Common Name: clematis
Type: Vine
Family: Ranunculaceae
Native Range: China, Japan
Zone: 6 to 9
Height: 6.00 to 8.00 feet
Spread: 3.00 to 6.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Description: White with purple center
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Tolerate: Deer, Black Walnut
Culture
Grow in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. This vine likes a warm, sunny location with roots kept cool, shaded and uniformly moist. It generally needs an adequate supply of nutrients during the growing season to support the rush of growth. Site in a protected location in the St. Louis area where it may not be reliably winter hardy. It may be grown in containers that are overwintered indoors.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Clematis florida var. sieboldiana is native to China and Japan. It is a deciduous vine that typically grows to 6-8’ and features showy single flowers (3-4” diameter), each with creamy white sepals and a large central mass of purple staminodes. The main flush of bloom comes in late spring to early summer (June-July in St. Louis) with sporadic but sparse continued rebloom into fall. Biternate green leaves. Synonymous with C. florida var. bicolor.
Genus name comes from the Greek word klematis which is an old name applied to climbing plants.
Specific epithet means of Florida.
Problems
Clematis wilt is a potentially fatal fungal disease that can affect any clematis, but large-flowered, hybrid varieties are the most susceptible. Powdery mildew, leaf spots, rust and viruses can also be problematic. Potential insect pests include aphids, vine weevils, slugs/snails, scale and earwigs. Watch for spider mites. This plant can be difficult to grow well. It does not always flower profusely and the vines can appear weak.
Uses
Attractive bi-color flowers for a woodland setting. Sprawl over and through large shrubs or grow on a stationary structure. Containers.