largest blossoms appear on plants in early summer, followed by smaller flowers on new stems in midsummer to early fall. Gardeners often grow 'Henryi’ as a trailing clematis at ground level, letting stems tumble along and cascade over rock walls. For best flowering, prune in late winter or early spring, cutting stems back to 6" to 9" above a pair of fat buds. Vines grow 6' to 10' tall and 3' to 6' wide. Hardy in Zones 4-8.

Some clematis flowers unfurl to reveal more than one color on each flower petal. Clair de Lune (Clematis 'EVIrin’) opens white blooms with pale, lilac-tinted shadings along wavy petal edges. Dark purple flower anthers give each blossom a contrasting center. This pretty vine, previously known as 'Blue Moon,’ is a gold winner of the Chelsea Flower Show in England for its striking 7" wide flowers. Blooms show the best color when grown in part shade. Vines grow 8' to 10' tall by 3' wide. Hardy in Zones 4 to 9.