With their showy blooms, long flowering seasons, and ability to climb fences, walls, and trellises with ease, clematis adds instant charm and colour to any outdoor space. But with so many varieties to choose from, where should you start?
Whether you love soft pastels or bold purples, there’s a clematis to suit every style of garden. With just a little care, these stunning climbers will reward you year after year with an unforgettable display. Ask our in-house plant expert, Gareth, to help you find our selection.
Some of the most popular clematis varieties
Clematis ‘Jackmanii’
One of the most classic and widely grown clematis, ‘Jackmanii’ features deep purple blooms and flowers from midsummer to early autumn. It’s ideal for trellises and pergolas.
Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’
A striking variety with pale pink petals and deep pink stripes. ‘Nelly Moser’ is perfect for partial shade, as its colours can fade in full sun.
Clematis montana
A vigorous and early-flowering variety, montana types (like ‘Mayleen’ or ‘Elizabeth’) are great for quickly covering walls, sheds or fences. Expect a flurry of soft pink or white blooms in late spring.
Clematis ‘The President’
Known for its large, rich purple flowers, this variety blooms twice – in late spring and again in late summer – making it a standout in the garden.
Clematis ‘Polish Spirit’
A late-flowering Group 3 variety with velvety purple blooms, this one’s reliable and robust, flowering from July to October.
Tips for Growing Clematis Successfully
Know Your Group
Clematis are divided into three pruning groups:
- Group 1: Flower early (e.g. montana). Prune lightly after flowering.
- Group 2: Flower early to mid-season (e.g. ‘Nelly Moser’). Prune lightly in late winter or early spring.
- Group 3: Flower late (e.g. ‘Polish Spirit’). Cut back hard in early spring to about 30cm.
Plant Deep
When planting, bury the crown 5–8cm below soil level. This encourages strong shoots and helps guard against wilt.
‘Head in the Sun, Feet in the Shade‘
Clematis like their roots cool and moist. Use mulch or plant low-growing companions around the base to shade the root zone.
Feed and Water Well
In growing season, apply a balanced feed monthly and water regularly, especially during dry spells. Container-grown clematis need extra attention.
Provide Support
Clematis need something to climb – trellis, obelisk, wires, or netting. Tie in new growth gently until it can grip on its own.
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