View source for Clematis

{{short description|Genus of plants in the buttercup family}}
{{for-multi|the township in Australia|Clematis, Victoria|the film|Traveller's Joy}}
{{Automatic taxobox
| image = Clematis 'Nelly Moser'.JPG
| image_caption = Clematis 'Nelly Moser'
| display_parents = 2
| taxon = Clematis
| authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]<ref name="GRIN">{{cite web |url=http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/genus.pl?2682 |title=Genus: ''Clematis'' L. |work=Germplasm Resources Information Network |publisher=United States Department of Agriculture |date=2000-12-20 |access-date=2011-02-02 |archive-date=2009-06-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090617224809/http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/genus.pl?2682 }}</ref>
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision = [[List of Clematis species|List of ''Clematis'' species]]
| synonyms = ''Atragene'' <small>L.</small><br />
''Coriflora'' <small>Weber</small><br />
''Viorna'' <small>Rchb.</small><ref name="GRIN"/>
}}

'''''Clematis''''' is a [[genus]] of about 380 [[species]]<ref name="POWO_329401-2" >{{cite POWO |id=329401-2 |title=''Clematis'' L. |access-date=26 January 2023 }}</ref><ref>There are more wild species of clematis even than of [[rose]]s", Alice M. Coats remarks in ''Garden Shrubs and Their Histories'' (1964) 1992, ''s.v.'' "Clematis".</ref> within the buttercup family, [[Ranunculaceae]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of plants in the family Ranunculaceae |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-plants-in-the-family-Ranunculaceae-2041452 |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> Their garden hybrids and [[cultivar]]s have been popular among [[gardening|gardeners]],<ref name=southern>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Clematis |encyclopedia=The Southern Living Garden Book |editor-last=Bender |editor-first=Steve |date=January 2004 |edition=2nd |isbn=978-0-376-03910-1 |publisher=Oxmoor House |location=Birmingham, Alabama |pages=250–2}}</ref> beginning with [[Clematis 'Jackmanii'|''Clematis'' 'Jackmanii']], a garden staple since 1862. More cultivars are being produced constantly,  mainly of Chinese and Japanese origin.

==Species names==
Most species are known as '''clematis''' in English, while some are also known as:
* '''traveller's joy''', a name invented for the sole British native, ''[[Clematis vitalba|C. vitalba]]'', by the herbalist [[John Gerard]];
* '''virgin's bower''' for ''[[Clematis terniflora|C. terniflora]]'', ''[[Clematis virginiana|C. virginiana]]'', and ''[[Clematis viticella|C. viticella]]'';
* '''old man's beard''', applied to several with prominent seedheads;
* '''leather flower''' for those with fleshy petals; or '''vase vine''' for the North American ''Clematis viorna''.

==Etymology==
The genus name ''Clematis''{{refn|group=pronunciation note|The Classical pronunciation of '''clematis''' is {{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|l|ɛ|m|ə|t|ᵻ|s}}.<ref name=Pron>[http://www.clematisqueen.com/content/how-do-you-say-spell-clematis "How Do You Say & Spell Clematis?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213230244/http://www.clematisqueen.com/content/how-do-you-say-spell-clematis |date=2019-12-13 }} ClematisQueen.com. Retrieved 5 March 2014.</ref><ref name=Oxford>{{OED|clematis}}</ref><ref>[http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/pronunciation/british/clematis "Clematis".] ''Cambridge Dictionaries Online''. 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2014.</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Sunset Western Garden Book |year=1995 |pages=606–7}}</ref> Other attested pronunciations include {{IPAc-en|k|l|ə|ˈ|m|æ|t|ɪ|s}}<ref name=Pron/> and, particularly in the UK, {{IPAc-en|k|l|ə|ˈ|m|eɪ|t|ɪ|s}}.<ref name=Pron/><ref name=Oxford/>}} is from [[Ancient Greek]] κληματίς : ''clēmatís,'' ("a climbing plant") from κλήμα : ''klḗma'' – 'twig, sprout, tendril'.

==Botany==
The genus is composed of mostly vigorous, woody, climbing [[vine]]s / [[liana]]s. The woody stems are quite fragile until several years old.<ref name=southern /> Leaves are opposite and divided into [[leaflet (botany)|leaflets]] and leafstalks that twist and curl around supporting structures to anchor the plant as it climbs.<ref name=southern /> Some species are [[shrub]]by, while others, like ''[[Clematis recta|C. recta]]'', are [[Herbaceous plant|herbaceous]] [[perennial plant]]s. The cool temperate species are [[deciduous]], but many of the warmer climate species are [[evergreen]]. They grow best in cool, moist, well-drained soil in full sun.<ref>Hillier Nurseries, ''The Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs'', David and Charles, 1998, p723 {{ISBN|0-7153-0808-4}}</ref>

''Clematis'' species are mainly found throughout the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, rarely in the tropics. ''Clematis'' leaves are food for the [[caterpillar]]s of some [[Lepidoptera]] [[species]], including the [[Willow Beauty|willow beauty]] (''Peribatodes rhomboidaria'').

The timing and location of flowers varies; spring-blooming clematis flower on side shoots of the previous year's stems, summer/fall blooming clematis bloom only on the ends of new stems, and twice-flowering clematis do both.<ref name=southern />

==Taxonomy==
The genus ''Clematis'' was first published by [[Carl Linnaeus]] in ''[[Species Plantarum]]'' in 1753,<ref name="IPNI_Clematis">{{cite web |title=IPNI Plant Name Query Results for ''Clematis'' |work=[[International Plant Names Index|The International Plant Names Index]] |url=http://www.ipni.org/ipni/simplePlantNameSearch.do?find_wholeName=Clematis |access-date=2018-03-28}}
</ref> the first species listed being ''[[Clematis viticella]]''. The genus name long pre-dates Linnaeus. It was used in [[Ancient Greek|Classical Greek]] for various climbing plants, and is based on κλήμα (klēma), meaning vine or tendril.<ref name=HyamPank95>{{Cite book |last1=Hyam |first1=R. |last2=Pankhurst |first2=R.J. |year=1995 |title=Plants and their names: a concise dictionary |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-866189-4 |name-list-style=amp |page=115}}</ref>

===''Archiclematis'' and ''Naravelia''===

Some morphologically distinctive taxa lacking the combination of characters defining ''Clematis'' were formerly segregated as the genera ''Archiclematis'' (1 species) and ''Naravelia'' (several species). DNA sequence studies have found that these two genera are deeply nested in ''Clematis'', the morphological characters they were erected on being either reversals or misinterpretations, and that consequently the genera should be reduced to the synonymy of ''Clematis''. ''Naravelia'' is a monophyletic group within ''Clematis''.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Miikeda |first1=Osamu |last2=Kita |first2=Koichi |last3=Handa |first3=Takashi |last4=Yukawa |first4=Tomohisa |date=2006-10-01 |title=Phylogenetic relationships of Clematis (Ranunculaceae) based on chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences |journal=Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society |language=en |volume=152 |issue=2 |pages=153–168 |doi=10.1111/j.1095-8339.2006.00551.x |issn=0024-4074|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name="Xie et al (2011)">{{cite journal |last1=Xie |first1=Lei |last2=Wen |first2=Jun |last3=Li |first3=Liang-Qian |year=2011 |title=Phylogenetic Analyses of ''Clematis'' (Ranunculaceae) based on Sequences of Nuclear Ribosomal ITS and Three Plastid Regions |journal=Systematic Botany |publisher=American Society of Plant Taxonomists |volume=36 |issue=4 |pages=907–921 |url=http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/aspt/sb/2011/00000036/00000004/art00010 |doi=<!--10.1600/036364411X604921 dead link--> |bibcode=2011SysBo..36..907X |access-date=27 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="Jiang et al (2017)">{{cite journal |last1=Jiang |first1=Nan |last2=Zhou |first2=Zhuang |last3=Zhang |first3=Shu-Dong |last4=Guan |first4=Kai-Yun |last5=Tan |first5=Yun-Hong |last6=Yu |first6=Wen-Bin |year=2017 |title=Phylogenetic reassessment of tribe Anemoneae (Ranunculaceae): Non-monophyly of ''Anemone'' s.l. revealed by plastid datasets |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=12 |issue=3 |article-number=e0174792 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0174792 |pmid=28362811 |pmc=5376084 |bibcode=2017PLoSO..1274792J|doi-access=free}}</ref>

Species to be transferred include:
* ''[[Clematis alternata]]'' [[Synonym (taxonomy)|syn.]] ''Archiclematis alternata''
* ''[[Clematis antonii]]'', syn. ''Naravelia antonii''
* ''[[Clematis dasyoneura]]'', syn. ''Naravelia dasyoneura''
* ''[[Clematis horripilata]]'', syn. ''Naravelia laurifolia''
* ''[[Clematis zeylanica]]'', syn. ''Naravelia zeylanica''

===Species===
{{main|List of Clematis species|l1=List of ''Clematis'' species}}
[[File:Large purple clematis flower with white finger stamens.jpg|thumb|Large, dark purple clematis flower with white finger stamens in sunlight]]
[[File:PurpleClematis1.jpeg|right|thumb|Purple clematis]]
[[File:Clematis armandii01-4035~2015 03 22.JPG|thumb|''Clematis armandii'']]
[[File:Clematis macro 1.JPG|right|thumb|''Clematis'' 'Multi Blue']]
[[File:Clematis florida 001.jpg|thumb|right|''Clematis florida'']]
[[File:Clematis Montana 02.jpg|thumb|upright|''C. montana'']]
[[File:Clematis vitalba.JPG|right|thumb|Flowers of ''C. vitalba'']]
[[File:Old man's beard Clematis vitalba seeds.jpg|right|thumb|Seed heads of ''C. vitalba'' growing in a [[Hedge (barrier)|hedge]], showing why it is known colloquially as "old man's beard"]]
[[File:Clematis seeds.jpg|thumb|[[Achene]]s]]
[[File:Clematis dioica in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.JPG|thumb|Fruits of ''C. dioica'' in Guanacaste, Costa Rica]]
[[File:Clematis-C - Copy.jpg|thumb|''C. terniflora'' seed cluster]]

A partial list of species:
* ''[[Clematis addisonii]]'' <small>Britt.</small> – Addison's leather flower
* ''[[Clematis akebioides]]'' <small>(Maxim.) H.J.Veitch</small>
* ''[[Clematis albicoma]]'' <small>Wherry</small> – whitehair leather flower
* ''[[Clematis alpina]]'' <small>(L.) Mill.</small> – alpine clematis
* ''[[Clematis aristata]]'' {{Au|R.Br. ex Ker Gawl.}}<ref name=APNI-C.-aristata>{{APNI |id=17105 |name=''Clematis aristata'' {{Au|R.Br. ex Ker Gawl.}} |access-date=24 June 2013 }}</ref> – Australian clematis
* ''[[Clematis armandii]]'' – Armand clematis
* ''[[Clematis baldwinii]]'' <small>Torr. & A.Gray</small> – pine hyacinth
* ''[[Clematis bigelovii]]'' <small>Torr.</small> – Bigelow clematis
* ''[[Clematis brachiata]]'' <small>Thunb.</small> – traveller's joy
* ''[[Clematis campaniflora]]'' <small>Brot.</small> – Portuguese clematis
* ''[[Clematis catesbyana]]'' – satin curls
* ''[[Clematis chinensis]]'' <small>Osbeck</small> – ''wei ling xian'' in Chinese ({{lang-zh|c=威靈仙|p=Wei ling xian}})
* ''[[Clematis chrysocoma]]'' <small>Franch.</small> – gold wool clematis
* ''[[Clematis cirrhosa]]'' <small>L.</small> – includes the 'Freckles', 'Wisley Cream', and 'Jingle Bells' cultivars
** ''[[Clematis cirrhosa v. balearica]]'' (Balearic Islands)
* ''[[Clematis coactilis]]'' <small>(Fern.) Keener</small> – Virginia whitehair leather flower
* ''[[Clematis columbiana]]'' <small>(Nutt.) Torr. & A.Gray</small> – British Columbia virgin's bower
* ''[[Clematis crispa]]'' <small>L.</small> – swamp leather flower
* ''[[Clematis cunninghamii]]''
* ''[[Clematis dioica]]'' <small>L.</small> – ''cabellos de angel''
* ''[[Clematis drummondii]]'' <small>Torr. & A.Gray</small> – Drummond clematis
* ''[[Clematis durandii]]''
* ''[[Clematis fawcettii]]'' {{Au|F.Muell.}}<ref name=APNI-C.-fawcettii>{{APNI |id=17377 |name=''Clematis fawcettii'' {{Au|F.Muell.}} |access-date=24 June 2013 }}</ref>
* ''[[Clematis flammula]]'' <small>L.</small> – fragrant virgin's bower
* ''[[Clematis florida]]'' <small>Thunb.</small> – Asian clematis
* ''[[Clematis foetida]]'' <small>Raoul (1846)</small> – New Zealand clematis
* ''[[Clematis fremontii]]'' <small>S.Watson</small> – Fremont's leather flower
* ''[[Clematis glaucophylla]]'' <small>Small</small> – whiteleaf leather flower
* ''[[Clematis glycinoides]]'' {{Au|DC.}} – headache vine<ref name=APNI-C.-glycinoides>{{APNI |id=17431 |name=''Clematis glycinoides'' {{Au|DC.}} |access-date=24 June 2013 }}</ref>
* ''[[Clematis gouriana]]'' – Indian traveller's joy
* ''[[Clematis henryi]]'' <small>Oliv.</small>
* ''[[Clematis hirsutissima]]'' <small>Pursh</small> – hairy clematis
* ''[[Clematis hedysarifolia]]'' {{Au|DC.}}
* ''[[Clematis integrifolia]]'' <small>L.</small>
* ''[[Clematis ispahanica Bioss]]''
* ''[[Clematis × jackmanii]]'' <small>T.Moore</small> – Jackman's clematis
* ''[[Clematis koreana]]'' <small>Kom.</small> – Korean clematis
* ''[[Clematis lanuginosa]]'' <small>Lindl. & Paxton</small>
* ''[[Clematis lasiantha]]'' <small>Nutt.</small> – pipestem clematis
* ''[[Clematis leptophylla]]'' {{Au|(F.Muell. ex Benth.) H.Eichler}}<ref name=APNI-C.-leptophylla>{{APNI |id=108278 |name=''Clematis leptophylla'' {{Au|(F.Muell. ex Benth.) H.Eichler}} |access-date=24 June 2013 }}</ref>
* ''[[Clematis ligusticifolia]]'' <small>Nutt.</small> – western white clematis, ''hierba de chivo''
* ''[[Clematis linearifolia]]'' <small>Steud.</small>
* ''[[Clematis macropetala]]'' <small>Ledeb.</small> – downy clematis
* ''[[Clematis mandshurica]]''
* ''[[Clematis marmoraria]]'' <small>Sneddon</small> – New Zealand dwarf clematis
* ''[[Clematis microphylla]]'' {{Au|DC.}} – small-leaved clematis<ref name=APNI-C.-microphylla>{{APNI |id=17531 |name=''Clematis microphylla'' {{Au|DC.}} |access-date=24 June 2013 }}</ref>
* ''[[Clematis montana]]'' <small>Buch.-Ham. ex DC.</small> – anemone clematis
* ''[[Clematis morefieldii]]'' <small>Kral</small> – Huntsville vasevine
* ''[[Clematis napaulensis]]'' <small>DC.</small>
* ''[[Clematis occidentalis]]'' <small>(Hornem.) DC.</small> – western blue virginsbower
* ''[[Clematis ochroleuca]]'' <small>Ait.</small> – curlyheads
* ''[[Clematis orientalis]]'' <small>L.</small> – Chinese clematis
* ''[[Clematis palmeri]]'' <small>Rose</small> – Palmer clematis
* ''[[Clematis paniculata]]'' <small>J.F.Gmel.</small> – ''puawhananga''
* ''[[Clematis patens]]'' <small>C.Morren & Decne.</small>
* ''[[Clematis pauciflora]]'' <small>Nutt.</small> – ropevine clematis
* ''[[Clematis pickeringii]]'' {{Au|A.Gray}}<ref name=APNI-C.-pickeringii>{{APNI |id=17587 |name=''Clematis pickeringii'' {{Au|A.Gray}} |access-date=24 June 2013 }}</ref><ref name="RFK8">{{cite web |url=https://apps.lucidcentral.org/rainforest/text/entities/clematis_pickeringii.htm |title=Clematis pickeringii |author=F.A. Zich |author2=B.P.M Hyland |author3=T. Whiffen |author4=R.A. Kerrigan |website=[[Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants]], Edition 8 |year=2020 |publisher=[[Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation]] (CSIRO) |access-date=6 March 2021}}</ref>
* ''[[Clematis pitcheri]]'' <small>Torr. & A.Gray</small> – bluebill
* ''[[Clematis pubescens]]'' <small>Hügel ex Endl.</small> – common clematis
* ''[[Clematis recta]]'' <small>L.</small> – ground clematis
* ''[[Clematis reticulata]]'' <small>Walter</small> – netleaf leather flower
* ''[[Clematis rhodocarpa]]'' <small>Rose</small>
* ''[[Clematis smilacifolia]]'' <small>Wall.</small>
* ''[[Clematis socialis]]'' <small>Kral</small> – Alabama leather flower
* ''[[Clematis stans]]'' <small>Siebold & Zucc.</small> – ''kusabotan''
* ''[[Clematis tangutica]]'' <small>(Maxim.) Korsh.</small> – golden clematis
* ''[[Clematis terniflora]]'' <small>DC.</small> – sweet autumn clematis
* ''[[Clematis texensis]]'' <small>Buckley</small> – scarlet leather flower
* ''[[Clematis urophylla]]''
* ''[[Clematis versicolor]]'' – manycolored leather flower
* ''[[Clematis verticillaris]]'' – purple virgins bower<ref>[http://www.voyageurcountry.com/htmls/floweringplants/plants/purplevirginsbower.html purple virgins bower] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525095520/http://www.voyageurcountry.com/htmls/floweringplants/plants/purplevirginsbower.html |date=2009-05-25 }}, Voyageur Country</ref>
* ''[[Clematis viorna]]'' <small>L.</small> – vasevine, traveller's joy
* ''[[Clematis virginiana]]'' <small>L.</small> – devil's darning needles, Virginia bower
* ''[[Clematis viridiflora]]'' <small>Bertol.</small><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/31819#page/187/mode/1up |title=Miscellanea Botanica XIX |first=Antonii |last=Bertolonii |author-link=Antonio Bertoloni |journal=Memorie della Accademia delle Scienze dell'Istituto di Bologna |volume=9 |year=1858 |page=167 at 171–172 |language=la}}</ref>
* ''[[Clematis vitalba]]'' <small>L.</small> – traveller's joy, old man's beard
* ''[[Clematis viticaulis]]'' <small>E.Steele</small> – Millboro leather flower
* ''[[Clematis viticella]]'' <small>L.</small> – Italian leather flower, purple clematis

====Formerly placed here====
* ''[[Akebia trifoliata]]'' <small>(Thunb.) Koidz.</small> (as ''C. trifoliata'' <small>Thunb.</small>)

===Subdivisions===
One recent classification{{which|date=September 2020}} recognised 297 species of clematis. Consequently, [[taxonomist]]s and gardeners subdivide the genus. Several classification systems exist.

Magnus Johnson divided ''Clematis'' into 19 [[section (botany)|sections]], several with subsections.<ref>{{cite book |last=Johnson |first=Magnus |title=The Genus Clematis |publisher=Magnus Johnson Plantskola AB |year=2001}}</ref> Christopher Grey-Wilson divided the genus into 9 [[subgenus|subgenera]] (''[[Clematis (subgenus)|Clematis]], [[Cheiropsis]], Flammula, [[Archiclematis]], [[Campanella (subgenus)|Campanella]], [[Atragene]], [[Tubulosae]], [[Pseudanemone]], [[Viorna]]''), several with sections and subsections within them.<ref>{{cite book |last=Grey-Wilson |first=Christopher |title=Clematis: The Genus: A Comprehensive Guide for Gardeners, Horticulturists and Botanists |publisher=Timber Press |year=2000}}</ref> Several of the subdivisions are fairly consistent between these two systems; for example, all of Grey-Wilson's subgenera are used as sections by Johnson. Alternatively, John Howell defined twelve groups: the Evergreen, Alpina, Macropetala, Montana, Rockery, Early Large-Flowered, Late Large-Flowered, Herbaceous, Viticella, Texensis, Orientalis, and Late Mixed groups.

Many of the most popular garden forms are cultivars belonging to the Viticella section of the subgenus ''Flammula'' as defined by Grey-Wilson. These larger-flowered cultivars are often used within garden designs to climb archways, [[pergola]]s, or wall-mounted [[Trellis (architecture)|trellises]], or to grow through companion plants. These forms normally have large 12–15&nbsp;cm diameter upward-facing flowers and are believed to involve crosses of ''C. patens'', ''C. lanuginosa'', and ''C. viticella''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Evison |first=Raymond J. |title=The Gardener's Guide to Growing Clematis |publisher=Timber Press/David and Charles |year=1998}}</ref> Early-season, large-flowering forms such as 'Nelly Moser' tend towards the natural flowering habit of ''C. patens'' or ''C. lanuginosa'' while later-flowering forms such as ×''jackmanii'' are nearer in habit to ''C. viticella''.

==Garden history==
''[[Clematis patens]]'' [[C.Morren]] ''et'' [[Decne.]] ([[:ja:カザグルマ|Kazaguruma]]), native to Japan, was introduced to Europe in 1836 by [[Philipp Franz von Siebold|Philipp Franz Balthasar von Siebold]]. Today, it is the most frequently used species for developing large-flowered cultivars.<ref name="Kaneko-2017">{{Cite book |last=Kaneko |first=Akihito |title=Clematis |publisher=NHK |year=2017 |isbn=978-4-14-040277-1 |location=Tokyo |pages=P9}}</ref>

The wild ''Clematis'' species, such as ''Clematis florida'', native to China had also made their way into Japanese gardens by the 17th century.<ref name=":1" /> These species were also brought to Europe through Japan.<ref name="Lloyd-1989" />

Japanese garden selections, mostly cultivated in [[Edo period|Edo Period]] using species that are native to Japan or China,<ref name="Kaneko-2017" /> were the first exotic clematises to reach European gardens, in the 18th century, long before the Chinese species were identified in their native habitat at the end of the 19th century.<ref name=":1">Coats (1964) 1992.</ref>

After it arrived in Europe, it acquired several meanings during the [[Victorian era]], famous for its nuanced [[Language of flowers|flower symbolism]]. It came to symbolize both mental beauty and art as well as [[poverty]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.languageofflowers.com/flowermeaning.htm |title=Language of Flowers - Flower Meanings, Flower Sentiments |website=www.languageofflowers.com|access-date=2016-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124141728/http://languageofflowers.com/flowermeaning.htm|archive-date=2016-11-24}}</ref>

==Cultivation==

The climbing varieties are valued for their ability to scramble up walls, fences, and other structures, and also to grow through other plants, such as shrubs and trees. Some can be trained along the ground to provide cover. Because of their adaptability and masses of spectacular flowers, clematis are among the most popular of all garden plants. Many choice and rare cultivars are to be had from mail order and online catalogues. Specialists regularly put on displays in national flower shows such as the [[Chelsea Flower Show]]. In theory, it is possible to have a clematis in flower at any time throughout the year. Many varieties provide a second period of interest with a flush of flowers, or decorative seed heads.

They will grow in any good garden soil. The roots usually require a moist, cool substrate, while the herbage can take full sun. Some more delicate cultivars such as 'Nelly Moser' do better in light shade. Many clematis can be grown successfully in containers.<ref name="Lloyd-1989">{{cite book |last=Lloyd |first=Christopher |title=Clematis |year=1989 |publisher=Viking |location=United Kingdom |isbn=978-0-670-80233-3 |pages=232}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Grey-Wilson |first=Christopher |title=Clematis the genus |year=2002 |publisher=Batsford |location=United Kingdom |isbn=978-0-7134-8726-8 |pages=219}}</ref>

===Pruning===
Different varieties and cultivars require varied pruning regimes from no pruning to heavy pruning annually.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://greenvalleysupply.com/blogs/green-valley-supplys-gardening-encyclopedia/clematis-varieties |title=Clematis Varieties I |work=Green Valley Supply|access-date=2018-08-22 |language=en|archive-date=2018-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822215709/https://greenvalleysupply.com/blogs/green-valley-supplys-gardening-encyclopedia/clematis-varieties}}</ref> The pruning regime for a cultivated clematis falls into three categories:
* Vigorous species and early-flowering hybrids do not require pruning, other than to occasionally remove tangled growth (as in ''C. armandii'', ''C. montana'', and ''C. tangutica'')
* Large-flowered hybrids blooming in early summer on the previous season's growth can be pruned lightly in the [[Dormancy|dormant]] season for structure
* Late-flowering hybrids which bloom on the current season's growth can be pruned back to a pair of buds in the dormant season<ref>{{cite book |last=Chesshire |first=C. |title=Clematis (RHS practicals) |year=1999 |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |location=United Kingdom |isbn=978-0-7513-4726-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britishclematis.org.uk/pruning.htm |title=British Clematis Society Web Site |website=www.britishclematis.org.uk}}</ref>

==Cultivars==
<!-- ''see also'' [[List of Award of Garden Merit clematis]] -->
Over 80 varieties and cultivars have gained the [[Royal Horticultural Society]]'s [[List of Award of Garden Merit clematis|Award of Garden Merit]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=97 |title=Clematis / Royal Horticultural Society |access-date=2012-06-22 |archive-date=2012-07-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701122221/http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=97 }}</ref>

In the Atragene group are woody deciduous climbers with bell-shaped flowers in spring, produced on the last year's growth. These include 'Markham's Pink', a pale pink breed.<ref name=RHS>{{cite web |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/209989/clematis-markham-s-pink-(a-d)/details|title=Clematis 'Markham's Pink' (A/d)| publisher=Royal Horticultural Society |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref>

In the early large-flowered group, which flower on the last year's growth, are:
* 'Arctic Queen' or 'Polar bear' (double white)<ref>http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=439 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
* 'Clematis Josephine' or 'Clematis Evijohill' (pinkish-mauve)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gardenia.net/plant/clematis-josephine#:~:text=Regarded%20as%20one%20of%20the,a%20dark%20pink%20center%20stripe. |title=Clematis 'Josephine' (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)}}</ref>
* 'Marie Boisselot' (white)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/92156/Clematis-Marie-Boisselot-(EL)/Details |title=Clematis 'Marie Boisselot' (EL) |website=RHS|access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
* 'Miss Bateman' (white with red [[stamen]]s)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=478 |title=RHS Plant Selector Clematis 'Miss Bateman' (EL) AGM / RHS Gardening |access-date=2012-06-22 |archive-date=2011-11-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106055813/http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=478 }}</ref>
* 'Nelly Moser' (white with pink stripes)<ref>http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=485 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
* 'Niobe' (maroon)<ref>http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=486 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
* 'The President' (blue)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=498 |title=RHS Plant Selector Clematis 'The President' (EL) AGM / RHS Gardening |access-date=2012-06-22 |archive-date=2014-02-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218075710/http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=498 }}</ref>

In the ''[[Clematis integrifolia]]'' group (or Integrifolia group) are non- or semi-climbing plants that flower on the current year's growth. These include the violet-pink 'Arabella'.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=452 |title=RHS Plant Selector Clematis 'Arabella' (I) AGM / RHS Gardening |access-date=2012-06-22 |archive-date=2014-04-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413123428/http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=452 }}</ref>

In the late large-flowered group, which flower on the current year's growth, are:
* [[Clematis 'Jackmanii'|'Jackmanii']] (purple)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=469 |title=RHS Plant Selector Clematis 'Jackmanii' (LL) AGM / RHS Gardening |access-date=2012-06-22 |archive-date=2014-02-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217154748/http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=469 }}</ref>
* 'Polish spirit' (purple)<ref>http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=489 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
* 'Prince Charles' (violet)<ref>http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=490 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>

In the ''[[Clematis montana]]'' group (or Montana group) are vigorous climbers that flower in spring, such as:
* 'Mayleen (pale pink)<ref>http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=4686 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
* ''Clematis montana'' var. ''grandiflora'' (white)<ref>http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=479 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
* ''Clematis montana'' var. ''rubens'' 'Tetrarose' (rose pink with green stamens)<ref>http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=482 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>

In the ''[[Clematis viticella]]'' group (or Viticella group) are compact deciduous climbers with small flowers produced on the current year's growth, such as:
* 'Alba Luxurians' (white)<ref>http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=444 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
* 'Betty Corning' (pale lilac pink)<ref>http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=455 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
* 'Madame Julia Correvon' (crimson)<ref>http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=475 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
* 'Purpurea Plena Elegans' (purple double)<ref>http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=503 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>

Other breeds include:
* [[Clematis 'Princess Diana'|'Princess Diana']] of the ''[[Clematis texensis]]'' or Texensis group (deep pink)<ref>http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=491 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
* ×''triternata rubromarginata'' (white & purple)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=508 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224234033/http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=508 |archive-date=December 24, 2012 |title=Clematis x triternata 'Rubromarginata' &#124; clematis 'Rubromarginata'/RHS Gardening}}</ref>

For further details see the [[List of Award of Garden Merit clematis]].

==Horticultural classification==
This follows the classification adopted by V. Matthews in The International Clematis Register and Checklist 2002, except that ''C. ispahanica'', now considered to have been included in error, has been omitted from the list of parent species in Tangutica Group.<ref>[http://www.ishs.org/sci/icralist/50.htm RHS] ISHS ICRA clematis</ref><ref>[http://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/plantsmanship/plant-registration/Clematis-registration/Clematis Clematis Register] RHS</ref>
* Small-flowered Division: Flowers (1.5–)2–12(–18) cm across
** Armandii Group: Cultivars belonging to, or derived from, species classified in subsection Meyenianae (Tamura) M. Johnson, mainly ''C. armandii''.
** Atragene Group: Cultivars belonging to, or derived from, species classified in subgenus Atragene (L.) Torrey & A. Gray, such as ''C. alpina, C. chiisanensis, C. fauriei, C. koreana, C. macropetala, C. ochotensis, C. sibirica, C. turkestanica''. The former Alpina Group and Macropetala Group are included here. Historically, the Alpina Group was used for single-flowered cultivars, and double-flowered cultivars were assigned to the Macropetala Group.
** Cirrhosa Group: Cultivars belonging to, or derived mainly from, ''C. cirrhosa''.
** Flammula Group: Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Flammula DC. (excluding subsection Meyenianae (Tamura)M. Johnson), such as ''C. angustifolia, C. flammula, C. recta, C. terniflora''.
** Forsteri Group: Cultivars belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Novae-zeelandiae M. Johnson (native to Australia and New Zealand) such as ''C. australis, C. foetida, C. forsteri, C. marata, C. marmoraria, C. paniculata, C. petriei''.
** Heracleifolia Group: Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in subgenus Tubulosa (Decne.) Grey-Wilson, such as ''C. heracleifolia, C. stans, C. tubulosa''.
** Integrifolia Group: Cultivars belonging to, or derived mainly from, ''C. integrifolia''. Includes the Diversifolia Group (which covered ''C.'' × ''diversifolia'' (''C. integrifolia'' × ''C. viticella'') and its cultivars).
** Montana Group: Cultivars belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Montanae (Schneider) Grey-Wilson such as ''C. chrysocoma, C. montana, C. spooneri''.
** Tangutica Group: Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Meclatis (Spach) Baill., such as ''C. intricata, C. ladakhiana, C. orientalis, C. serratifolia, C. tangutica, C. tibetana''. This Group has also been known as the Orientalis Group.
** Texensis Group: Cultivars derived from ''C. texensis'' crossed with representatives from either of the Large-flowered Groups.
** Viorna Group: Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Viorna A. Gray, such as ''C. crispa, C. fusca, C. ianthina, C. pitcheri, C. reticulata, C. texensis, C. viorna''. Cultivars assigned to Texensis Group, and cultivars with ''C. integrifolia'' in their parentage, are excluded.
** Vitalba Group: Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Clematis L., such as ''C. ligusticifolia, C. potaninii, C. vitalba, C. virginiana''.
** Viticella Group: Cultivars with at least one parent mainly derived from ''C. viticella''. Excludes hybrids between ''C. integrifolia'' and ''C. viticella'': see Integrifolia Group.
* Large-flowered Division: Flowers (5–)10–22(–29) cm across, usually flat.
** Early Large-flowered Group: Comprises the former Patens Group and Fortunei Group. Cultivars of the Patens Group were derived mainly from ''C. patens'', either directly or indirectly. They were characterized by producing flowers in spring on the previous year's wood, and often again in summer or early autumn on the current year's growth. The former Fortunei Group (also known as Florida Group, although it had nothing to do with ''C. florida'') comprised cultivars with double or semi-double flowers that were produced on the previous year's growth in spring. Hybridization has made it impossible to keep the original Groups separate: there are a number of cultivars that produce both single and double flowers, or that only produce semi-double or double flowers under certain conditions.
** Late Large-flowered Group: Comprises the former Lanuginosa Group and Jackmanii Group. Cultivars of the Lanuginosa Group were derived mainly from ''C. lanuginosa'', either directly or indirectly. The Jackmanii Group covered cultivars produced from a cross between ''C. viticella'' (or a derivative therefrom) and a member of the Patens Group. Both Groups produce their flowers on the current year's growth in summer and autumn. It is often impossible to say whether a cultivar belongs to the Lanuginosa Group or to the Jackmanii Group, due to hybridization and/or lack of information on the parentage, so it is not possible to maintain these Groups.

==Use and toxicity==
The European species did not enter into the [[herbalist]]s' [[pharmacopeia]].<ref>Of the native European ''C. vitalba'' Alice Coats observes "The leaves are acrid and poisonous, and not even the early herbalists attempted to use the plant in internal medicine", but she notes that [[John Gerard]] called ''[[Clematis flammula]]'' biting clematis or purging periwinkle. (Coats 1992).</ref> In the [[American Old West]], the Western white clematis, ''Clematis ligusticifolia'', was called '''pepper vine''' by early travelers and pioneers, who took a tip from Spanish colonials and used seeds and the acrid leaves of ''yerba de chivato'' as a [[Black pepper|pepper]] substitute.<ref>[http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=clli2 US Native Plant Database ''Clematis ligusticifolia'']</ref> The entire genus contains [[essential oils]] and compounds which are extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Unlike black pepper or ''[[Capsicum]]'', however, the compounds in clematis cause internal bleeding of the digestive tract if ingested in large amounts. ''C. ligusticifolia'' is essentially toxic. When pruning them, it is a good idea to wear gloves. Despite its toxicity, Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis as an effective treatment for [[migraine headache]]s and nervous disorders. It was also used as an effective treatment of skin infections.<ref>{{cite book |title=Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West |first=Gregory L. |last=Tilford |isbn=978-0-87842-359-0 |year=1997|publisher=Mountain Press }}</ref> Clematis is also a constituent of [[Bach flower remedies|Bach's Rescue Remedy]]. Leaf extracts from two [[Ethiopia]]n species (''Clematis longicauda'' steud ex A. Rich. and ''Clematis burgensis'' Engl.) are used locally to treat ear disorders and eczema. Phytochemical screening of the extracts from both of these species showed antibacterial and antifungal activity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ijpsonline.com/article.asp?issn=0250-474X;year=2012;volume=74;issue=1;spage=29;epage=35;aulast=Hawaze |title=Hawaze S, Deti H, Suleman S. 2012. In vitro antimicrobial activity and phytochemical screening of clematis species indigenous to Ethiopia. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 74:29-35.}}</ref> The extracts of these plants also possess wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities which could also be attributed to the phytoconstituents.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greenpharmacy.info/article.asp?issn=0973-8258;year=2013;volume=7;issue=4;spage=304;epage=308;aulast=Hawaze |title=Hawaze S, Deti H, Suleman S. 2013. Wound healing activity of the methanol extracts of Clematis species indigenous to Ethiopia. International Journal of Green Pharmacy 7:304-308.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203024717/http://www.greenpharmacy.info/article.asp?issn=0973-8258%3Byear%3D2013%3Bvolume%3D7%3Bissue%3D4%3Bspage%3D304%3Bepage%3D308%3Baulast%3DHawaze|archive-date=2013-12-03}}</ref>

Clematis has been listed as one of the 38 plants used to prepare [[Bach flower remedies]],<ref name="Vohra2004">{{cite book |author=D. S. Vohra |title=Bach Flower Remedies: A Comprehensive Study |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=icG8onA0ys8C&pg=PR3|access-date=2 September 2013 |date=1 June 2004 |publisher=B. Jain Publishers |isbn=978-81-7021-271-3 |page=3}}</ref> a kind of [[alternative medicine]] promoted for its effect on health. However, according to [[Cancer Research UK]], "there is no scientific evidence to prove that flower remedies can control, cure or prevent any type of disease, including cancer".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative/therapies/flower-remedies |title=Flower remedies |date=14 February 2013 |publisher=[[Cancer Research UK]]|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref>

==Pests and diseases==
''Clematis'' species are susceptible to several pests and diseases. Clematis wilt, a stem rot caused by the fungus ''[[Phoma clematidina]]'', causes dramatic wilting and death of whole branches, although many species are resistant to it.<ref>Howells, J., ''Choosing your Clematis'', Garden Art Press, 2003, pp115-116 {{ISBN|1-870673-47-6}}</ref> The species of this genus are also [[alternate host]]s of [[Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici|''Puccinia recondita'' f.sp. ''tritici'']].<ref name="Roelfs-et-al-1992">{{cite book |last1=Roelfs |first1=Alan P. |first2=Ravi Prakash |last2=Singh |first3=Eugene E. |last3=Saari |title=Rust diseases of wheat: Concepts and methods of disease management |date=1992 |s2cid=84123050}}</ref>{{rp|page=3}} ''[[Clematis mandshurica|C. mandshurica]]'' specifically is known to provide [[inoculum (disambiguation)|inoculum]] transferrable to [[wheat]] in the former eastern [[Soviet]] territories, and several of this genus are hosts for several other ''P. recondita'' strains<ref name="Roelfs-et-al-1992" />{{rp|page=8}} and other ''[[Puccinia]]''.<ref name="Roelfs-et-al-1992" />{{rp|page=25}} Other pests and diseases include [[powdery mildew]], [[plant virus|viruses]], [[slug]]s and [[snail]]s, scale insects, [[aphid]]s, [[earwig]]s, and green flower disease, which is usually caused by infection with a [[phytoplasma]], a type of bacterium.<ref>Buczacki, S. and Harris, K., ''Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Garden Plants'', HarperCollins, 1998, p65 {{ISBN|0-00-220063-5}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=pronunciation note}}

==Further reading==
* Brickell, C., Ed. ''Gardeners' Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers''. Dorling Kindersley. 1989.
* Toomey, M. and E. Leeds. [https://books.google.com/books?id=LNKZpQ6hzqYC ''An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Clematis.''] Charles Chesshire (Timber Press).
* Ruth Gooch [https://books.google.com/books?id=fPeIJQAACAAJ&q=Clematis+A+Complete+Guide ''Clematis: The Complete Guide''. Crowood] Press 2001.
* Ruth & Jon Gooch ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=XmqxuAAACAAJ&q=Clematis+An+Essential+Guide Clematis An Essential Guide]'' Crowood Press 2011.

==External links==
{{EB1911 poster|Clematis}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071109010532/http://www.clematisviorna.info/ American Bells - A guide to the species in subgenus Viorna]
* [http://clematis.org American Clematis Society]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130307081849/http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/species/frame/clvi4.htm ''Clematis viorna'' images at bioimages.vanderbilt.edu]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120720161811/http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/species/frame/clvi5.htm ''Clematis virginiana'' images at bioimages.vanderbilt.edu]
* [http://www.clematisinternational.com/ International Clematis Society]
* {{Cite AmCyc |wstitle=Clematis |short=x}}
* {{ws|[[s:Poems of Letitia Elizabeth Landon (L. E. L.) from Flowers of Loveliness, 1838/Clematis|The Clematis]]}}, one of the Flowers of Loveliness for 1838 with an illustration (Clematis) by [[Thomas Uwins]] combined with poetry (The Clematis) by [[Letitia Elizabeth Landon]].

{{Taxonbar|from=Q157634}}
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[[Category:Clematis|Clematis]]
[[Category:Ranunculaceae genera]]
[[Category:Vines]]
[[Category:Garden plants]]
[[Category:Botanical taxa named by Carl Linnaeus]]