Clematis armandii

Armand clematis is a woody, perennial, vine that climbs by twisting stems and petioles. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family. Its name derives from the Greek word klēmatis, meaning brushwood or broken branches, perhaps owing to its fragile stems. Its native region is central and south China to Burma. 

This vine prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, organically rich soil with good drainage and a neutral pH. It is intolerant of wet soils. A layer of mulch will help to keep the roots cool and moist. Clematis is a heavy feeder; provide it with a low nitrogen, slow release fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks throughout the growing season. The plants are propagated by division or stem cutting. 

It should be grown with support, against a lattice or trellis. The vine can be quite aggressive in its growth, reaching 15 to 30 feet high and 10 to 15 feet wide, but is relatively easy to keep in bounds with periodic pruning. Armand clematis blooms on old wood, so prune it after flowering. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which makes it a great addition to butterfly and pollinator gardens. It is also recommended for Asian, winter, and cottage gardens. Let it climb a rock wall or other vertical space, even trees in a woodland garden. With good support, it serves as an attractive, living privacy screen.

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaflets are long, leathery, and droopy.
• Large clusters of star-shaped flowers bloom in late winter. 
• Flowers have a vanilla-like fragrance.
• Woody evergreen vine with opposite, ternately compound leaves
• Persistent achenes are plumed, in clusters

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.