Evergreen clematis a rare beauty
I “met” this plant when I stopped by the house of a friend in Plano almost 50 years ago. He had it growing on his chimney, although from the way I remember it, I’m not even sure he knew what he had. Nor did I.
I’d never seen evergreen clematis before, but I can guarantee you that I found out for sure what this handsome plant was. With its leathery, glossy dark green leaves and showy white, sweetly scented (I’m out of adjectives) flowers, I knew I’d seen a winner. I just needed to learn more about it.
The one thing I most needed to know came a few winters later – that Great Winter of 1983-84. Temperatures dropped below freezing before Christmas and stayed there for almost 300 consecutive hours in Collin County where my friend and I both lived. It wasn’t so much how cold it got, but how long it was cold. His plant didn’t survive.
So, when I recommend evergreen clematis to my fellow Texans, I always tell them that it’s a Zone 7 plant – with conditions. It does best where it can be protected anytime temperatures are going to drop into the teens or stay below freezing for any prolonged period of time. And, while gardening references will tell you that it’s best in full sun, that doesn’t mean full afternoon sun in Texas during the summer. I’d prefer to think of it as morning sun, afternoon shade.
Enough of the chat.
Let’s outline the facts…
Common name: Evergreen clematis
Botanical name: Clematis armandii
Plant family: Ranunculaceae
Native home: Central and South China and Myanmar (Burma)
Growth habit: Twining vine with tendrils
Mature size: Height 12-15 ft. Width 8-12 ft. (larger in South Texas)
Foliage: Evergreen, glossy, 1-3 in. long, narrow, palmate venation
Flowers: White, star-shaped, spring, 1-2 in. across. Fragrant. Attracts bees, butterflies.
Soil preference: Highly organic, consistently moist
Pest problems: None of major concern
Propagated: Stem cuttings
Note: Evergreen clematis is not frequently seen in Texas nurseries. Ask your favorite place if they ever handle it. If they do, grab it. If not, it is available online. Just be careful, if you want evergreen clematis, that you don’t end up with sweet autumn clematis (C. terniflora) by accident. It’s also good, but it’s certainly not the same.