vine

Addison's clematis

The Story

Plant Bio

A non-climbing, herbaceous perennial or sub-shrub, Clematis addisonii forms a bushy mound of blue-green foliage. It produces charming, nodding, urn-shaped flowers.

Distinctive for its two-toned flowers, which are typically purplish-red on the outside and creamy-yellow inside. Native to shale barrens in Virginia, it is well-suited for rock gardens and naturalized areas.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides vertical interest with attractive white flowers, perfect for trellises and arbors.

Vigorous climber that maximizes space vertically, reducing ground clutter.

Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

30 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Virginia, USA

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested, skin irritant

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil in early spring.
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist.
Provide a sturdy trellis or support for climbing.
Fertilize monthly during active growth for best blooms.
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Pro Tip

Use a trellis or arbor for best display and support.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Prune after flowering to promote new growth
Feed with a balanced fertilizer monthly

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t neglect support structures
Avoid fertilizing late in the season

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vertical accent on trellisesElegant garden borderShaded patio enclosure

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Lavender Daylilies Peonies

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Addison's clematis questions

What zones can Addison's clematis grow in?

Addison's clematis is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Addison's clematis deer resistant?

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

When does Addison's clematis bloom?

Addison's clematis typically blooms in late spring to summer through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Addison's clematis need full sun?

Addison's clematis does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Addison's clematis drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Addison's clematis handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.