Herbaceous clematis

Clematis climb, just as you would expect of clematis. Their leaf stalks twist around everything within reach, are hard to untangle and are generally vigorous and hard to tame. And of course clematis have huge flowers in the most magnificent colours and are now and then struck by the treacherous clematis wilt.

Time to say goodbye to this picture - the botanical diversity this group of plants has to offer is far too great. Besides the Italian clematis, it is above all the herbaceous clematis that are a welcome refreshment for our gardens.
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These shrubby to herbaceous clematis are characterised by the fact that they do not climb, that is, they do not wind their leaf stalks around everything that offers itself. Instead they grow more or less upright - which is also where Clematis recta gets its name. That does not mean, however, that they stand up on their own; the taller ones in particular still need support - otherwise they do grow straight, but following the ground parallel to it - but more on that later.

Another peculiarity is that these clematis - just like perennials - retreat into their roots in winter. This means that all of this year's growth dies back in autumn and is cut off - or, in 'perennial jargon', 'tidied up' in autumn. In contrast to climbing clematis, this shortens the time needed for annual care enormously. No fiddling apart from possibly thorny roses - one cut, one decisive pull and you are done.

It is precisely this retreat over the winter that also gives the herbaceous clematis a decidedly good winter hardiness; together with their resistance to clematis wilt, the most robust clematis of all are to be found among them.

In summary:

• Herbaceous clematis do not climb
• mostly fall over if they are not supported
• are hardy and resistant to wilt
• in early autumn you simply cut everything back

Taken together, these properties mean that the group of herbaceous clematis is gaining more and more popularity, especially among creative gardeners.

As for growth heights, everything from 40 cm up to several metres can be found, which opens up numerous possible uses.

Not only as companions for roses, but also as ground cover, on shrubs, in front of walls, or on obelisks and arches, herbaceous clematis are now seen more and more often.
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