The Clematis Flowering Season: When to Expect Blooms from Your Plant

Clematis are gorgeous climbing woody vines from the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). With several different types of clematis available, it can be difficult to work out when clematis are in season. In this article, I’ll run through everything you need to know about the clematis flowering season.

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When is Clematis in Season?

The Clematis genus contains approximately 400 species and numerous cultivars. While there are several clematis varieties, they’re usually divided into three main groups; Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3. These three groups sort clematis plants depending on when they flower and when they should be pruned.

Group 1 Clematis Flowering Season:

Group 1 clematis are the earliest types of clematis to bloom. These varieties flower in winter and early spring, producing flowers on last year’s growth. Group 1 clematis, like Clematis montana doesn’t require pruning except to remove damaged or dead stems. Other popular types of early-season flowering clematis include: 

• Clematis alpina – A low-growing, deciduous vine with bell-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring.
• Clematis armandii – An evergreen vine with fragrant white or pink flowers that bloom in early spring.
• Clematis macropetala – A deciduous vine with nodding, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring.
• Clematis montana – A vigorous, deciduous vine with fragrant pink or white flowers that bloom in early spring.
• Clematis chrysocoma – A deciduous vine with yellow flowers that bloom in early spring.
• Clematis cirrhosa – An evergreen vine with bell-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring.
• Clematis napaulensis – A deciduous vine with bell-shaped, pink flowers that bloom in early spring.
• Clematis macropetala ‘Blue Bird’ – A cultivar of Clematis macropetala with pale blue, nodding flowers that bloom in early spring.
• Clematis alpina ‘Pamela Jackman’ – A cultivar of Clematis alpina with deep pink, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring.
• Clematis montana ‘Rubens’ – A cultivar of Clematis montana with pale pink, fragrant flowers that bloom in early spring.

Group 2 Clematis Flowering Season: 

Group 2 clematis, such as Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’, flower during spring and summer and last year’s growth. Prune Group 2 clematis in February and then prune them again after the first round of flowers. This encourages a second flush of blooms later in the summer. Other popular types of late spring and early summer season flowering clematis include: 

• Clematis ‘Hagley Hybrid’ – Blooming in late spring and early summer, this cultivar has large, pale pink flowers that gradually fade to almost white.
• Clematis ‘Ernest Markham’ – This cultivar produces large, magenta-red flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
• Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ – Blooming in late spring and early summer, this cultivar has large, deep pink flowers.
• Clematis ‘General Sikorski’ – This cultivar blooms in late spring and early summer, producing large, deep purple flowers.
• Clematis ‘Niobe’ – This cultivar produces large, deep red flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
• Clematis ‘Duchess of Edinburgh’ – Blooming in late spring and early summer, this cultivar has large, double white flowers.
• Clematis ‘Vyvyan Pennell’ – This cultivar blooms in late spring and early summer, producing large, deep violet-purple flowers.
• Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’ – Blooming in late spring and early summer, this cultivar has large, dark purple flowers.
• Clematis ‘Blue Angel’ – This cultivar produces large, blue flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
• Clematis ‘Belle of Woking’ – A cultivar with large, lavender-blue flowers that have a silvery sheen. This clematis blooms in late spring and early summer, and may produce a second round of blooms in late summer or early fall.

Group 3 Clematis Flowering Season: 

Group 3 clematis bloom during summer and fall. These late-flowering varieties flower on new growth, which explains their late blooms. For a good display later in the year, prune Group 3 clematis back hard during late winter or early spring. Other popular types of late-flowering clematis include: 

• Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ – A classic cultivar with large, deep purple flowers that bloom in mid to late summer.
• Clematis ‘Duchess of Albany’ – A cultivar with pink, tulip-shaped flowers that bloom in mid to late summer.
• Clematis ‘Henryi’ – This cultivar produces large, white flowers with creamy yellow stamens that bloom in mid to late summer.
• Clematis ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ – A cultivar with large, pink flowers that bloom in mid to late summer.
• Clematis ‘Perle d’Azur’ – This cultivar produces large, sky-blue flowers that bloom mid-to-late summer.
• Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ – A cultivar with large, deep pink flowers that bloom in mid to late summer.
• Clematis ‘Etoile Rose’ – This cultivar produces large, pink flowers with a red bar that bloom in mid to late summer.
• Clematis ‘Sweet Summer Love’ – A newer cultivar with fragrant, deep pink flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall.
• Clematis ‘Rooguchi’ – This cultivar produces small, nodding, bell-shaped purple flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall.
• Clematis ‘Multi Blue’ – A cultivar with large, double, blue-violet flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall.

How Long Do Clematis Flowers Last?

Depending on the variety, clematis flowers can last for several weeks. With the proper care, some clematis flowers can last for a couple of months. Certain types of clematis, including those in Group 2, can produce multiple rounds of flowers each year.

How to Grow Clematis Flowers

Although there are three different main groups of clematis, most varieties have similar care requirements. Growing a couple of different types of clematis allows you to enjoy these charismatic climbers throughout the year. Here are the primary care requirements for clematis flowers:

Light Requirements

Most types of clematis grow best in full sun to partial shade. Clematis vines need approximately 4 to 6 hours of full sun every day, preferably in the morning. Most clematis will struggle to flower in full shade. East, south, or west-facing aspects are best for clematis.

Growing Conditions

Depending on the exact variety, clematis thrives in USDA Zones 4 to 11. Some clematis varieties require sheltered locations to protect them from cold or strong winds. Most clematis grow best in temperatures between 65 and 85ºF (18 to 30ºC). Cold-hardy varieties can tolerate temperatures as low as 14ºF (-10ºC).

Soil Requirements

Most clematis requires fertile, well-draining soils that still retain some moisture. Clematis prefer neutral to slightly acidic soils with pH levels between 6.0 and 7.0. Loamy, chalky, clay, and sandy soils are ideal for clematis.

Watering

Established clematis vines only need watering if they don’t receive regular rainfall. However, you’ll need to water clematis once a week in hot, dry weather as they like to stay slightly moist. Water newly planted clematis once a week for approximately three months until they establish strong roots.

Fertilizing

Clematis require moderate amounts of fertilizer to produce their best flowers. Fertilize clematis every 4 to 6 weeks from early spring until the first flowers appear. Then wait until the flowers finish before feeding your clematis again.

Pruning

Different types of clematis need pruning at different times. Group 1 clematis don’t need any pruning except for removing dead or damaged stems. Prune Group 2 clematis in February and prune Group 3 clematis hard in late winter or early spring.

You can also transplant clematis in early spring if needed.

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Clematis Flowering Season FAQs:

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The Clematis Flowering Season: Wrapping Up

Clematis flowers bloom at different times depending on which group they are in. Group 1 clematis bloom in late winter and early spring. Group 2 clematis bloom from spring until summer, while Group 3 clematis flower from summer until fall.

For more, see our in-depth guide to clematis flower colors.

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