Finding and Buying Clematis Vines Near Me

Clematis vines are one of the most popular climbing plants for gardens. With their beautiful and bountiful blooms clematis vines can add vertical interest and pops of color to fences, arbors trellises, and more. If you’re looking to add some clematis to your outdoor space, you may be wondering where to find clematis vines for sale near me. The good news is that clematis vines are widely available from garden centers, nurseries, and online plant retailers. Here’s what you need to know about finding and buying clematis vines locally or ordering them online.

What are Clematis Vines?

Clematis are flowering vines that belong to the Ranunculaceae family. There are over 300 species of clematis which are mainly native to temperate regions. Most clematis vines popular with home gardeners are hybrid cultivars bred for their prolific flowers.

Clematis vines use their leaf stems to climb up supports. They wrap their stems around whatever they are growing on, whether it’s a trellis, fence, arbor, or other garden structure. Clematis can grow quite long, with some varieties reaching lengths of 10-20 feet. However, through proper pruning, clematis vines can be maintained at more manageable lengths.

The flowers of different clematis species and cultivars come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Flower shapes include open bell-like forms as well as tighter blossoms that unfurl as they mature. Common clematis bloom colors are purple, pink, red, white, and bi-colors. Many clematis vines also have yellow stamens that contrast nicely with the petals.

Clematis vines bloom at different times, with flowers appearing in early spring, late spring, early summer, mid-summer, and fall. The blooming seasons overlap, so it’s possible to have clematis vines flowering from spring through fall by planting early and late-blooming varieties together. Some clematis even offer a second flush of flowers in the same season if properly deadheaded.

Where to Find Clematis Vines for Sale Near Me

Finding clematis locally is usually not too difficult, as they are a very popular type of climbing vine. Here are some places to check for clematis vines for sale near you:

Local Nurseries and Garden Centers

Independent nurseries and garden centers are a great place to find clematis vines in your area. Most will carry a selection of the most popular clematis varieties. The staff should be able to advise you on planting, siting, and caring for clematis in your climate.

An advantage of buying clematis at local nurseries is you can see the vines and flowers in person. This allows you to better judge the plant’s health and vigor before purchasing.

Hardware Stores and Home Improvement Centers

Many home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s stock a variety of clematis vines in their garden centers. These big box stores may not have the selection of a specialty nursery, but they do carry some of the most widely available and easiest to grow clematis cultivars.

The convenience of buying clematis vines while you’re shopping for other items is a plus. Just be sure to carefully inspect the plants before purchasing, as the quality of stock can vary.

Online Mail Order Nurseries

Can’t find the clematis you want locally? Ordering clematis vines online opens up many more possibilities. Online and mail order nurseries sell clematis varieties that may not be readily available in your area. They frequently have extensive catalogs with options from bare root clematis for early spring planting to potted clematis that can be planted later in the season.

Reputable online nurseries package their plants with care to avoid damage during shipping. Look for those that guarantee live delivery. Order early while supplies are best.

Some top options for buying clematis vines online include:

• Brushwood Nursery – Specializes in clematis, with 100+ varieties. Bare root and potted plants available.

• Bluestone Perennials – Wide selection of potted clematis that can be shipped April-October.

• Spring Hill Nurseries – 50+ clematis cultivars to choose from, with detailed growing information.

• White Flower Farm – Classic New England nursery with many rare and unusual clematis.

No matter where you buy clematis, always look for strong, healthy plants without damage, pests, or disease. This will give you vines that establish and grow their best.

When to Buy Clematis Vines

Clematis vines are sold in either bare root or containerized forms:

Bare Root Clematis

Bare root clematis vines are usually available in late winter through early spring. These dormant plants are dug from fields with no soil around their roots. Bare root clematis should be planted as soon as possible after purchasing.

The advantage of bare root clematis is they are often less expensive than potted plants. They also tend to establish well since their roots aren’t disturbed during planting.

Potted Clematis

Potted or container clematis are sold in pots or packs with soil around their root systems. They are available from spring through fall. You’ll have the best selection in spring and early summer.

Potted clematis vines can be planted any time during the growing season, as they experience minimal transplant shock. This makes them ideal if you’re adding clematis to your garden mid-season.

How to Select the Best Clematis Vines

When buying clematis, choose plants that are healthy and vigorous. Here’s what to look for:

• Sturdy stems at least 1⁄4 inch thick
• Abundant foliage with no yellowing
• Compact root systems for bare root plants
• Established rootballs for container plants
• No signs of pests, diseases, wilting, or damage

Check clematis flower labels to learn the expected bloom time, color, and mature size to find varieties suited to your needs. While buying, avoid purchasing clematis vines that are:

• Stressed with limp stems or brown leaves
• Overgrown and rootbound (potted plants)
• Suffering from botrytis or other fungal issues
• Infested with insects or eggs
• Excessively dry or damaged from improper storage

Selecting and planting high quality clematis vines from the start gives your plants their best opportunity to thrive.

How to Plant and Grow Clematis Successfully

Here are some tips to help your new clematis vines grow well:

• Plant in spring or fall – The best times to plant clematis are in early spring before growth starts or in fall after plants become dormant. This avoids summer heat stress.

• Prepare the site – Give clematis vines a spot with at least 6 hours of sun and well-drained soil enriched with compost. Dig in organic material to a depth of 18 inches.

• Plant at the proper depth – Bury bare root or container clematis so the root crown is 2 inches below soil level. This allows shoots to form along the buried stems.

• Provide support – Install climbing supports at planting time. Use thin branches, wires, or mesh that clematis can twist their leaf stems around.

• Water thoroughly – saturate the soil after planting and water new clematis vines regularly until established. Fertilize a few times in the first season with a balanced fertilizer.

• Prune correctly – Pruning clematis properly maximizes flowering. Pruning strategy depends on the variety – do your research.

• Protect from frost – Insulate clematis in very cold zones by mounding mulch around the base in late fall.

With proper siting, planting, pruning, and care, your clematis vines will grow vigorously and reward you with abundant flowers.

Gorgeous Clematis Varieties to try in your Garden

Looking for recommendations on what clematis to plant? Here are 15 stellar varieties to consider:

Early Season Bloomers

• Henryi – Large, creamy white flowers from June to September. Grows 10-12 feet. Prune Group B

• Alpina – Profuse nodding blue bells appear in late spring. Compact at 3-6 feet. Prune Group A

• Princess Diana – Early bloomer with stunning striped pink and white flowers. Grows to 8 feet. Prune Group B.

• Miss Bateman – Spring blooms are rich purple with contrasting yellow stamens. Reaches 6-8 feet. Prune Group B.

Mid Season Bloomers

• The President – Velvety rich purple blooms up to 8 inches across from May-Sept. Grows 10-14 feet. Prune Group C.

• Ernest Markham – flowers continuously summer through fall. Rich red blooms with yellow centers. Grows 10-12 feet tall. Prune Group B.

• H.F. Young – Floriferous blue blooms from early summer into fall. Compact at 4-8 feet. Prune Group B.

• Nelly Moser – Pale pink flowers with dark pink bars. Blooms spring to late summer. 8-12 feet tall. Prune Group C.

Late Season Bloomers

–Jackmanii – The most popular clematis with deep violet-purple flowers summer into fall. Grows 8-12 feet. Prune Group C.

• Roguchi – Distinctive bell-shaped lavender-blue blooms with wavy edges midsummer into fall. Grows 8-10 feet tall. Prune Group C.

• Sweet Summer Love – Cherry red semi-double flowers summer till frost. Grows to 6 feet. Prune Group B.

• Comtesse de Bouchard – Showy pink flowers June through September. Grows 6-8 feet tall. Prune Group C.

• Polish Spirit – Large rich purple blooms from July through September. Grows 10-13 feet. Prune Group B.

• Multi-Blue – Vibrant purple-blue flowers summer through early fall. Compact grower at 5-8 feet tall. Prune Group C.

–Warsaw Nike – Fragrant reddish-purple flowers from July through frost. Grows to about 8 feet tall. Prune Group B.

This is just a small sampling of exceptional clematis varieties available. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find clematis vines that will enhance your outdoor space with beautiful blooms and captivating color. Whether buying locally or ordering online, look at clematis as an investment that blooms for years to come.