Flowering Vine
Clematis, Genus, florida, Species,
- Genus & species
Passion flower clematis
Overview
Clematis florida is a semi-evergreen to deciduous climbing vine that grows 6–12 feet (1.8–3.7 m) tall and 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) wide, climbing by twisting leaf stalks. Leaves are biternate to trifoliate, with ovate to lance-shaped leaflets 1–3 inches (2.5–8 cm) long, dark green, and hold through mild winters. Flowers are 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) across, with six white to cream sepals that overlap or spread flat, and a central boss of stamens that are purple in the cultivar C. florida var. sieboldiana. Plants bloom on short shoots from the previous year's wood, with a lighter second flush on new growth in some climates. Fruits are clusters of achenes with persistent, feathery styles 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long. Hardiness is USDA zones 6–9, with stem dieback at 0–5°F (−18 to −15°C). Clematis wilt, a fungal disease caused by Calophoma clematidina, kills stems at the base on young plants. All parts contain protoanemonin, a skin irritant, and plants are toxic if eaten.
Native Range
Clematis florida is native to China, where it grows in thickets and on forest margins in the central and southern provinces. It has been cultivated in Japan since the 17th century and in Europe since the late 18th century.Suggested Uses
Clematis florida is grown on trellises, obelisks, fences, and shrub supports, and in containers of 10 gallons (38 L) or larger with a support. Plants are spaced 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart, with roots shaded by perennials or mulch.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 12'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Bloom Information
Clematis florida blooms in late spring to early summer, typically May to June, on short shoots from old wood, with individual flowers lasting 2–3 weeks. A smaller second flush appears in late summer on new growth in warm climates. Seed heads follow flowers in late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to cream with purple or cream centerFoliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Clematis florida grows in full sun to part sun, with 5–8 hours of direct light on the stems, in fertile, moist, well-drained soil of pH 6.0–7.5, with the base and roots in shade. Plants need 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water weekly during dry periods. Hardiness is USDA zones 6–9, and a 2–3 inch (5–8 cm) mulch layer shades the roots from heat and insulates them in cold. Trellis, wire, or shrub support spaced 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) from the wall is required, since stems climb by twisting leaf stalks. Clematis wilt, slugs, and aphids affect plants. Planting depth of 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) below the soil line places dormant buds underground, from which stems regrow after wilt.Pruning
Pruning takes place after the first flush of flowers, removing dead and weak stems and shortening remaining stems by up to one-third, since flowers form on old wood. Stems cut to 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) in late winter reduce bloom for the following season. Overgrown plants are cut to 12 inches (30 cm) in late winter, and regrow with flowering resuming in 1–2 seasons.Pruning Schedule
Prune: June–July
late springsummer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons
