Clematis Varieties: 39 Different Types of Clematis

There are over 350 types of clematis flowers globally. These perennial climbing vines and shrubs are part of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Typically they flower into large blossoms of various colors with five or six petals with pointed tips.

Gardeners love having different types of clematis in their gardens because these flowering vines grow rapidly and attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. They are popular perennial climbers, meaning they come back year after year after they’ve started to grow.

Clematis grows vertically, also preserving space in your garden. These perennial flowers bloom profusely. The best part? With pruning, many clematis flowers bloom multiple times within the growing season. Continue reading to see our favorite colorful types of clematis to add to your garden wishlist!

Addison’s Leather Flower

Clematis addisonii Britt

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Endemic to Virginia
• Plant Size: Up to 2.5-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
• Plant Zone: 5 to 9

Addison’s Leather Flower is a threatened species found predominantly in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia. This type of clematis has beige or rose-colored bell-shaped flowers that are around 2-inches in diameter in bloom. The small flowers are contrasted by lushly green egg-shaped, or ovate, leaves.

Addison’s leather flower blooms in midsummer and again in late summer or early fall. It is best planted in USDA zone 5 to 9.

Alpine

Clematis alpina (L.) Mill

• Plant Type: Perennial vine
• Geographic Origin: Native to Europe
• Plant Size: 6 to 8-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Roots in shade with full to partial sun for flowers
• Plant Zone: 4 to 9

The Alpine variety is an early bloomer. Its flowers open in late winter or early spring and again in mid-spring. Pruning is not as important with this variety as it is with other types of clematis.

The star-shaped 2-inch purple-blue nodding blooms add a pop of color to the light-green toothed lance-shaped leaflets as it climbs walls, trellises and pergolas. Typically, blooms are a bluish-purple, but this variety also come in shades of light pink to ruby red.

Anemone

Clematis montana

• Plant Type: Perennials
• Geographic Origin: Native to the eastern Himalayas
• Plant Size: 1 to 1.5-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Plant Zone: 6 to 9

The Anemone clematis or Montana clematis is native to the eastern Himalayas. These vines do not need to be pruned for new growth in the following year.

From April to May, this variety blooms in clusters of small white or pink flowers that resemble cherry blossoms. The flowers are approximately 1 to 2-inches in diameter and prefer full to partial sun to bloom at their fullest.

Plant this variety near seating areas because the flowers emit a soft almond scent when in bloom.

Armand

Clematis armandii

• Plant Type: Perennial vine
• Geographic Origin: Native to China and Burma
• Plant Size: 20 to 25-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Partial Sun
• Plant Zone: 7 to 9

The Armand clematis is an evergreen clematis variety that signals the beginning of spring with blooms in March and April. The leaves of this variety are leathery with a long and oblong shape. The dark green leaves contrast against the small white and cream star-shaped blooms that resemble jasmine blossoms.

These flowering vines are best planted close to seating areas since the flowers give off a fragrant almond scent. Armand clematis is a low-maintenance vine that needs minor pruning for new blooms in the following year.

Bees’ Jubilee

Clematis florida “Plena”

• Plant Type: Perennial vine
• Geographic Origin: Native to North America
• Plant Size: 6 to 8-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 11

The bees’ jubilee clematis is a popular type of clematis for gardeners that want big flowers and lots of colors in their garden. Bees’ jubilee clematis flowers bloom in early summer and again in early autumn. 

The flowers of this vine are 6 to 8-inches in diameter. They bloom with lilac or white edges and deep fuchsia or red striped petals for a dramatic effect on any landscape.

Bees’ jubilee requires moderate maintenance with regular pruning after each bloom to promote new growth.

Cabellos De Angel

Clematis dioica L.

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to South America, parts of Mexico, and the Caribbean.
• Plant Size: 1 to 2-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Roots in shade with full to partial sun for flowers
• Plant Zone: 4 to 9

Cabellos de angel translates from Spanish to English as angel hairs. Cabellos de angel is one of the types of clematis that bears interesting flowers.

Blooms have long, thin petals called stamens. The creamy-white stamens grow up to one inch long in clusters. The dark-green ovate leaflets are 1.5 to 2.5-inches in length and are used in traditional medicine.

Cherokee

Clematis socialis

• Plant Type: Perennial herb
• Geographic Origin: Native to the United States
• Plant Size: 12-inches tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 9

The Cherokee clematis is a lovely flower that attracts pollinators. This variety blooms twice a year. The first bloom is from late spring until early summer. The second bloom occurs from late summer to mid-fall.

The Cherokee clematis bears a star-shaped pink flower around 3 to 4-inches in diameter. At the center of each pink petal is a stripe of darker pink that creates a dramatic effect against the dark green leaves.

Curlyheads

Clematis ochroleuca

• Plant Type: Perennial Subshrub
• Geographic Origin: Native to the eastern United States
• Plant Size: 1 to 2-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 5 to 8

Curlyheads, or erect silky leather flowers, have flowers with small hairs that give them a velvety sheen. Add curlyheads to garden edges for something special come springtime.

Clematis ochroleuca blooms in spring to early summer. The bell-shaped 1-inch flowers droop downwards showing the furry creamy-white underside. Curlyhead flowers are creamy-yellow with purple tinges near the stem.

Drummond

Clematis drummondii

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States
• Plant Size: 9 to 10-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 8 to 10

The drummond clematis, or Texas virgin’s bower, is a variety that requires pruning in early spring to promote fuller blooms.

The drummond clematis is a climbing vine that repeatedly blooms from April to September with wisps of white sepals instead of petals. The white flowers are under 1-inch in diameter with creamy-yellow centers that draw in bees and butterflies.

Downy

Clematis macropetala Ledeb.

• Plant Type: Perennials
• Geographic Origin: native to northern China, parts of Mongolia, and Siberia.
• Plant Size: Up to 8-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Partial Sun
• Plant Zone: 4 to 9

The downy clematis or Clematis macropetala is a hardy vine. This vine has nodding bulbous blueish-purple flowers that open 1 to 4-inches in diameter. This variety can bloom twice in the growing season. First, during the spring and early summer, and again in late summer or early autumn.

Clematis macropetala do not need significant pruning for new flowers and are a good option for new gardeners.

Ernest Markham

Clematis “Ernest Markham”

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to North America
• Plant Size: 10 to 12-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 9

The Ernest Markham Clematis is an easy-to-care-for deciduous vine that is ideal for beginner gardeners. The twining vines wrap around pergolas and trellises with ease and create a canopy of lush green foliage with eye-catching magenta blooms.

This variety blooms twice in the year. Bright 4 to 6-inch magenta blooms appear from June to July and again from August to October. Prune your Ernest Markham Clematis in late winter or early spring to promote new growth.

Gold Wool

Clematis chrysocoma

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to China
• Plant Size: 12 to 15-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 6 to 9

The Gold Wool clematis is low maintenance and does not require regular pruning. As this clematis vine grows, young branches have a yellow down that gives it its golden name.

The Clematis chrysocoma blooms from May to July and again in early autumn. The flowers are pale pink and white flowers that grow in clusters of one to six 2-inch star-shaped blooms with four or five petals.

Ground

Clematis recta

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to Europe
• Plant Size: 3 to 5-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 3 to 9

Clematis recta differ from most types of clematis because this variety is a free-standing bush rather than a climbing vine. Plant this clematis species near garden borders and breathe in the strong vanilla scent that permeates the air when in bloom.

The ground clematis bears delicate and fragrant white flowers from July to August. Flowers are 1-inch in diameter with four tepals. This bush is evergreen and has deep green oblong leaflets.

H. F. Young

Clematis “H.F. Young”

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to the north and south hemisphere
• Plant Size: 8 to 10-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 9

The H. F. Young is an easy-to-grow variety that is ideal for beginners getting started with their collection. It’s easy to care for, and grows quickly once it takes hold. It’s a climber, and is popular as a trellis or wall vine.

The star of the show with this clematis variety is the 6 to 8-inch purple-blue or yellow flowers that explode in late spring to early summer. Deadhead old blooms to get a second flowering in early autumn. The H. F. Young clematis boasts the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Hagley Hybrid

Clematis “Hagley Hybrid”

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to the UK
• Plant Size: 7 to 10-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun with roots in the shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 11

The Hagley Hybrid also goes by the name of Pink Chiffon. The Hagley Hybrid is another variety that has the prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

These twining vines wind around trellises, fences, and trees bearing lush dark green leaves. From June to July the Hagley Hybrid blooms with dramatic 5 to 6-inch wide pale pink flowers.

Hairy

Clematis hirsutissima

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to the western United States
• Plant Size: 12-inches tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun with roots in the shade
• Plant Zone: 3 to 7

If you want a flower that impresses people when they walk by your garden, add some Clematis hirsutissima or hairy clematis. This variety is also called the vase flower.

This variety produces richly hued violet flowers with a light fuzz on the underside. These eye-catching nodding bell-shaped flowers have yellow centers and bloom from May to July.

Headache Vine

Clematis glycinoides DC.

• Plant Type: Perennials
• Geographic Origin: Native to islands in the South Pacific and Eastern Australia
• Plant Size: Up to 50-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Partial Sun
• Plant Zone: 9 to 10

The headache vine gets its common name from naturopathic uses. Crushed-up flowers of the headache vine have an intense ammonia smell that alleviates headaches.

The small white flowers of the headache vine are star-shaped with four leaves and many stamens. Bloom season is from July to December, which is springtime in the southern hemisphere. The oblong green leaves grow up to 5-inches.

Henryi

Clematis “Henryi”

• Plant Type: Annual
• Geographic Origin: Hybrid bred in the UK
• Plant Size: 6 to 12-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 3 to 9

If you want a huge white flower in your garden, then look no further than the Henryi clematis. This variety is one of the largest flowers and brings something very special to a garden space.

The strange spelling of the name recognizes the first initial and last name of its originator: Isaac Anderson-Henry.

Flowers bloom in late spring until early summer. A second bloom occurs from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers are 6 to 8-inches in diameter with pure white petals and a chocolate brown center.

Huntsville Vasevine

Clematis morefieldii

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to northern Alabama and southern Tennessee
• Plant Size: Up to 16-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 7a and 7b

The Huntsville vasevine clematis is a rare species of flower listed as an endangered species in need of preservation.

The Huntsville vasevine clematis grows small nodding bell-shaped flowers with a gradation from green tips to a magenta base. The flowers are around 1-inch and bloom from early June to October. These magical flowers resemble the skirt of a fairy and add a delicate touch of color to your garden.

Indian Traveler’s Joy

Clematis gouriana

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to the tropical and subtropical forests of India and China
• Plant Size: 9 to 16-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun with roots in the shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 9

The Indian traveler’s joy is a variety with leaves and flowers used in traditional medicine to treat fever, bruises, and wounds.

August to February is the blooming season for the clematis gouriana. The fragrant green and white flowers grow in clusters. Each flower has four greenish sepals and narrow stamens in place of petals. From September to May, this variety bears fruit.

Italian Leather Flower

Clematis viticella L.

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to Europe
• Plant Size: 10 to 12-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 10

The Clematis viticella is also known as the Italian leather flower or Virgin’s bower. This flower has a history dating back to the royal English gardens of Queen Elizabeth I in 1569.

This variety has small brightly pigmented flowers that are 2 to 3-inches in diameter. Typically, Italian leather flowers are purple or red in light to deep shades. The Clematis viticella explodes with single and double blooms from mid-summer to fall.

Jackmanii

Clematis “Jackmanii”

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Hybrid from Europe
• Plant Size: 10 to 12-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 10

The Jackmanii clematis is another variety that has the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. This breed of clematis was introduced in 1862. While technically a vine, Jackmanii can also be grown as a purple flowered shrub.

The Jackmanii clematis blooms from early to late summer. This popular purple flowered vine will bloom with an explosion of dark purple flowers. Each flower is around 5 to 7-inches in diameter.

Korean Beauty

Clematis serratifolia

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to Korea, some parts of China, and Siberia.
• Plant Size: up to 10-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
• Plant Zone: 4 to 9

The Korean beauty is a striking yellow nodding flower with a dark center.

The Clematis serratifolia blooms from late summer until autumn. The yellow flowers have four petals and dark purple centers. Plant these vines close to seating areas because the flowers emit a fragrant scent.

Madame Julia Correvon

Clematis “Madame Julia Correvon”

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Raised in France
• Plant Size: 8-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun with roots in the shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 9

The Madame Julia Correvon clematis is a showy and vibrant addition to your garden. This variety blooms with bright magenta petals 2 to 4-inches in diameter. Blooms begin in early summer and last until late summer.

Millboro Leather Flower

Clematis viticaulis

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to Virginia
• Plant Size: 1.25-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun with roots in the shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 8

The Millboro leather flower or grapevine clematis is a rare species. This perennial flower has distinct hairy stems, long leaves, and nodding bell-shaped flowers that have green tips and finish a deep purple at the base. Some flowers are white with subtle purple tinges.

Clematis viticaulis have thin leaves that are ovular and over 3-inches long. The richly colored flowers are white inside and approximately 1-inch in diameter.

Image Credit: Steve Croy via Creative Commons (Use Permitted With Attribution)

Nelly Moser

Clematis “Nelly Moser”

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Hybrid created in Europe
• Plant Size: 6 to 10-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Partial Sun
• Plant Zone: 4 to 11

The Nelly Moser clematis bears a striking flower with a pink or red stripe at the center of each of the six pale white or lilac flowers. Gardeners prefer to plant this deciduous vine in partial shade because the colored stripe fades in full sun.

Flowers of the Nelly Moser clematis grow 6 to 8-inches in diameter with the star-shaped blooms appearing from May to June and again in late summer.

New Zealand Dwarf

Clematis marmoraria

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to New Zealand
• Plant Size: 3-inches tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun with roots in the shade
• Plant Zone: 9 to 11

If you are looking for the cutest clematis, then check out the New Zealand dwarf clematis. The foliage is thin and feathery, often compared to parsley leaves. The flowers are small, reaching under 1-inch in diameter.

The Clematis marmoraria has dark green, leathery leaves that are contrasted by the small clusters of white flowers with yellow centers.

Old Man’s Beard

Clematis vitalba

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to Europe
• Plant Size: Up to 100-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun with roots in the shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 8

The old man’s beard clematis also goes by the name of Traveler’s Joy clematis.

This perennial vine is fast-growing and invasive if not regularly pruned. The flowers are intriguing with fluffy white sepals on their underside that make the 6 to 8-inch diameter flower look like it is furry. Blooms occur from July to September and emit a sweet fragrance.

Perle d’Azur

Clematis “Perle d’Azur”

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to the UK
• Plant Size: 9 to 12-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun with roots in the shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 11

The Perle d’Azur clematis is an exceptionally good climbing vine that works well for trellises and pergolas.

The flowers of the Perle d’Azur clematis grow 4 to 5-inches in diameter with large blue-purple petals and contrasting pale yellow centers. Blooms occur from mid-spring to early fall. The leaves are small and ovate.

Prune this variety moderately after blooming to promote new growth.

Pipestem

Clematis lasiantha

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to the western United States
• Plant Size: 8 to 20-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 5 to 10

The Pipestem clematis is also called the Chaparral clematis.

This variety has small white and yellow flowers that bloom from January to June. Each flower bears four white petals with yellow stamens that stretch 1 to 2-inches in diameter. The white flowers contrast sweetly with the green lobed leaflets.

Puawhananga

Clematis paniculata J.F.Gmel.

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to New Zealand
• Plant Size: 15-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 9

Puawhananga is one of the seven types of clematis found in New Zealand.

The Puawhananga blooms from July to November (springtime in the southern hemisphere). The flowers have 6 white petals with a yellow or green center. These 4-inch flowers are showy and contrast strikingly against the dark green leaflets. The undersides of the leaves are pale green with sparse white hairs.

Ramona

Clematis “Ramona”

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to North America and Europe
• Plant Size: 8 to 12-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 11

The Ramona clematis is an easy-to-care-for flowering vine that gifts you with abundant blooms from June to September.

The blooms of the Ramona clematis are large 6 to 8-inch lavender-purple flowers. The centers are deep red for an eye-catching pop in your garden. Ramona needs moderate maintenance with pruning after flowering to foster new growth.

Ropevine

Clematis pauciflora

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to southern California and Baja California
• Plant Size: 3 to 10-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 6a to 6b

The ropevine clematis is a species of flowering vine that adds a soft fragrance to your garden.

The Clematis pauciflora has delicate white, yellow, or cream-colored flowers composed of over 50 stamens. Ropevine flowers bloom in clusters and brighten up a garden space with their yellow flowers and dark green lobed leaves. 

Blooms from this variety occur from January to August emitting a soft fragrance into the air.

Scarlet Leather Flower

Clematis texensis

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to the United States.
• Plant Size: 10 to 15-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 8

The scarlet leather flower is a clematis variety that blooms all summer until the first frosts. This particular type of clematis is a climbing vine with red flowers, whereas most clematis varieties bloom in different shades of purple or pink.

The scarlet leather flower is a small 1-inch in diameter flower that is nodding and bell-shaped. The bright red color adds a pop against the lush green foliage of this fast-climbing vine.

Small-Leaved

Clematis microphylla

• Plant Type: Evergreen
• Geographic Origin: Native to Australia
• Plant Size: 10-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 11

The small-leaved clematis is native to Australia and has intriguing blooms that will add a conversation starter to your garden, as they climb fences, trellises, and other garden fixtures.

The flowers of the small-leaved clematis bloom from July to December. Male and female plants bloom differently, with the female plant growing fluffy fruits that bear seeds. Male flowers have thin white petals and long stamens.

Swamp Leather Flower

Clematis crispa L.

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to the floodplains and swamps of the South Eastern United States
• Plant Size: 6 to 10-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 6 to 9

Despite its unpleasant-sounding name, the swamp leather flower is a beautiful variety with flowers that add something special to your garden.

The flowers of the Clematis crispa are delicate pale violet nodding bell-shaped flowers. They have a white interior with a pale yellow center. The leaves are broad and egg-shaped while the stems have a purplish tinge. Blooms occur from May to July.

Sweet Autumn

Clematis terniflora

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to Japan
• Plant Size: 15 to 30-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 5 to 9

The sweet autumn clematis is a perennial vine that gardeners love planting on trellises near seating areas. The clematis terniflora has small creamy-white flowers that emit a soft fragrance.

The white blooms occur from August to September, signaling the beginning of autumn with their scent.

The President

Clematis “The President”

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to North and Central America
• Plant Size: 6 to 10-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
• Plant Zone: 4 to 8

The President clematis is a vigorous climber that has showy large star-shaped flowers with 5 to 6 petals.

The President flowers are a deep purple or wine red and stretch 5 to 6-inches in diameter. Blooms occur plentifully in late spring until early summer then again in late summer until early fall. Moderately prune The President clematis after blooms die to encourage new growth.

Vyvyan Pennell

Clematis “Vyvyan Pennel”

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Native to the UK
• Plant Size: 6 to 9-feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Partial Sun
• Plant Zone: 4 to 9

The Vyvyan Pennell clematis is one of the varieties that boasts the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. And it is no wonder why; the Vyvyan Pennell clematis grows exceptional blooms!

From May to June, they appear as double flowers with layered purple petals that stretch 6 to 8-inches in diameter. In late summer, enjoy a second bloom of single purple flowers.

Vyvyan Pennell clematis is a moderate maintenance plant that requires some pruning to deadhead old blooms to promote new growth.