Comparing Clematis: Plant Spotlight

Four Varieties, four spectacular vines

'Taiga' is one of the most unusual clematis, featuring fully double flowers with purple petals tipped in creamy green, giving each bloom an exotic, almost tropical appearance. But fear not! Clematis florida 'Taiga' is cold hardy to Zone 4. This eye-catching clematis blooms in mid-spring and repeats in the fall.

'Kitty,' a Clematis Hybrid, produces large, star-shaped flowers in soft white/lavender tones with furry? little centers (maybe that's why it's called Kitty?) Also cold hardy to Zone 4, this variety blooms from early to late summer on last year's wood, so wait until it blooms to remove any dead wood.

Clematis texensis 'Princess Diana' (or 'Princess of Wales') stands out with its tulip-shaped flowers, adding a distinctive form to trellises and arbors. This one (also Zone 4) needs extra water, especially right after planting! Water 2-3 per week as it gets established and water weekly during dry spells. 

As you can see, flower shape and color vary widely within the Clematis family, but fragrance is another key difference. 'Sweet Summer Love' is prized for its masses of deep purple flowers and an exceptionally sweet fragrance that perfumes the garden throughout summer. In contrast, 'Kitty,' 'Taiga,' and 'Princess Diana' are grown primarily for their ornamental blooms rather than their scent.