Types of clematis are commonly divided into three groups, these being the early flowering clematis varieties which can flower from late winter through to spring dependent on the variety and rarely require pruning, the early large flowered clematis which generally flower in late spring and the late flowering clematis which generally flower mid-summer through to mid-autumn.
Early Flowering Clematis
These species and cultivars flower on the previous summer's shoots. They are generally hardy but some types will require protection from any severe or prolonged frost. They are small-flowered and usually deciduous. They do not require pruning unless they grow too large for their surroundings and while dead-heading should be done, any pruning must not be over-zealous. A light pruning does encourage future growth for next season. Early flowering clematis include clematis Montana, clematis Alpina and clematis Macropetala species.
Early Large Flowered Clematis
These species, such as clematis henryi or clematis picardy, are fully hardy and cover a wide range of varieties. The large flowers do best when protected from strong wind or heavy rain, so that they are often trained through other plants which offer some protection from any extremes of the elements. As well as flowering on second-year shoots, many of the species in this group will give a second display off sideshoots of the current season if pruned correctly.
Late Flowering Clematis
Late flowering species include both small- and large-flowered varieties, the latter types including the very popular clematis jackmanii superba. Herbaceous species also come within this category. Late flowering clematis include many of the most vigorous types suitable for a wide range of purposes. The flowers grow on the current season's growth.
Clematis Varieties For Different Purposes
The most common use of clematis is as a climber, with different varieties lending themselves to the different uses for climbers:
- Through a tree - it is important to match with the right tree or, as with many climbers, the clematis will not be able to compete with the tree for nutrients, sunshine and water. Conifers are fairly climber-tolerant, and clematis chrysocoma works well in this situation.
- Through a shrub - a vast range of clematis can be used for this. Again the ideal is to find the right match in terms of appearance and flowering seasons so that an extended display is made by managing the clematis or the shrub to flower at different times. Roses and penstemons are often used due to color preferences. Clematis Fireworks is a very popular variety for use with shrubs.
- Up a wall - Although this is often the purpose for clematis, many types do not thrive grown as the single plant against a wall. Given the range of different aspects, the best varieties that will normally succeed are the montana clematis species, of which clematis montana Grandiflora is a popular selection.
Clematis viticella Alba Luxurians is a small-flowered variety that is very well-suited to use as ground cover. Popular clematis varieties for container gardening include clematis macropetala Maidwell Hall which will grow in almost any position or clematis Carnaby for shady locations. Clematis can also be prepared for use as cut flowers, notably clematis viticella varieties, and are best as a support for the main arranged display, but the clematis flowers do not normally survive for long.
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