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clematis varieties

Explore the dazzling world of clematis varieties and discover how these sophisticated climbers can transform your New Zealand garden. Clematis offer a staggering array of colours, forms, and flowering seasons, making them one of the most versatile plants for fences, pergolas, trellises, or even containers. Whether you’re searching for the classic large-flowered options or prefer unusual herbaceous types, there’s a clematis variety perfect for your garden style and growing conditions. On this page, we'll cover popular clematis varieties, their practical uses, and tips for cultivating them successfully. If you’re ready to add vertical drama and vibrant blooms to your outdoor space, read on for inspiration and advice.

Clematis montana 'Rubens' pink flower with purple-green foliage.

Clematis montana 'Rubens'

Clematis montana ‘Rubens’ is a vigorous and stunning deciduous climber known for its profusion of soft pink, vanilla-scented flowers in spring. The blooms contrast beautifully with the bronze-tinged foliage, creating an impressive display on fences, pergolas, and trellises. Perfect for covering large areas quickly, ‘Rubens’ thrives in most NZ gardens and rewards with low maintenance and long-lasting beauty. It’s a classic choice for adding romance, colour, and fragrance to outdoor spaces.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Clematis 'Alice Fisk' purple flowers.
Clematis Alice Fisk

Plant in a sunny, sheltered position with free-draining soil enriched with organic matter. ‘Villa Franca’ Lemon benefits from protection against...

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Clematis Ken Donson growing against a wall with blue flowers.
Clematis Ken Donson

Clematis Ken Donson is a deciduous climber grown for its flowers and vigorous growth. It produces large and showy, single, deep blue flowers through...

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Clematis Lincoln Star

Clematis Lincoln Star is a deciduous climber grown for its flowers and vigorous growth. It produces large and showy, two-toned pink flowers from late...

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clematis-belle-of-woking-5
Clematis Belle of Woking

Clematis Belle of Woking is a popular, deciduous climber grown for its flowers and vigorous growth. It produces large and showy, double, mauve...

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clematis-mayleen-
Clematis montana Mayleen

Clematis montana Mayleen is a variety selected for its masses of fragrant and showy flowers. This deciduous vine features mauve-pink flowers which...

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Clematis forsteri cream-yellow flowers in a large cluster.
Clematis forsteri

Clematis forsteri is a NZ native climber that features showy and scented, white flowers in spring. The flowers are contrasted nicely by the dark...

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clematis-warszawska-nike-
Clematis Warszawska Nike

Clematis Warszawska Nike is a popular variety owing to its flowers and vigorous growth. It produces masses of showy, velvety, dark purple flowers...

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clematis-gillian-blades--5
Clematis Gillian Blades

Clematis Gillian Blades is a popular, deciduous climber grown for its flowers and vigorous growth. It produces large and showy, white flowers from...

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Clematis montana 'Freda' pink flowers.
Clematis montana rubens 'Freda'

Clematis montana rubens ‘Freda’ is a compact deciduous climber producing masses of rich deep pink flowers in late spring. The blooms are set against...

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Clematis integrifolia plant with blue flowers and lush green foliage.
Clematis integrifolia

Clematis integrifolia is a hardy and compact clematis variety prized for its nodding, bell shaped blue flowers that bloom from late spring through...

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clematis-hagley-hybrid--1
Clematis Hagley Hybrid

Clematis Hagley Hybrid is a deciduous climber grown for its flowers and vigorous growth. It produces large and showy, single, soft-pink flowers from...

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Clematis jackmanii superba growing on a fence with purple flowers.
Clematis jackmanii Superba

Clematis jackmanii Superba is a classic and much loved clematis variety known for its large, velvety purple flowers that bloom profusely from mid to...

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clematis-duchess-of-edinburgh-3
Clematis Duchess of Edinburgh

Clematis Duchess of Edinburgh is a popular, deciduous climber grown for its flowers and vigorous growth. It produces large and showy, double, pure...

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Clematis 'Ville de Lyon' pink flowers and lush green foliage.
Clematis Ville de Lyon

Clematis Ville de Lyon is a popular variety grown for its flowers and vigorous growth. It produces masses of single, rose-pink flowers from spring...

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clematis-andromeda-1
Clematis Andromeda

Clematis Andromeda is a popular, deciduous climber grown for its flowers and vigorous growth. It produces large and showy, semi-double, white and...

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Clematis paniculata white flowers.
Clematis paniculata

Clematis paniculata, known as Puawhananga, is a stunning native New Zealand climber celebrated for its masses of fragrant white flowers in spring and...

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Clematis montana 'Marjorie' flowers.
Clematis montana 'Marjorie'

Clematis montana ‘Marjorie’ is a vigorous deciduous climber prized for its profusion of semi-double, soft pink flowers in late spring. Each bloom...

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Clematis Josephine

Clematis Josephine is a variety of Clematis grown for its masses of very showy flowers. The flowers are shades of pink and white, and are produced...

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Clematis hookeriana flowers.
Clematis hookeriana

Clematis hookeriana is a rare and charming NZ native clematis species valued for its delicate white, bell shaped flowers that appear in spring. Its...

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Clematis 'Henryi' white flowers with green foliage growing on a trellis.
Clematis 'Henryi'

Clematis 'Henryi' is a magnificent large flowering clematis that produces showy pure white blooms with striking golden stamens. Flowering from late...

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Clematis 'John Warren' pink and white flowers.
Clematis 'John Warren'

Clematis 'John Warren' is a striking clematis variety admired for its large, star shaped flowers with lilac pink petals and striking magenta veining...

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Clematis armandii white flowers.
Clematis armandii

Clematis armandii is a vigorous, evergreen climber admired for its glossy green foliage and masses of fragrant white flowers in early spring. Native...

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Clematis 'Snowflake' growing on a fence and featuring masses of white flowers and lush, green foliage.
Clematis montana 'Snowflake'

Clematis montana ‘Snowflake’ is a vigorous, fast-growing climber that produces a breathtaking display of fragrant, pure white flowers in late spring...

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Clematis 'HF-Young' blue flowers.
Clematis 'HF Young'

Clematis 'HF Young' is grown for its beautiful and showy flowers. The large flowers are mid-blue and produced en masse through spring and summer. The...

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Masses of Clematis montana 'Elizabeth' pink flowers.
Clematis montana 'Elizabeth'

Clematis montana 'Elizabeth' is grown for its masses of fragrant and showy flowers. This deciduous vine features mauve-pink flowers which fade to a...

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Clematis 'Elsa Spath' purple and pink flower.
Clematis 'Elsa Spath'

Clematis 'Elsa Spath' is a classic large flowering clematis prized for its stunning violet blue blooms with striking red anthers. Flowering from late...

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Clematis montana climber growing up a trellis with masses of elegant, pink flowers.
Clematis montana

Clematis montana is a very hardy and vigorous climber that produces masses of light pink flowers from spring through summer. The foliage is dark...

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Clematis marmoraria plant with yellow flowers.
Clematis marmoraria

Clematis marmoraria is grown for its delicate and pretty flowers. The flowers are cream-green and produced en masse through spring. The foliage is...

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Clematis 'Honora' dark pink flower.
Clematis 'Honora'

Clematis 'Honora' is a striking climbing plant known for its large, velvety purple flowers that appear from early summer through autumn. Perfect for...

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Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' flowers.
Clematis Guernsey Cream

Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' is a beautiful large flowering clematis with creamy white blooms that emerge with a hint of green before fading to pure...

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Clematis montana 'Rubens'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Clematis, or related Categories - Deciduous Climbers, and Evergreen Climbers.

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Popular Clematis Varieties in New Zealand

New Zealand gardeners are spoilt for choice with clematis varieties, each with its own charm. One outstanding classic is the Clematis jackmanii Superba, famous for its rich purple blooms and prolific flowering. This vigorous climber looks spectacular trained up trellises or allowed to cascade over fences.

For those who prefer herbaceous clematis varieties, Clematis integrifolia offers a unique, upright habit with nodding blue flowers—a different look from the popular climbing types. It’s a wonderful choice for borders and mixed perennial beds.

If you love deep, velvety colours, Clematis Warszawska Nike delivers intense purple blooms and a long flowering season, making it a favourite among landscapers and home gardeners. For striking, semi-herbaceous blooms, Clematis 'Durandii' combines rich indigo flowers with resilient growth, suitable for both small and large gardens.

Finally, Clematis 'John Warren' stands out with delicate pink flowers and exceptional hardiness—perfect for gardeners looking to add soft colour and elegant structure to their garden spaces.

How to Choose Among Clematis Varieties

Selecting the right clematis variety depends on your site conditions, desired flower colour, and personal style. Think about whether you want a climbing plant to cover a wall or a compact variety for a container. Flowering times also vary, with some blooming in spring and others from summer into autumn, so mix different types for an extended display.

Many clematis varieties pair beautifully with roses and other climbers, intensifying garden colour and texture. When choosing, consider pruning needs: some prefer light pruning and others require harder cutting back.

Growing Tips for Clematis Varieties

Successful clematis cultivation hinges on three essentials: plenty of sun, good drainage, and cool roots. Plant your clematis with the crown buried a few centimeters deep and mulch around the base to keep the roots cool. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Support climbers with trellises or wires, and feed them with a balanced fertiliser in spring for the best blooms.

Explore Our Collection

Browse our full range of clematis varieties—from the regal Clematis jackmanii Superba to the herbaceous Clematis integrifolia, vibrant Clematis Warszawska Nike, and unique Clematis 'Durandii'. Let Clematis 'John Warren' bring delicate beauty to your landscape. With the right clematis varieties, your New Zealand garden can enjoy gorgeous blooms and vertical interest through the year.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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