Clematis
Clematis
Family: Ranunculaceae · Also called Traveller's Joy, Old Man's Beard, Virgin's Bower
Powdery & Soft · Spring–Summer bloomer
Clematis is the aristocrat of climbing plants, a vast genus of over 300 species producing flowers from tiny bells to dinner-plate-sized stars. The range is extraordinary: from the vanilla-scented spring cascades of C. armandii to the huge purple plates of 'Jackmanii' to the delicate nodding bells of C. alpina. They climb by wrapping leaf stalks around supports.
ingenuity, mental beauty, artifice
In the Victorian language of flowers, clematis means “Mental beauty and cleverness”. Clematis is called the 'queen of climbers', over 300 species scramble across every temperate continent. In Japan, clematis (tessen) has been cultivated and bred for centuries. Victorian gardeners prized the large-flowered hybrids and created elaborate displays on walls and arbors. The name comes from Greek 'klema' (vine tendril).
Did You Know?
Clematis don't have true petals, the showy parts are sepals. The silky, feathered seed heads that follow are almost as decorative as the flowers, catching light in autumn and winter. For the best fragrance, seek out C. armandii (vanilla), C. montana (chocolate), or C. terniflora (hawthorn-like).
Woodland edges and hedgerows across temperate regions worldwide
Clematis is native to Worldwide (temperate regions). It naturally grows in woodland edges and hedgerows across temperate regions worldwide.
Scent Profile
“Many clematis are unscented, but fragrant species offer a delicate vanilla-almond sweetness, powdery, gentle, and surprising from such a vigorous vine.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameClematis
- FamilyRanunculaceae
- Native ToWorldwide (temperate regions)
- Bloom SeasonSpring–Summer
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Clematis is called the 'queen of climbers', over 300 species scramble across every temperate continent. In Japan, clematis (tessen) has been cultivated and bred for centuries. Victorian gardeners prized the large-flowered hybrids and created elaborate displays on walls and arbors. The name comes from Greek 'klema' (vine tendril).