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hardy clematis

Looking for a stunning, reliable climber that can withstand New Zealand’s ever-changing weather? Look no further than hardy clematis. Famed for their resilience, these versatile flowering vines offer a spectacular display of colour, lush foliage, and captivating forms, even in regions that experience frosty winters or exposed conditions. Whether you’re seeking dramatic curtains of spring blossoms, long-flowering companions for your perennial borders, or a low-maintenance solution to soften fences and pergolas, hardy clematis brings lasting beauty to almost any garden.

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 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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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 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 durandii purple flowers.
Clematis 'Durandii'

Clematis 'Durandii' is a striking clematis variety renowned for its large, velvety, deep blue flowers that bloom over a long summer season. Unlike...

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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 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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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 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-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 afoliata yellow flowers.
Clematis afoliata

Clematis afoliata is a slender, scrambling vine that does not carry leaves. During spring the plants burst into flower with masses of fragrant...

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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 '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 cartmanii white flowers.
Clematis cartmanii

Clematis cartmanii is a vigorous, evergreen climber that features scrambling stems with leathery, dark green foliage. It produces masses of sweetly...

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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

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 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-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 '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-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 '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 '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-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 '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 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 '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-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-josephine-
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 '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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis montana 'Rubens'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search hardy clematis

Why Choose Hardy Clematis

Hardy clematis varieties thrive where other climbers falter, proving tough enough for challenging spots. Their ability to cope with cold, wind, and less-than-perfect soils makes them ideal for gardens from the far north to the frosty south. Many types are vigorous, covering walls, trellises, and even the base of trees. The large, open flowers of Clematis montana or the uniquely coloured forms of Clematis integrifolia and Clematis 'Durandii' add vertical interest and seasonal highlights for years with minimal fuss.

Popular Hardy Clematis Varieties

Some clematis are better suited to tough conditions than others. For New Zealand gardens, favourites include Clematis montana, well-loved for its clouds of fragrant pink or white blooms in late spring. The beautiful double-flowered Clematis montana 'Marjorie' introduces soft salmon hues, creating a romantic cascade along fences or arches.

Not all hardy clematis are climbers. Clematis integrifolia is a non-climbing variety with upright, bushy form and nodding blue flowers, making it perfect for adding texture to mixed borders. If you’re after an evergreen option with tough garden performance, consider Clematis armandii, renowned for its robust nature and clusters of scented white blooms.

Growing Tips for Hardy Clematis

Hardy clematis is as rewarding as it is durable. Most varieties prefer their roots cool and shaded—try planting at the base of smaller shrubs or mulching thickly to protect from summer heat. While they love sun on their flowers, morning sunlight is often all that’s needed for reliable flowering. Give your hardy clematis a well-drained site, enrich the planting hole with compost, and water regularly during establishment.

Pruning requirements vary depending on the type—early spring-flowering varieties like Clematis montana need little more than a tidy-up after flowering, while late-flowering types can be cut back hard for fresh summer growth. Feeding with a general garden fertiliser in spring supports healthy vines and prolific blooms.

Inspiration for Your Garden

From rugged shelter belts to elegant pergolas and vibrant mixed borders, hardy clematis is the secret ingredient for lasting garden beauty. Discover the full range of possibilities by exploring Clematis integrifolia, Clematis montana 'Marjorie', Clematis montana, Clematis armandii, or the striking Clematis 'Durandii'. With their hardiness and dramatic impact, there’s a clematis to suit every corner of your kiwi garden.


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