Clematis 'Constance' (Constance Clematis)

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Clematis, Genus, 'Constance', Cultivar,

Genus
Cultivar

constance clematis

Ranunculaceae

Hybrid of garden origin; Atragene Group (alpina/macropetala parentage)

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–9

Overview

Clematis 'Constance' is a compact, deciduous, climbing vine in the Atragene Group (alpina type) reaching 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) tall with a spread of 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 m). The cultivar carries nodding, semi-double to double, bell-shaped flowers 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm) long in deep rosy-pink to mauve-pink from April through May on the previous year's wood. Each flower carries four outer tepals surrounding a central cluster of petal-like staminodes, producing the semi-double effect. Silky, feathery seed heads follow the flowers and persist through summer into fall. Leaves are compound and ternate with toothed leaflets. The plant climbs by twining leaf petioles. Growth rate is moderate. Alpina-type clematis extend the genus's cold range down to zone 3, reliable in regions where large-flowered hybrids winterkill. The early spring bloom fills a gap when few other clematis are in flower. Pruning Group 1: light pruning after flowering only if size control is needed, since flowers form on old wood. Clematis wilt is rarely reported in alpina types. All parts contain protoanemonin, an irritant that causes skin and mucous membrane contact dermatitis; sap contact during pruning should be rinsed off promptly and ingestion causes mouth burning and GI upset.

Native Range

Clematis 'Constance' is an alpina-type hybrid of garden origin. The Atragene Group derives from species native to mountain habitats across Europe and northern Asia, including C. alpina (European Alps, Carpathians) and C. macropetala (China, Siberia).

Suggested Uses

Planted on trellises, fences, arbors, and scrambling through small trees at 3–4 foot (0.9–1.2 m) spacing. The early spring bloom in April–May complements later-flowering clematis for a sequenced season of clematis color from April through September in mixed plantings. The compact size suits small gardens and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). The cold tolerance to zone 3 and the shade tolerance support planting on north- and east-facing walls where most clematis fail. Paired with spring bulbs such as Narcissus and early perennials, the rosy-pink bells open in the same 3–4 week window. The silky seed heads carry the ornamental season from June through October.

How to Identify

Separated from 'Alionushka' and 'Betty Corning' by the early spring bloom (April–May versus June–September) and the old-wood flowering (Pruning Group 1 versus Group 3). Separated from large-flowered clematis by the smaller, nodding, bell-shaped (versus large, flat, upward-facing) flowers. Separated from other alpina cultivars by the deep rosy-pink color and the semi-double flower form. The nodding, semi-double, deep rosy-pink bells in early spring on an alpina-type vine identify this cultivar.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Flowers: April–May

Spring

Nodding, semi-double, bell-shaped, deep rosy-pink flowers 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm) long open from April through May on the previous year's growth. Bloom duration is 3–4 weeks. Silky, feathery seed heads develop after flowering and persist into fall, extending the ornamental period by 4–6 months beyond the bloom window.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep rosy-pink to mauve-pink, semi-double

Foliage Description

Medium green, compound ternate with toothed leaflets

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 7.5 (Neutral to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant with the crown 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) below soil surface in moist, well-drained soil. Full sun to partial shade; the cultivar tolerates deeper shade than most clematis, including north- and east-facing wall placements. Shading the root zone with mulch or low companions reduces summer stress. A trellis, fence, or small tree supplies climbing support. Alpina types extend the cold range of the genus into zone 3, reliable in regions where large-flowered hybrids die back to the crown each winter. Consistent moisture supports vigor but alpinas tolerate drier soils than the large-flowered hybrids. Pruning Group 1: light pruning after flowering if size control is needed. Clematis wilt is rarely reported in alpina types. All parts contain protoanemonin, an irritant; gloves during pruning reduce skin contact.

Pruning

Pruning Group 1: Flowers form on the previous year's wood. Light pruning immediately after flowering (May) is done only when size control is needed. Dead or damaged stems are removed in late winter. Hard cutback removes the flower-producing wood and forfeits the following spring's bloom.

Pruning Schedule

Prune: May

late spring