The President Clematis
Clematis viticella 'The President'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Vine
Height
120 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Hybrid origin
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested; can cause skin irritation
The Story
Plant Bio
Clematis 'The President' is a popular and reliable large-flowered hybrid clematis, prized for its vigorous growth and stunning, deep violet-blue flowers with contrasting reddish stamens. This cultivar is particularly noted for its long flowering season, producing a large flush of flowers in late spring on old wood and a second, smaller flush in late summer on new growth.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
- Provide a sturdy trellis or support structure for climbing.
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells, for 6 weeks after planting.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote vigorous growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Prune after flowering to encourage new growth
- Support with a trellis or arbor for climbing varieties
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid planting in heavy, poorly-drained clay soil
- Don’t neglect support structures for climbing types
- Refrain from fertilizing during dormancy
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
The President Clematis questions
What zones can The President Clematis grow in?
The President 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.
Is The President Clematis deer resistant?
Yes — The President Clematis is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does The President Clematis bloom?
The President Clematis typically blooms in late spring to early summer and again in late summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does The President Clematis need full sun?
The President 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'
Tsukiko Clematis
Clematis x durandii 'Tsukiko'
Viva Polonia Clematis
Clematis x hybrida 'Viva Polonia'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow The President 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.
