The Story
Plant Bio
Clematis heracleifolia is a deciduous herbaceous perennial or sub-shrub with an upright, bushy, clump-forming habit. Unlike vining clematis, it does not climb by twining petioles, instead forming woody-based crowns with strong stems.
This species produces small, fragrant, tubular to bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue to purple-blue, borne in dense clusters from late summer to early fall. Its coarsely toothed, trifoliate compound leaves resemble hogweed, and new growth emerges mid-green.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
31"
Width
35"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia (central and northern/eastern China and Korea)
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested, skin irritant
Bloom period
Late summer – Early fall
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
Pro Tip
Amateurs often treat this plant like a traditional vining clematis and try to tie it up to trellises or prune it as a woody vine, failing to realize it is a bush/sub-shrub type that flowers on current season growth and benefits from being cut down to the ground annually.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Tube Clematis questions
What zones can Tube Clematis grow in?
Tube Clematis is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Tube Clematis bloom?
Tube Clematis typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Tube Clematis need full sun?
Tube Clematis does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Clematis to compare
Tie Dye Clematis
Clematis viticella 'Tie Dye'
Dr. Ruppel Clematis
Clematis x jackmanii 'Dr Ruppel'
Burning Love Clematis
Clematis x cartmanii 'Burning Love'
Yuan Clematis
Clematis viticella 'Yuan'
Viva Polonia Clematis
Clematis x hybrida 'Viva Polonia'
Tsukiko Clematis
Clematis x durandii 'Tsukiko'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Tube Clematis with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.