How to plant a clematis?

Plant with the crown buried 5-10 cm deep to encourage new shoots. Add compost, set up a support, and mulch the base to keep the roots cool. Ideal in spring or autumn.

What exposure does a clematis need?

Head in the sun, feet in the shade. Clematis needs 4-6 hours of sun to bloom abundantly but prefers its base shaded and cool.

How to train a clematis to climb?

Guide the stems on a trellis, pergola, or wire mesh. Clematis clings on its own with twining petioles. Gently tie young stems to direct their growth.

Why is my clematis not flowering?

Lack of sun, incorrect pruning, or plant too young. Ensure 4-6 hours of sun, prune according to the flowering group, and wait 2-3 years for young plants.

How to prune a clematis?

Depends on the flowering group: Group 1 (early bloom) after flowering, Group 2 (large flowers) light pruning in February, Group 3 (late bloom) heavy pruning in February-March.

Yes, most clematis are hardy down to -15/-20°C. Mulch the base in winter in cold regions. Potted varieties are more sensitive to frost.

Can you grow a clematis in a pot?

Yes, perfect in a pot on a balcony or terrace. Choose a deep container at least 40 cm, set up a support, and keep the base shaded with a saucer or low plants.

Which clematis to choose for a balcony?

Compact varieties like 'Piilu', 'Arabella', or 'Petit Faucon'. These clematis stay under 2 m and bloom abundantly in pots with suitable support.

How to water a clematis?

Regular watering, especially in summer. Clematis likes fresh but well-drained soil. Mulch the base to retain moisture and reduce watering in winter.

Clematis — the flowering climber for balcony, terrace, and garden

From pure white to deep purple, clematis adorns walls, trellises, and pergolas with a spectacular bloom. Discover our 12 varieties — evergreen or deciduous, fragrant or large-flowered — all suitable for growing in pots.

Clematis is the queen of flowering climbing plants. Able to cover a wall, trellis, or pergola in just a few seasons, it produces spectacular flowers—sometimes over 15 cm in diameter—in a palette ranging from pure white to deep purple, including pink, red, and blue.

Evergreen Clematis: Green All Year Round

Clematis armandii are the only evergreen clematis in our selection. The classic Armandii offers abundant, fragrant white blooms in early spring, while the Armandii 'Apple Blossom' stands out with its delicate pale pink flowers. Their tough, glossy foliage remains decorative all year, making them an excellent choice to dress a wall or balcony without any bare periods. Also discover our other evergreen climbers in the climbers and ground cover collection.

Large-Flowered Clematis: A Show on the Balcony

The large-flowered varieties are the most impressive. Clematis 'Multi Blue' produces double flowers in an intense blue-violet, 'Miss Bateman' displays large white flowers with a burgundy center, and 'Niobe' sports a deep velvety red. 'Justa' offers subtle lilac tones, while 'Nelly Moser' is distinguished by its bicolored pink and mauve petals. 'The President' and 'Jackmanii' are the classic purples, reliable and generous. 'Hagley Hybrid' adds an original cardinal red touch.

Montana Clematis: Spring Vigor

Clematis montana are the most vigorous of all: they quickly cover large areas and produce a cascade of small fragrant flowers in spring. Montana 'Grandiflora' offers a carpet of white flowers, while Montana 'Fragrant Spring' adds an intoxicating scent. Ideal for an entire wall or pergola, they require little maintenance once established.

Growing Clematis in a Pot on a Balcony

Contrary to popular belief, clematis grows very well in pots. Choose a container at least 30 cm deep—clematis like to keep their roots cool. The secret: "head in the sun, feet in the shade." Mulch the base of the pot or place a small ground cover plant in front to protect the roots from direct sun. A sturdy support (trellis, stake, taut wires) is essential to guide the twining stems. See our article choosing the right pot for details. Also explore our set up my balcony collection.

Exposure and Hardiness

Most clematis prefer sun or partial shade for optimal flowering. Light-colored large-flowered varieties (Miss Bateman, Nelly Moser) tolerate partial shade better than darker varieties. All clematis in our selection are hardy and withstand harsh winters, with Armandii being the most sensitive to cold (hardy to about -10°C). For very sunny balconies, also check out our plants for sunny balconies collection.

Pruning and Care

Pruning is the aspect that worries most people about clematis, but it’s simple once you understand the principle. Spring-flowering clematis (Armandii, Montana) are pruned just after flowering. Large-flowered clematis are lightly pruned in late winter. Besides pruning, clematis requires regular watering during the first year and a fertilizer boost in spring. Our month-by-month care calendar helps you plan the right actions at the right time.

Combining Clematis with Other Climbers

Clematis pairs perfectly with other climbing plants for a wall or balcony in bloom all year round. Combine it with star jasmine for summer fragrance, wisteria for spring volume, or campsis for blazing trumpets in summer. For a complete ensemble, browse our balconies and terraces and flowering plants collections.