Spring bloomers for the most part, small-flowered Clematis varieties are often more vigorous than summer ones.
You’ll find it easy to cover an entire wall with these, and they’ll help bring color to a mixed hedge. Even pair one with a somewhat invasive rose tree to slow its spread while adding early flowers! Not to mention the fragrance that large-flowered clematis don’t boast.
Key small-flowered Clematis facts
Name – Clematis sp.
Family – Ranunculaceae
Type – climbing vine
Height – 6 to 25 feet (2 to 8 m)
Exposure – sun to part shade
Soil – rich enough and cool
Foliage: deciduous or evergreen – Flowering: between March and September
1 – Clematis montana
Native to the center of China and to the Himalayas, this clematis is very hardy. In May, a cloud of white or pink flowers about 1 to 2 inches across (3 to 5 cm) literally covers the upper portion of the foliage for 3-4 weeks. Flowers appear on stems that grew last year, which means you shouldn’t prune during the winter but right after the blooming instead. Some varieties release a pleasant fragrance, namely ‘Fragrant Spring’, ‘Mayleen’, ‘Odorata’…
It takes 3 to 5 years for the plant to reach a respectable size. As is the case for all Clematis vines, tendrils will help the plant latch on to other plants or lattices on their own. It helps to untangle them during the growing phase to spread the plant out: this will keep plants they grow on from getting smothered under a thick clump. Plant these near a wall that’s facing South-East.
- More details: How to grow Clematis montana
2 – Clematis armandii
This Chinese clematis blooms as early as March-April, it’s among the earliest bloomers. The foliage is evergreen, with 3 long leaflets that boast a prominent vein and shiny green leaves. A profusion of pure white star-like flowers will release a delicate fragrance that smells like a blend of vanilla and orange flowers: definitely charming!
It can grow 25 feet tall (8 m) and spread to twice that size sideways (16 m). Plant it against a sheltered and sunny wall: even though it’s hardy, it’ll still grow better. ‘Apple Blossom’ is a cultivar that has pinkish-white flowers.
- More details: growing Clematis armandii well
3 – Clematis alpina
The Alpine clematis is a not-so-vigorous species, which makes it perfect for growing in pots. It will spread to cover a balcony and its stems will flow over the edges, covering it all in flowers in April-May. Flowers are drooping and bell-shaped.
Some cultivars such as the ‘Francis Rivis’ are lavender blue, while others like the ‘Ruby’ are bright pink. The foliage counts 3 pointed, serrated leaflets, and makes the landscape look lush in all seasons with its spring-green color. Plant it in a container that’s 1 to 1½ feet deep (30 to 40 cm).
- More in detail: best way to grow Clematis alpina
4 – Clematis Florida var. sieboldiana
This delicate slow grower is also a favorite for container growing. Green-tinged white starry flowers with surprising violet leafy stamens bloom one after the other from June to September on new growth.
The central dome that the stamens form will remain on the plant even after the petals fall off. Plant it against a warm wall.
5 – Clematis texensis
This clematis is somewhat unique, thanks to the near-red color of its flowers. The ‘Gravetye Beauty’ cultivar, in particular, forms 3 to 4-inch urns (7 to 9 cm) with white undersides.
More classic, the ‘Princess Diana’ boasts magenta-red flowers that are a little smaller, 1½ to 2 inches across. It blooms later in the season, from July to September.
The smooth, glaucus leafage is also composed. Unlike the clematis mentioned above, this one must be pruned in winter since it sprouts back from the stump every year anyways. Use it to creep under low shrubs like heather or lavender, or to fill spots along a bare wire fence.
6 – Hybrid Clematis
No list is ever complete, but we wouldn’t want you to miss out on a special hybrid: Clematis ‘Sweet Summer Love’. It’s a hybrid of the Clematis flammula species, which makes it particularly fragrant.
The color of this clematis – or should we say colors! – actually changes as the flowers age. At the beginning, they’re deep red, then when fully mature, they take on a lovely pale violet sheen. You’ll start keeping track of each flower just for the thrill of it. They start appearing early July and continue into fall.
It only blooms on new wood, so you’ll have to prune it back to a scaffold trunk every year very early in spring (Feb/March). Here, it’s showcased in a purple-themed garden.
Smart tips
Plant these clematis from October to May in soil that you’ll have loosened deep down. Mix in both sand and leaf compost.
To have better blooming, add a fair layer of fresh manure as mulch, without setting it in direct contact with the roots, though.
Prune these right after the blooming, except for Clematis texensis.
Pruning off stems that have lost their flowers will help get a more compact and spectacular appearance as new flowers appear, but doing so isn’t obligatory.
Clematis Florida var. sieboldiana…..where in the US can I purchase one of these???
Hi Rise, it’s true that this plant isn’t an easy find in the United States. “Longfield gardens” and “Sooner Plant Farm” both have them on their catalogue but they’re currently out of stock. I’d recommend calling them up and placing a pre-order; they’ll then sell and send you the plant when it becomes available. Typically, these nurseries only grow one batch a year, so you might have to wait for next year… Also, an enthusiastic individual, Pernell Gerver, also grows it often but is currently out of stock.
In the United Kingdom and Europe, it’s much easier to find.
I’ve been on a list for more than 3 years now.
I understand the frustration… I just contacted those I mentioned, hopefully we might get an answer soon. I’ll keep you posted!