Clematis are the most widely grown flowering climbing plants in European gardens — with 300+ species and thousands of cultivars, they bloom from late winter through to late autumn in every colour from white to deep purple, in flower sizes from 1cm to 25cm across. Browse our Clematis collection with delivery across Europe.

Which Clematis Should I Choose?

Clematis are divided into three pruning groups. Group 1 (early-flowering: Clematis armandii, montana) blooms January–April on previous year's wood — do not hard prune. Group 2 (large-flowered: Nelly Moser, The President) blooms May–June then again August–September. Group 3 (viticella, late large-flowered: Jackmanii) blooms July–September and is cut back hard every February — the easiest group for beginners.

How to Grow Clematis

Clematis grow best with their roots in cool, moist shade and their flowering stems in full sun or light shade — the classic rule is "head in the sun, feet in the shade." Plant at least 15cm away from a wall or fence to avoid the dry root zone. Most Clematis prefer a trellis or wire support to scramble through.

Clematis Care Tips

• Watering — water deeply once or twice a week in dry weather, especially in the first season
• Feeding — balanced fertiliser in spring; high-potash feed monthly from May to August
• Pruning — follow the correct pruning group; wrong pruning is the most common cause of poor flowering
• Wilt — if stems collapse suddenly, cut back to healthy growth at soil level; Clematis wilt rarely kills the root system

Browse our complete climbing plants collection and read our guide to the best climbing plants for your garden.