1 named cultivar

‘Snowdrift’Snowdrift Clematis

vine

Clematis

The Story

Plant Bio

Clematis armandii, Armand clematis, is a vigorous broadleaf evergreen climber from central and southern China, reaching fifteen to thirty feet. Long leathery three-parted leaves hang in dark glossy curtains from twining stems, and masses of small white star-shaped flowers open in early spring with a strong vanilla-almond scent.

It is one of very few evergreen clematis, so it screens all year rather than only in summer — but it is heavy, and a mature plant will pull down a flimsy trellis. Give it a solid support from the start. It flowers on the previous year's wood, so prune within a few weeks of flowering, and cut only lightly: it resents hard pruning and can be slow to recover.

Uses & Benefits:

Dark evergreen curtains of leathery foliage with masses of scented white flowers in early spring.

Screens year round, which no deciduous clematis does, and grows fast once established.

Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds all work the early flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

270 inches

Width

150 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Central and southern China to northern Myanmar

Toxicity

Sap blisters skin; toxic if chewed

Planting

How to Grow

Provide a genuinely solid support; it gets heavy.
Plant in full sun to partial shade in drained soil.
Shelter it from cold drying winds, which brown the leaves.
Prune within weeks of flowering, and only lightly.
Mulch the root area to keep it cool.
Wear gloves when pruning; the sap blisters skin.

Pro Tip

A mature plant is genuinely heavy — build the support for a small tree, not for a clematis, before you plant it.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Build a solid, load-bearing support 🏗️
Prune lightly right after flowering ✂️
Shelter it from cold wind 🌬️
Wear gloves when cutting it 🧤

Don't

Grow it on a light trellis ❌
Prune it hard ❌
Prune it in late winter ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Enjoy
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Evergreen screening on a wall or pergolaEarly scented planting near a pathCovering a large fence or outbuilding

Companion Plants

CamelliaHellebore SarcococcaAutumn Fern Mahonia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Clematis questions

What zones can Clematis grow in?

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 Clematis deer resistant?

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

When does Clematis bloom?

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

Does Clematis need full sun?

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