7 spring-flowering clematis

Clematis armandii 'Apple Blossom' - Father Armand's clematis

Clematis armandii ‘Apple Blossom’ — Armand’s clematis is a tried-and-tested favourite. From the end of winter, from March to April, it produces a profusion of scented star-shaped flowers, white with a pink tinge and a deeper pink reverse. Its stems are clad with long, pointed, glossy dark green leaves that are evergreen. Slow-growing, it can reach a height of 4 metres with a spread of 3 metres. Hardy, it prefers a sunny, sheltered position and cool, well-drained, fertile soil. To help it climb, provide a suitable support such as a trellis or a pergola. It is hardy to -12°C. You can plant this clematis in your garden or on your terrace in a large pot.

This climbing plant makes the ideal companion for climbing roses, such as the climbing rose ‘Pierre de Ronsard’ or other clematis in violet or mauve tones.

The Clematis - Clematis alpina

Another reliable choice is the Clematis – Clematis alpina, a climbing plant with spring-flowering, which offers delicate bell-shaped, pendulous flowers in April and May. For each flower, the elongated tepals in a bluish-violet hue surround a white centre, giving it the appearance of a columbine. The finely cut and dentate foliage bears pale green tones. In autumn, feathery, silvery fruits appear. Hardy and robust, this climber clings to any support available thanks to its tendrils. It can be grown in full sun or in partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. It reaches a height of 3 metres and can be planted in the ground or in a large pot.

This Alpine clematis enjoys weaving its way among the climbing plants planted nearby as neighbours. It pairs well with Kerria japonica with yellow pom-poms, such as the variety ‘Golden Guinea’, or with a Prunus or pink-flowering ornamental cherry.

Clematis - Clematis 'Little Mermaid'

To continue with reliable choices, discover the Clematis – Clematis ‘Little Mermaid’ which blooms in May and June with charming pink flowers featuring a yellow centre. Its flowers are rounded and double, and its unusual colouring offers different tones, ranging from salmon pink to a paler pink that becomes bluish. A second flowering appears in autumn, between September and October, with flowers of a simpler shape. This Japanese variety clings to a support with its tendrils and develops glossy green foliage that is deciduous. It can reach a height of 2 metres and a spread of 1 metre. Hardy to -23.5°C, it prefers a sunny position in cool, well-drained soil.

You can plant this Clematis in your garden or in a pot on your terrace. In terms of companion planting, it pairs well with dwarf conifers, with which it brightens the foliage through its two successive bloomings each year.

The Clematis - Clematis 'White Pearl'

In the essential collection, you will also find the Clematis – Clematis ‘White Pearl’ which is distinguished by its large 9 cm diameter flowers in pure white, highlighted by a dark red centre of stamens. Flowering occurs in spring, from May to June, then more sporadically in summer, from July to August. The flowers are rounded and fully open. The foliage is dark green and deciduous. In autumn, small feathery fruits adorn its stems. This compact clematis climbs to a height of up to 2 metres, which allows it to be grown in a garden, along a trellis or a wall, or on a balcony in a large pot. Hardy to -29°C, it thrives in full sun in a cool, well-drained soil.

This clematis pairs well with other climbing plants, adding a touch of elegance and light, such as climbing roses. You can plant hardy geraniums or shrubby salvias at its base.

The Clematis - Clematis 'Picotee'

The Clematis – Clematis ‘Picotee’ is a new climbing plant variety with a rare and striking colour. This reliable variety features flowers resembling large stars about 12 cm in diameter, bi-coloured, white edged with rose-red. Flowering appears twice, first in May–June and again in August–September. The flowers are notable for their overlapping petals. The foliage is mid-green and deciduous. This small, floriferous climber grows to a height of up to 2 metres, making it a good choice for the garden or pot culture. It thrives in full sun, in moist, well-drained soil. It is hardy to -29°C.

To make the most of its beauty, plant it along a path, on a trellis or a pergola. You can also pair it with another white Clematis or a pink one to echo its colours.

The Clematis – Clematis 'The Vagabond'

The Clematis – Clematis ‘The Vagabond’ features large star-shaped flowers in a deep purple hue veined with crimson. The flowers measure 18 cm in diameter and bloom from May to August. The oval, lanceolate leaves are deciduous. The flowering is followed by the appearance of silvery, feathery seed heads. It climbs to a height of up to 2.5 metres and thrives in sun in well-prepared clay-siliceous soil, which should be deep, cool and fertile. Be sure to keep its roots shaded.

This climbing plant blends beautifully with other Clematis varieties or red climbing roses.

The Clematis - Clematis florida 'Sieboldii'

The Clematis – Clematis florida ‘Sieboldii’ offers elegant flowering from May to July. Its stems which can reach up to 2.5 metres in height are clothed with cream-white bi-colour flowers with a violet heart of stamens. Its foliage is medium green and deciduous. You can plant it in the ground or in a large pot, in full sun or partial shade, in rich, cool and well-drained soil. It is advisable to protect its crown from the sun by placing it in shade or covering it with a tile. It is frost hardy to -12°C.

Pair it with a Lagerstroemia Summer Violet or a Clematis ‘The Vagabond’.

Further reading

Discover our full range of clematis, as well as our comprehensive guide to planting and maintaining clematis.