Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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clematis and hydrangea

Clematis and hydrangea are a classic combination for New Zealand gardens, pairing lush flowering vines with bold, deciduous shrubs to create striking colour, texture, and seasonal interest. With their complementary blooming seasons and variety of flower forms, these versatile plants can transform any outdoor space, from cottage gardens to contemporary landscapes. Explore creative ways to feature clematis and hydrangea together and discover top varieties perfect for Kiwi conditions.

Hydrangea paniculata Levana

Hydrangea 'Levana' is a commanding paniculata variety known for its exceptionally large, upright panicle blooms that emerge creamy white and age to soft blush tones. Reaching impressive heights, this vigorous hydrangea is perfect for use as a specimen plant, hedge, or backdrop in New Zealand gardens. It thrives in full sun to part-shade and adapts well to a range of soil types, provided they are moist and well-drained. ‘Levana’ offers a dramatic summer display and is ideal for gardeners wanting height, structure, and floral impact.

Buy Hydrangea paniculata Levana

From $29.63

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 2.50 m

Spread: 2.50 m

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Hydrangea Madame Plumecoq

Hydrangea 'Madame Plumecoq' is a graceful lacecap hydrangea known for its soft pink outer florets and delicate flower structure. Blooming from early to mid-summer, it adds a gentle, romantic touch to shaded garden spaces, cottage-style borders, or woodland areas. This variety thrives in part-shade with moist, well-drained soil and performs well in New Zealand conditions. ‘Madame Plumecoq’ is an ideal choice for gardeners looking to incorporate elegance and understated colour into their outdoor spaces.

Buy Hydrangea Madame Plumecoq

From $29.63

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.20 m

Spread: 1.20 m

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock

Why Pair Clematis and Hydrangea?

Clematis and hydrangea are both beloved for their showy blooms, but their real magic happens when planted together. Hydrangeas provide a leafy, structural backdrop while clematis vines weave through or climb over them, adding vertical interest and layers of colour. This pairing softens boundaries, covers fences, and helps create a sense of lush abundance throughout the seasons. Many gardeners love pairing climbing hydrangeas, like Hydrangea seemanii, with classic clematis for a stunning display on walls or pergolas.

Best Clematis and Hydrangea Varieties for New Zealand

If you’re ready to add this duo to your garden, consider these standout options:

Stunning Hydrangeas

Hydrangea Madame Plumecoq is celebrated for its bold, mophead blooms in lush pinks and blues, making it ideal for borders and larger beds.
Hydrangea paniculata Levana flaunts huge white flower panicles in summer, offering a breathtaking focal point and pairing beautifully with scented or brightly-coloured clematis.
For climbers, Hydrangea seemanii is a tough evergreen that brings creamy white blossoms to shady spots and trellises.

Top Clematis Companions

Clematis Lincoln Star features large star-shaped flowers in striking pink and mauve, flowering in early summer and again in autumn.
Clematis Ville de Lyon offers a vibrant red display, perfect for adding drama when intertwined with pale hydrangea blooms.

Planting and Care Tips

To get the most from your clematis and hydrangea, choose a site with morning sun and afternoon shade, and prepare the soil by adding plenty of organic matter. Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil, and appreciate mulch to retain water. Clematis likes to keep its roots cool, so underplant with low-growing plants or mulch deeply. Both groups benefit from regular feeding and pruning to encourage bushy growth and flowering. When planting a clematis near a hydrangea, give each enough space to thrive while also allowing the clematis to twine up through the hydrangea stems or along a support structure for the best effect.

Create Your Dream Garden With Clematis and Hydrangea

Combining clematis and hydrangea brings perennial beauty, wildlife interest, and easy-care impact to your garden. Browse our hand-picked range to find timeless favourites like Hydrangea Madame Plumecoq, Hydrangea paniculata Levana, Hydrangea seemanii, Clematis Lincoln Star, and Clematis Ville de Lyon for your next planting project. Whether you want bold borders, living screens, or a floral focal point, this classic combination is sure to impress across the seasons.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.