The short answer

Quick Answer

Clematis thrives in full shade on most soils (pH 6-7), free-draining. Reaches 2 to 5m depending on variety. Hardy to around -20°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Three groups. Group 1: no prune, just tidy after flowering. Group 2: light prune in February and deadhead after first flush. Group 3: hard prune in February to 30cm

How: The pruning group is always on the label. If unknown, watch the plant for one year to see when it flowers. See RHS clematis pruning guide

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Worldwide, mostly temperate northern hemisphere

Native or exotic: Clematis vitalba (old man's beard) is native to southern England and very common in Chiltern hedgerows

History: Cultivated in Japanese gardens for centuries. Major European breeding started in the 1830s

Folklore: Old man's beard, the wild clematis, gets its name from the fluffy white seed heads that fill hedgerows in winter

Fun fact: There are over 300 species of clematis. The seed heads of many species are as decorative as the flowers

Historical medicinal uses: Some species toxic. Not for self-medication

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees and hoverflies. Early flowering varieties are valuable for emerging bumblebees [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 7 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Provides nesting cover for birds[3][4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Varies by group. Spring, early summer or late summer flowering[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Classic partner for climbing roses. Also good through shrubs and small trees

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Clematis wilt is the main one. Plant deep so the plant can reshoot from below soil if wilt strikes. See RHS clematis wilt advice

Invasive note: Wild Clematis vitalba can be vigorous in hedgerows but is a native species

CGM care note

The biggest mistake we see is planting clematis too shallow. Plant the crown 10cm below soil level. This protects against wilt and gives extra shoots if the top is damaged.

CGM guides mentioning Clematis

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Clematis and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Clematis

How Clematis fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Clematis.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Clematis are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Clematis (Clematis species and hybrids). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Clematis. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Clematis species and hybrids. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Ranunculaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Wang W, Liu Y, Yu SX, et al. (2014). Ranunculaceae phylogeny and evolution. Journal of Systematics and Evolution, 52(2), 161-174.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Ranunculaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, biodiversity_value.

  4. 4
    Garbuzov M, Ratnieks FLW (2014). Quantifying variation among garden plants in attractiveness to bees and other flower-visiting insects. Functional Ecology, 28(2), 364-374.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 for Clematis. The pollinator description above ("Bees and hoverflies. Early flowering varieties are valuable for emerging bumblebees") aligns with this study's finding that moderate-ranked plants attract a steady but not exceptional number of flower-visiting insects. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides nesting cover for birds") reflects the plant's supplementary role in providing nectar during its flowering window (Seasonal highlight: "Varies by group. Spring, early summer or late summer flowering"). Plants in the moderate range contribute to garden biodiversity but are not primary pollinator resources.

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees and hoverflies. Early flowering varieties are valuable for emerging bumblebees"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Clematis's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides nesting cover for birds") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Clematis. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Clematis's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Ranunculaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Clematis. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Clematis. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Clematis. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Clematis. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Clematis. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Clematis. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Clematis. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Clematis performs well locally

Towns where Clematis is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

View all areas we cover