The list has been created by the Clematis Source of Good Climbers to help especially those who are to begin their adventure with clematis. The list presents species and cultivars that have proven themselves in Polish climatic conditions and are available on our market, that are easy to grow in average garden conditions, fairly resistant to diseases, and at the same time decorative. The concept originates from the Clematis for Beginners List composed by the International Clematis Society.
Viticella Group
(Pruning 3 – hard pruning in early spring)
This group includes clematis derived from Clematis viticella (Italian Clematis), a species that grows naturally in southern Europe. They tolerate hot climate as well as the coolness of northern Europe very well. They prefer well-lit positions, therefore planting them in the shade or against northern walls is not recommended. They withstand average or even poor soils and are easy to cultivate and resistant to clematis wilt. Moderately vigorous, they reach about 3 m in height. Small or medium-sized flowers (4 to 13 cm in diameter) appear abundantly on new growth, in summer (from mid-June) and autumn. Plants require hard pruning in early spring. They can be grown against all kinds of supports, fences or amongst shrubs, roses or small trees, as they will climb quickly decorating them with flowers.
Late large-flowered Group
(Pruning 3 – hard pruning in early spring)
They start flowering between mid-June and July, on new growth. They often repeat flowering in late summer or autumn. Flowers are 13 to 20 cm in diameter. Plants grow up to 2-3.5 m in height.
Early large-flowered Group
(Pruning 2 – light pruning in early spring)
They start flowering in mid-May to early June, on last year’s shoots. Blooming often reoccurs in summer on this year’s shoots. The flowers are 15 to 25 cm in diameter. Plants grow up to 2-3 m in height. Cultivars from this group are relatively susceptible to a group of symptoms known as "clematis wilt".
Early small-flowered (botanical) Group
(Pruning 1 – prune when faded if required)
Atragene Group – most cultivars derives from C. alpina and C. macropetala.
Relatively easy to grow and undemanding. Highly frost-hardy. They do not like hot (sun-exposed) places and heavy or wet soils. They thrive in partial shade. They grow up to 2-4 m in height. Blooming in late April to May sometimes reoccurs in August. They produce bell-shaped flowers and decorative, fluffy seed heads after they fade.
This group includes many more valuable cultivars worth recommending if the above conditions are met.
Montana Group – cultivars derived from C. montana.
KThey bloom very profusely in May to early June. Grow vigorously up to 8 m. They are not fully frost-hardy. Flower buds, and in harsher winters also shoots, may freeze and will not bloom that year. Planting in warm, sheltered places, near high supports, e.g. trees, is recommended. This cultivar is not suitable for planting in northeast and eastern Poland.
Texensis Group
(Pruning 3 – hard pruning in early spring)
The group is comprised of clematis derived from Clematis texensis that grows naturally in Texas in the USA. They require a little more care than most of the cultivars on this list, but their attractive appearance makes up for it. They have flowers that resemble lily-shaped tulips. They bloom in summer (from July) and early autumn on new shoots. They grow up to 3 m. They require pruning close to the ground in early spring, because last year's shoots usually die anyway. They are easily affected by powdery mildew. Planting them in a well-lit, ventilated, regularly watered but well-drained place significantly reduces the risk of this disease.
Tangutica Group
(Pruning 3 – hard pruning in early spring)
These clematis produce small, bell-shaped, yellow flowers, and after they fade fluffy, silky seed heads take their place. Depending on the cultivar, they bloom from the beginning of June to late autumn on new growth and reach 2 to 6 m in height. They grow and bloom best in well-lit places and in permeable, well-drained soils. They tolerate dry soils well. Perfect for forming covers and for planting near large trees. Hard pruning is most apropriate for these clematis.
Grupa Integrifolia
((Pruning 3 - hard pruning in early spring)
The group comprises cultivars originating from Clematis integrifolia. Depending on the cultivar, shoots range in length from 40 to over 200 cm, and do not cling to supports, but lean against them, overgrowing perennials, shrubs or low trees. They can also be used as ground cover. They bloom on this year’s shoots in June-October. They are perennials, so their shoots die in winter and in spring they have to be cut back close to the ground.
Other botanical and perennial clematis blooming in summer and autumn
(Pruning 3 - hard pruning in early spring)
The following clematis have different origins and characteristics. All of them bloom on new growth and require hard pruning in early spring.
Szczepan Marczyński
