One of the first vines to bloom in spring are the evergreen and early blooming deciduous clematis. These popular vines offer colourful, sometimes fragrant flowers (particularly Clematis armandii), vigorous growth habits and fairly low maintenance making them an excellent way to create a privacy screen or visual barrier. In this article, we’ll showcase five different clematis vines available this Spring.
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Avalanche Evergreen Clematis
Clematis x cartmanii ‘Blaaval’
A profusion of pure white flowers cover the unique, deeply cut, leathery green leaves. Excellent for trailing down banks (like an avalanche of snow when in bloom!). Can also be used as a climbing vine or a groundcover. Flowers bloom in early to mid-spring. Stems will grow between 10-15ft in length/height. Evergreen. Hardy in USDA zones 7-9. Best when planted in full sun with shaded roots. Soil should be moist, but well drained.
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‘Bluebird Clematis’
Bluebird Clematis is another beautiful deciduous vine with mauve blue, lantern like flowers in spring to late spring. Seed heads are also particularly pleasing. Thrives in sun to part sun in rich, well drained soils. Deciduous. Group 1. Will grow 8-12ft in length/height. Hardy to zone 3.
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Pink-a-Boo Anemone Clematis
Clematis montana rubens ‘Monsichuan’
This superb clematis has deep plum coloured foliage and white flowers with a pink blush. Wonderful as a climbing vine or a groundcover. Blooms in early spring. Best in part to full sun with shaded roots. Stems can grow to 20ft in length/height. Hardy in USDA zones 6-9
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‘Pauline’ Clematis
Pauline is a unique clematis that features large lantern-like hanging flowers in shades of blue with white stamens. Blooms in mid-April to May. This is an unusual clematis that is sure to grab the attention of visitors to your garden. Stems grow approx. 10ft in height/spread. Best when grown in full to part sun with shaded roots. Prefers moist, but well drained, cool soils. Deciduous. Hardy to zone 3.
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Clematis ‘Markhams Pink’
This extremely hardy, popular deciduous clematis vine features enchanting pink, lantern-like flowers in spring. Blooms appear on previous years growth and develop attractive seed heads. Ideal for covering walls or arbors. Can also be grown in containers. Prune as per group 1. Grows 8-12 ft tall and wide. Best when grown in full to part sun with shaded roots. Soil should be moist and well drained. Hardy in zones 3-9.
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How to Grow Clematis
Clematis vines are fairly easy to plant and grow. Plant them in sunny or partly sunny location in moist, but well drained soils. Unlike a lot of other plants, it is ok to bury them a little deeper. This will encourage new stems to develop leading to a bushier plant over time. Ensure the roots are shaded. While they like sun, it is better if the roots are kept cool.
These and many other climbing vines are generally available at Art's Nursery. As always call ahead to confirm availability of specific varieties. If you have any questions about Clematis, please drop by and visit or give us a call at 604.882.1201 during busines hours.