1 named cultivar

‘Little Lemons’Little Lemons Clematis

vine

Clematis

Clematis x tangutica

The Story

Plant Bio

Clematis x tangutica, golden clematis, is a vigorous deciduous climber of central Asian parentage, reaching twelve to fifteen feet. Finely divided blue-green pinnate leaves cover twining stems, and nodding lantern-shaped yellow flowers with unusually thick waxy petals open from summer into autumn, followed by large silky seedheads.

The seedheads are as good as the flowers and last far longer — silvery plumed spheres that catch light through autumn and often into winter, so resist deadheading. It flowers on the current season's wood, which makes pruning simple: cut the whole thing to about a foot in late winter and it rebuilds and flowers the same year.

Uses & Benefits:

Nodding waxy yellow lanterns through late summer, then silvery plumed seedheads into winter.

Simple to prune, drought tolerant, and untroubled by the wilt that plagues large-flowered clematis.

Butterflies, hummingbirds and pollinators work the flowers over a long season.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

162 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Central Asia

Toxicity

Sap blisters skin; toxic if chewed

Planting

How to Grow

Give it a support at least twelve feet tall.
Plant in full sun to partial shade with cool roots.
Mulch or shade the root area, not the top growth.
Cut the whole plant to about a foot in late winter.
Leave seedheads for autumn and winter interest.
Wear gloves when pruning; the sap blisters skin.

Pro Tip

This is a group-three clematis, so simply cut everything to a foot in late winter — no judgement about old versus new wood needed.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut it to a foot each late winter ✂️
Keep the roots cool and mulched 🍂
Leave the silky seedheads on 🌾
Wear gloves when cutting it 🧤

Don't

Deadhead the seedheads away ❌
Prune it lightly and hope ❌
Let the roots bake dry ❌

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

Late-season colour on a fence or pergolaScrambling through a large shrubAutumn seedhead interest

Companion Plants

Climbing Rose Honeysuckle Caryopteris SedumMuhly Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Clematis questions

What zones can Clematis grow in?

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 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 late spring to early fall through early fall. 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.

Is Clematis drought tolerant?

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