11 Easy-to-Grow Clematis Varieties for Beginners

You may have heard that clematis vines require lots of pruning, care, and maintenance. This is partially true! Many different types benefit from pruning, and they prefer growing in moist, protected garden areas. 

Though they need some care, clematis are like any other garden plant that needs some maintenance—their spectacular blooms are worth the effort! Start with one of these easy clematis varieties, then try new hybrids and cultivars when you’re confident.

A-Frame Trellis

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Armandii Snowdrift

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Armandii Snowdrift Clematis

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Pablo Wall Trellis

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Pablo Wall Trellis

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Candida

	botanical name Clematis lanuginosa ‘Candida’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 8-12’
	hardiness zones 4-8

Stunning, white blooms adorn ‘Candida’ vines as they reach up to 12 feet long. This variety is one of the large-flowered hybrids, a group of gorgeous cultivars with giant blooms bigger than those of the species. 

When blooming en masse, this easy to grow clematis variety covers itself with so many flowers that you’ll hardly be able to see the leaves underneath. It requires little pruning, other than to rejuvenate or restrict its growth. Prune or thin stems in fall or spring when the bloom period ends. 

Duchess of Edinburgh

	botanical name Clematis ‘Duchess of Edinburgh’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6-12’
	hardiness zones 4-8

‘Duchess of Edinburgh’ sprouts white flowers that erupt into bloom in early summer. They have multiple rows of petals instead of a single row. The double-petal effect is wonderful, and many growers prefer double types over single ones. 

Similar to ‘Candida,’ ‘Duchess of Edinburgh’ blooms twice in the growing season, once in early summer and again from late summer through early fall. Prune them as needed after the first round of blooms fade to encourage ample shoot production for the second round. 

Durandii

	botanical name Clematis x durandii
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6-10’
	hardiness zones 5-11

Clematis x durandii is a hybrid clematis variety. Nurseries will sometimes sell it under the name C. integrifolia ‘Durandii,’ because its two parents are ‘Jackmanii’ and C. integrifolia. A product of two incredible species, this hybrid excels in home gardens. 

This variety has blooms with a rich violet hue. They have a single row of spaced petals that make star shapes. Prune the plants back in spring before new growth occurs to control their size and structure. Unlike other varieties, this one is more of an upright shrub than a climbing vine. 

Evergreen Clematis

	botanical name Clematis armandii
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 15-30’
	hardiness zones 7-11

Evergreen clematis is one of a few species to retain its leaves through the winter! Though it’s native to parts of China, it’s an excellent ornamental vine in moderate climates of the U.S. It thrives in the Pacific Northwest, the East Coast, and parts of the South. 

This evergreen variety blooms on old wood, meaning the best time to prune it is shortly after blooming is over. When the white, fragrant flowers fade, cut back the plant to restrict its growth and control unruly stems. 

Henryi

	botanical name Clematis ‘Henryi’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6-15’
	hardiness zones 4-11

‘Henryi’ is a charming cultivar with dense white and red-centered blossoms that reach six to eight inches wide. A double bloomer, it flowers in summer and again a few weeks later on new growth. Prune it lightly after the first round of blooms to keep it compact. 

Unlike other clematis, this variety stays relatively short. It’ll top out around eight feet, working well on trellises, arbors, and garden structures. 

Jackmanii

	botanical name Clematis ‘Jackmanii’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 10-15’
	hardiness zones 4-11

‘Jackmanii’ might be the most famous clematis of them all! It adorns its vines with purple flowers that have dark violet centers. They blossom in late summer at a time when color is much needed in the garden.

This classic clematis likes rich, well-drained soil. Mulch will help protect and feed its roots. Use compost or leaf mold, and add a layer two to three inches thick on top of the roots; be sure to avoid piling up the mulch on the stems. 

Josephine

	botanical name Clematis ‘Evijohill’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 8-9’
	hardiness zones 4-11

More heat-tolerant than other clematis species, Josephine is a choice cultivar with creamy white flowers. The petals have mauve-red centers, making a lovely contrast that’s pleasing to the eye. 

Josephine originally went by ‘Evijohill,’ and you’ll see it sold under both names. Look for it from online retailers or nurseries near you, as it’s a popular variety. 

Nelly Moser

	botanical name Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6-10’
	hardiness zones 4-11

If pink is your color, ‘Nelly Moser’ is the best variety for you! It sprouts decadent pink flowers that morph into frilly seed heads. Use either to make bouquets or floral arrangements and adorn your home with decorative shapes and colors. 

A rebloomer, ‘Nelly Moser’ blooms once in spring off of last year’s growth, and again in summer off of new growth. Prune the plants as needed to maintain their shape. 

Ramona

	botanical name Clematis ‘Ramona’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 8-12’
	hardiness zones 4-11

‘Ramona’ is a beautiful blue flower, rare in gardens! This variety has lavender-blue blossoms with long petals in a single row. Let it climb your fence, or train it up along a trellis on a wall.

Like many other varieties on this list, ‘Ramona’ is a reblooming type that flowers once on old growth and again on new growth. To encourage a larger bloom in a single period, cut the plant back hard in the fall or spring. 

Scarlet Clematis

	botanical name Clematis texensis
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6-15’
	hardiness zones 4-8

Instead of a fancy cultivar, why not plant a native clematis? Scarlet clematis is the perfect choice, as it’s native to large swaths of Texas. Scarlet-red blossoms with thin petals sprout off the deciduous vines in late summer. 

This native species blooms on new growth, meaning you’ll want to prune it in spring. Prune it back as hard as you’d like, as new growth will emerge from wherever you make your cuts. 

The President

	botanical name Clematis ‘The President’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 8-10’
	hardiness zones 4-11

Rounding out this list, ‘The President’ explodes with dark purple-blue blooms in spring and again in late summer. It’s less blue than ‘Ramona,’ but its darker color lends itself well to gardens with shade. Train it alongside yellow blooming plants for a lovely contrast of color.