15 Common and Rare Clematis Varieties (With Pictures)

Kasey Spencer
Common and Rare Clematis Varieties

Clematis are known for their stunning variety and adaptability in gardens. These beautiful, hardy vines can bring a splash of color and elegance to any outdoor space, making them a favorite among gardening enthusiasts. Their diverse forms and vibrant blooms are essential for anyone looking to enhance their garden’s visual appeal.

In this article, we will explore 15 common and rare clematis varieties that can elevate any garden. By understanding the different types available, we can make informed choices to ensure that our gardens thrive with bursts of color and beauty throughout the growing season.

1. Clematis Jackmanii

Clematis Jackmanii

Clematis Jackmanii is one of the most popular varieties of clematis. It features velvety dark purple flowers that fade to violet. The blooms are large, with four petals that open wide and measure 3-4 inches across.

Our experience with this clematis shows it grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can climb to heights of 6 to 8 feet, needing sturdy support.

This deciduous vine flowers profusely in mid to late summer, making it a stunning addition to any garden. It’s hardy in zones 4 to 11, but in protected areas, it can survive in zone 3.

2. Clematis Nelly Moser

Clematis Nelly Moser

Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ is a beloved and well-known variety among gardeners. This deciduous vine features large, eye-catching flowers that can reach up to 8 inches in diameter. Each bloom showcases 8 pink-lilac sepals with a distinctive carmine stripe.

The anthers of Nelly Moser are a deep reddish-purple, adding to the visual appeal. This clematis does best in partial shade since strong sun can cause the colors to fade. It is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to trellises, fences, and arbors.

With its dark green foliage, Nelly Moser not only stands out in bloom but also provides lush greenery. We can enjoy this plant’s beauty by planting it where it can climb and spread naturally. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to add a dramatic floral display to their garden.

3. Clematis Bourbon

Clematis Bourbon

Clematis Bourbon is known for its striking large flowers. The blooms are a vibrant raspberry red, often reaching up to 6 inches across. These flowers feature paler pink bars and yellow stamens, making them a standout in any garden.

We often see Clematis Bourbon blooming from late spring to early summer. It belongs to pruning group 2, which means it flowers on both new and old wood. Light pruning in early spring helps maintain its shape.

This clematis typically grows to about 4-6 feet tall. It’s compact, making it suitable for small gardens or container planting. Clematis Bourbon thrives in full sun to partial shade and needs support like trellises or stakes to climb.

4. Clematis Henryi

Clematis Henryi

Clematis Henryi stands out with its large, pure white flowers that can reach 6 to 8 inches in diameter. We appreciate its chocolate brown anthers which add a striking contrast to the blooms.

This variety blooms in two waves. We first see flowers in late spring to early summer, and then again from midsummer to early fall. Growing to a height of 8 to 15 feet, Clematis Henryi thrives in full to partial sun. It’s important to provide adequate support for this vigorous climber.

Hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, Clematis Henryi is also tolerant of varying conditions. It tends to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while deer and rabbits usually ignore it. This makes it a wonderful addition to our gardens.

5. Clematis Hagley Hybrid

Clematis Hagley Hybrid

Clematis Hagley Hybrid is a compact, large-flowered vine that stands out in any garden. Its blooms are shell pink with a touch of lavender and deep-red anthers. These flowers can grow up to 6 inches wide, providing a captivating display.

This clematis variety blooms from early summer to early fall. It reaches heights of 6 to 8 feet, making it versatile for various gardening spaces. It thrives in hardiness zones 4 to 8 and requires full sun to part shade.

One of the key features of Clematis Hagley Hybrid is its low maintenance. This makes it a favorite among gardeners who seek beauty without too much effort. It also offers a good tolerance to deer, adding to its robustness.

Let’s remember to water it moderately. With the right care, Clematis Hagley Hybrid can be a highlight in our garden, offering stunning blooms year after year.

6. Clematis Multi Blue

Clematis Multi Blue

Clematis Multi Blue is a deciduous climber that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. This variety is known for its deep blue double flowers, which are about 4-5 inches wide. These blooms start with small central petals that expand as the flower matures, making each bloom unique.

We can expect two flushes of flowers from this plant. The first bloom occurs in early summer, followed by a second bloom in late summer. This makes it a great choice for extended color in our gardens.

Clematis Multi Blue does well when trained on arbors, fences, or trellises. We can also let it climb through medium-sized shrubs if we prefer a more natural look. Its compact nature makes it suitable for patios and small spaces, adding versatility to its uses. For those of us looking to brighten our gardens with minimal upkeep, this clematis is a good option.

7. Clematis Elsa Spath

Clematis Elsa Spath

Clematis Elsa Spath is a striking variety known for its large, vibrant flowers. This climber boasts blooms that can measure between 6 to 9 inches across. The rich, deep blue hue of the petals is truly captivating.

We appreciate Elsa Spath’s adaptability. It blooms on both old and new wood, which means you can enjoy flowers throughout the growing season. This makes it a reliable and rewarding plant in our gardens.

Elsa Spath grows best in full sun, where it can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet. It’s also quite hardy, able to withstand most winters. Although, during particularly harsh weather, covering it for protection might be a good idea.

Introduced in 1891, this variety has remained popular due to its impressive floral display and resilience. It’s a beautiful addition to any clematis collection.

8. Clematis Arabella

Clematis Arabella

Clematis Arabella stands out as one of the most popular non-vining clematis varieties. It’s a compact perennial with small, open-faced flowers that measure about 3.5 inches across.

The flowers are deep blue-mauve, which provides a striking contrast in any garden. They have six strongly ribbed sepals that gradually curl along the edges. The blooms are not only beautiful but also long-lasting, from May through September.

This plant is moderate in growth, reaching about 3 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide with some training. We often see it used to mark entrances or to add a splash of color to a trellis or gate.

Arabella is a bush-type clematis and does not climb. It thrives in well-drained soil kept cool and shaded by other plants or a layer of pebbles at the base. This variety is a reliable and stunning choice for any garden.

9. Clematis Sweet Autumn

Clematis Sweet Autumn

Clematis Sweet Autumn, also known as Clematis terniflora, is a beautiful flowering vine that blooms in late summer to fall. It produces masses of small, star-shaped creamy-white flowers with a sweet fragrance.

We should plant it in a sunny spot with well-draining soil to ensure the best flowering. Providing a trellis or other structure for it to climb is essential due to its massive and heavy vines.

This variety is highly valued for its ability to cover large areas quickly. It can beautify fences, trellises, or even mature trees. Its vigorous growth and yearly blooms make it a standout in any garden.

10. Clematis Etoile Violette

Clematis Etoile Violette

Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’, bred in 1885, is a true garden classic. This deciduous vine belongs to the Viticella group. It typically grows 10 to 12 feet in height. The deep purple flowers can reach 3 to 4 inches in diameter.

Each flower has 4 to 6 broad, velvety petals and a creamy cluster of golden stamens in the center. The blooms appear from late June to September, providing a long-lasting display.

‘Etoile Violette’ is vigorous and free-flowering. It shows good resistance to clematis wilt. This variety has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, a mark of its high quality.

11. Clematis Miss Bateman

Clematis Miss Bateman

Clematis ‘Miss Bateman’ is a striking variety known for its large, satin-white flowers that reach about 6 inches across. The initial blooms appear with a hint of green and are highlighted by burgundy-red anthers.

We enjoy its dual blooming periods. The first wave comes in late spring to early summer, followed by a second round from late summer to early fall.

This compact climber is perfect for small gardens. It’s vigorous and free-flowering, making it a reliable choice for a beautiful display. For best growth, it requires regular watering and good soil drainage.

Interestingly, ‘Miss Bateman’ is named after Catherine Bateman, the daughter of orchid grower James Bateman. It thrives in various regions, including parts of California, Georgia, Kentucky, and Maryland.

12. Clematis President

Clematis President

Clematis President is a popular choice among gardeners for its striking appearance. This vine produces large, star-shaped flowers. These blooms are rich violet-blue with eight overlapping sepals. The flowers can grow up to 7 inches in diameter.

We often see Clematis President growing up to 8-10 feet tall. It blooms early to mid-season on old growth. Later in the summer, it flowers again on new growth.

To keep it healthy, we need to provide partial shade to protect its roots while giving its leaves full sun. Regular pruning and moderate watering are key. Consistent soil moisture helps ensure the plant thrives.

Planting Clematis President in well-drained soil is essential. Mulching every spring can help retain moisture and reduce weeds. Avoiding over-watering prevents root rot and other issues. This clematis variety rewards our efforts with vibrant, recurring blooms.

13. Clematis Perle d’Azur

Clematis Perle d'Azur

Clematis ‘Perle d’Azur’ is one of the best blue clematis varieties. Its large, sky-blue flowers grow up to 4 inches wide. Each petal has a touch of pink near the base and light green stamens.

This variety is vigorous and easy to grow. It blooms from mid-summer to early autumn. This makes it a popular choice for many gardeners.

‘Perle d’Azur’ has been appreciated by the International Clematis Society. It came in first in a favorite clematis voting. Its long history of gracing gardens for over 100 years speaks to its enduring charm.

It thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Regular pruning can keep the plant healthy and encourage more blooms. ‘Perle d’Azur’ is a beautiful and reliable choice for any garden.

14. Clematis Ville de Lyon

Clematis Ville de Lyon

Clematis Ville de Lyon is known for its striking crimson flowers. Each bloom measures about 4-6 inches across. The petals gradually deepen to a rich crimson at the edges. This creates a beautiful contrast with the creamy yellow stamens in the center.

This deciduous vine is ideal for adding a pop of color. It can grow up to 7-12 feet tall. With proper care, it blooms in late spring and again in early fall.

To keep Ville de Lyon healthy, spacing is key. We should plant them about 36 inches apart. This helps with air circulation and prevents disease. Wilt can be an issue, so it’s important to remove any dead or wilted stems right away.

Ville de Lyon is a versatile addition to our garden. It climbs beautifully on trellises or fences. The vibrant flowers make it a standout choice for any space.

15. Clematis Carnaby

Clematis Carnaby

Clematis ‘Carnaby’ is a favorite among gardeners, including us. This clematis stands out due to its large, striking flowers. The blooms are raspberry-pink with an intense pink central stripe. They measure 6-8 inches across, making a bold statement in any garden.

This plant is a deciduous climber. It produces flowers with 6 to 8 slightly recurved tepals. The edges of the tepals may fade to pale pink or white, adding a dynamic look to the plant.

Clematis ‘Carnaby’ is compact, which makes it perfect for smaller gardens or container planting. It does well in partial to full sun and prefers well-drained soil. We love how it blooms prolifically, bringing vibrant color to our gardens.

Rare Clematis Varieties

In this section, we will explore some of the less common Clematis varieties, highlighting their unique features and providing helpful tips for cultivating them successfully.

Unique Characteristics

1. Clematis florida var. sieboldiana

This variety stands out for its striking, bicolor flowers that feature a dark purple or burgundy center surrounded by white petals. The blooms can reach up to 6 inches in diameter, making them quite eye-catching.

2. Clematis ‘Gravetye Beauty’

Known for its deep red, semi-double flowers, ‘Gravetye Beauty’ offers a dramatic flair. The petals form a unique, twisted shape, adding to its distinct appearance.

3. Clematis heracleifolia ‘Wyevale’

Unlike typical climbing clematis, this one is more bush-like. It features clusters of fragrant, tubular blue flowers that appear in late summer. Its foliage also resembles that of a perennial rather than a vine.

Cultivation Tips

1. Clematis florida var. sieboldiana

To thrive, this variety prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Pruning should be done in early spring to encourage new growth and more abundant blooms. This clematis also benefits from a support structure, such as a trellis.

2. Clematis ‘Gravetye Beauty’

‘Gravetye Beauty’ grows best in a sunny spot with fertile, moist, but well-drained soil. It’s important to provide a strong support system, as the plant can grow up to 10 feet tall. Prune lightly after the first flush of flowers to maintain its shape and promote further blooming.

3. Clematis heracleifolia ‘Wyevale’

This variety prefers partial shade and requires fertile, well-drained soil. It’s more drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering helps during the first growing season. Unlike climbing varieties, it doesn’t need extensive support, though staking can help keep the plant upright.

By understanding the unique characteristics and cultivation needs of these rare clematis varieties, we can enjoy their stunning beauty in our gardens.

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