10k saves
Clematis
We track 227 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Clematis varieties
See all 227 Clematis varieties →Search this genus →
23 species of Clematis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Clematis in Sow
Save the Clematis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Clematis
Whats common across all Clematis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Clematis year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Hard prune (Group 3) in late winter/early spring to 12-18 inches above ground
- FertilizeApril and June100% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth
- MulchApril and May95% of varieties
Apply thick mulch layer to keep roots cool and moist
- PlantApril, May, October and November45% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall, ensuring the crown is 2 inches below soil level
- DeadheadJuly–September35% of varieties
Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering
Do
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Prune after flowering to encourage new growth
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid planting in poorly drained soil
- Don’t neglect support structures
What goes wrong with Clematis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted or sticky leaves with sooty mold | Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap |
| Clematis wilt | Wilting and blackening of stems | Remove affected stems and improve air circulation |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing, speckled leaves | Apply insecticidal soap and increase humidity |
| Scale insects | Bumps on stems and leaves | Apply horticultural oil |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Use fungicidal spray and improve air flow |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering |
Making more Clematis
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Cut 4-6 inch sections just below a node.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone powder.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil or potting mix.
- Keep soil moist and place in indirect sunlight.
- Roots typically develop in 6 weeks.
Layering
- Choose a flexible, low-growing stem in early spring.
- Bury a section of stem in soil, leaving the tip exposed.
- Secure with a U-shaped pin or stone.
- Water regularly and wait for roots to form in 3–4 months.
- Cut from the parent plant and transplant.
Clematis questions
How many types of Clematis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 227 distinct Clematis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 10k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Clematis grow in?
Across its varieties, Clematis covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Clematis bloom?
Most Clematis varieties bloom in summer to early fall, late summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Clematis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.