Question: Will clematis grow well here in Texas? We grew it up North.

Answer: The showy northern types of clematis that bloom in late spring and into the summer with their large white, pink and royal purple blooms aren’t as strong here in Texas. It is simply too warm for too long. The vines will be less vigorous, and the flower count will be less than what you were used to in the North. However, sweet autumn clematis (C. paniculata) is superior. It blooms in late summer and early fall, with creamy white flowers atop small green leaves. It’s fragrant, and it’s a refined grower. Grow it and all the other clematis in part afternoon shade. Evergreen clematis (C. armandii) is a beautiful, reasonably winter-hardy (Zone 7) vine with handsome foliage.