Clematis is one of the worlds favourite flowers for climbing over fences and trellis.

The Family of Clematis

• The Clematis genus is from the family Ranunculaceae which is the same as the buttercup and many other plants. Winter Aconites – Eranthis hyemalis and Adonis amurensis start the flowering year along with other family members the Hellebores.
• In spring Anemone, Marsh Marigolds and buttercups take over.
• For summer consider Globe flowers or Trollius, Rue Thalictrum, Acquilegia, Delphinium, Aconitum, Larkspur and Love-in-a-mist or Nigella.
• Baneberries, Bugbane and Japanese Anemones round off the Ranunculaceae display in autumn.
• What a versatile and wide spread family.
• As with other members of the Ranunculaceae family there is a Clematis species or variety to flower in most seasons.

Why do Botanists make Choice So Complex?

• As a youngster I knew there was a plant called Clematis
• After a while I heard about three groups of clematis with different pruning rules. Group 1 are early flowering  species Group 2 are early flowering large flowered hybrids and Group 3 late flowering large flowering hybrids and species.
• Then in my latest gardening book there are a dozen groups and I particularly go for the C.Viticella
• Clematis cirrhosa flowers in December and if covered to protect from winter snow will survive our climate.
• The Clematis Montana rubens like Nelly Moser and Ville de Lyons are firm May favourites. C. jackmanii are large late flowerers
• C. Tetrosa has larger flowers. Small flowers Clematis tangutica and flammula are interesting varieties to seek out from your suppliers or friends.
• Clematis vitalba flowers in late autumn and produces interesting seed heads
• C. armandis are evergreen

Read Tips for Growing Clematis and Clematis Pruning