Clematis Hybrids Clematis hybrida

Clematis hybrids are derived from two large-flowered clematises that arrived in England in the late 19th century from China. They were used by nurserymen for crossing to make large-flowered hybrids that could be grown commercially. The first of these was ‘Jackmanii’ — created by George Jackman in England at Jackman’s Nursery. Today, there may be 1,000 Clematis hybrids that bloom spring, summer, and fall in shades of blue, pink, red, white, and purple, yellow, cream and bi-colors. During a single growing season, a large-flowered hybrid may produce over 100 star or saucer-shaped blossoms ranging in size from 4 to 10 inches in diameter. The flowers may be single, double, or semi-double. They can grow up a trellis or fence, serve as an interesting ground cover, or perform well as a container plant. One of the most spectacular of the flowering vines, clematis is often considered to be the “queen of the vines.”

Clematis hybrids are weak climbers which use twisting petioles as their climbing method.  This plant prefers a pH near 7.0, and the soil should be kept cool (by mulching or overplanting), evenly moist, and well-drained. It tolerates part shade but will flower best in full sun.  it can be a cultivated herbaceous or woody vine and be deciduous or evergreen. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Pests of clematis vary from slugs, earwigs to deer and rabbit (herbivores only eat young shoots which have not yet developed the toxin).

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