vine

Fern-leaved Clematis

Clematis cirrhosa 'Sunset'

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

120 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Mediterranean region

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

A vigorous, evergreen climber with finely-divided, dark green leaves that may take on bronze tints in winter. Produces fragrant, nodding, bell-shaped flowers from late autumn to early spring. The creamy-yellow, bell-shaped flowers are distinctively and heavily speckled and flushed inside with reddish-pink, creating a warm, sunset-like effect. The fluffy, silky seed heads that follow are also ornamental.

Uses & Benefits:

Clematis cirrhosa Sunset offers fragrant, bell-shaped flowers that add elegance and scent to garden structures and borders.

Provides excellent coverage for trellises and arbors, enhancing privacy and vertical interest.

Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a well-drained, fertile soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Tuck roots in mulch or soil at the base to protect from extreme temperatures.
Tuck seeds or cuttings in early spring for best germination.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
Train vines on a trellis or support structure as they grow.
Water consistently, especially during dry spells, for vigorous growth.

Pro Tip

Provide a sturdy support for climbing and prune after flowering for better shape.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during growing season 🌱
Prune after flowering to promote bushier growth
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring
Mulch to retain soil moisture
Support climbing stems with trellises

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Do not prune in late fall or winter
Never let soil dry out completely
Avoid planting in deep shade
Refrain from using high nitrogen fertilizers

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vigorous climbing vine for trellisesFragrant border plant with delicate bloomsVertical accent in shaded garden corners

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Lavender Salvia Daylilies

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Fern-leaved Clematis questions

What zones can Fern-leaved Clematis grow in?

Fern-leaved Clematis is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Fern-leaved Clematis deer resistant?

Yes — Fern-leaved Clematis is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Fern-leaved Clematis bloom?

Fern-leaved Clematis typically blooms in late autumn to early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Fern-leaved Clematis need full sun?

Fern-leaved Clematis does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Fern-leaved Clematis drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Fern-leaved Clematis handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.