Hobby gardeners are sometimes unsure about the winter hardiness of clematis. In fact, the plant family is home to hardy, conditionally hardy, and frost-sensitive species. Find out the differences here.

These clematis are hardy

If you are looking for indestructible clematis with robust frost hardiness, these species and varieties are the focus of interest:

  • Clematis alpina, the alpine clematis, flowers as early as April and withstands all sub-zero temperatures
  • Clematis macropetala comes from the harsh climes of China and Mongolia and is accordingly hardy
  • All varieties that have emerged from alpina and macropetala and are grouped together under the term abferred
  • Clematis orientalis and tangutica, the yellow flowering beauties are unaffected by frost

However, early flowering is not considered a sign of complete winter hardiness. The universally popular and early flowering Clematis montana has proven to be extremely sensitive to sub-zero temperatures. In contrast, the fascinating, summer-blooming Italian clematis Clematis viticella scores with a pronounced resistance to frost.

These clematis want to go into winter quarters

Evergreen clematis are native to Australia, New Zealand, China and southern Europe, which have a very mild climate. The following species and varieties will therefore only survive a typical German winter in a bright, frost-free winter quarters:

  • Clematis armandii
  • Clematis cirrhosa
  • Clematis forsteri Cartmannii
  • Clematis kweichowensi (semi-evergreen)

Winter protection is recommended here

A conditional winter hardiness implies that the clematis threatens to freeze to death from temperatures of -8 degrees Celsius. To prevent this shortcoming, the tendrils on the climbing aid are wrapped in jute or garden fleece. In addition, the tree disc should be piled up with leaves, straw and pine needles. Among other things, the precautions for this clematis come into consideration:

  • Clematis florida
  • Clematis napaulensis
  • Clematis montana

It is also advisable to protect a clematis in the bucket from frost and snow. This also applies to actually frost-resistant species. In the planter, the root ball is much less protected than deep in the ground due to the exposed location.

tips and tricks

Regardless of the winter hardiness of a clematis, there is a uniform need for care during the cold season. When Grim Reaper Frost misses the snow, clematis suffer from drought stress. When there is a frost, both the plants in the garden and in the bucket are watered on a frost-free day.

Category:

Indoor plants