What Clematis to Grow with Climbing Roses

What Clematis to Grow with Climbing Roses

Clematis and climbing roses are a match made in gardening heaven. When grown together, they create a stunning visual display of intertwining blooms, offering layers of color, texture, and interest throughout the growing season. Selecting the right clematis variety to pair with your climbing roses ensures compatibility in terms of growth habits, bloom timing, and care requirements. Start planning your perfect pair by exploring our Clematis Collection.

Why Pair Clematis with Climbing Roses?

1. Extended Bloom Time: Roses and clematis often have overlapping or successive bloom periods, keeping your garden colorful for months.
2. Layered Beauty: The delicate clematis flowers weave through rose canes, adding vertical interest and depth to your garden.
3. Complementary Growth Habits: Both plants are climbers and grow well on shared supports like trellises, pergolas, and fences.

Best Clematis Varieties to Pair with Climbing Roses

1. Clematis ‘Jackmanii’

   • Description: This classic variety features deep purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. It pairs beautifully with white or pink climbing roses.
   • Height: 10–12 feet.
   • Bloom Group: Group 3 (prune in early spring).

2. Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’

   • Description: Known for its vigorous growth and profusion of rich purple blooms, this clematis contrasts strikingly with pale or pastel roses.
   • Height: 10–12 feet.
   • Bloom Group: Group 3.

3. Clematis montana ‘Rubens’

   • Description: This fast-growing clematis produces abundant pale pink flowers in late spring, complementing early-blooming climbing roses.
   • Height: 20–30 feet.
   • Bloom Group: Group 1 (minimal pruning).

4. Clematis ‘The President’

   • Description: With large, purple-blue blooms, this clematis adds bold color to red or pink roses. Its repeat blooming habit ensures continuous interest.
   • Height: 8–10 feet.
   • Bloom Group: Group 2 (light pruning in spring).

5. Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’

   • Description: Featuring small, ruby-red flowers, this clematis harmonizes beautifully with white or cream climbing roses. It blooms profusely from midsummer to fall.
   • Height: 10–15 feet.
   • Bloom Group: Group 3.

Tips for Pairing Clematis with Climbing Roses

1. Choose Compatible Growth Habits

   • Select a clematis with a growth rate and height similar to your climbing rose to ensure balanced coverage of the support structure.

2. Match Bloom Timing

   • For maximum impact, pair clematis and roses with overlapping or complementary bloom periods. For example, pair spring-blooming clematis montana with early-flowering roses.

3. Plant Properly

   • Plant clematis 12–18 inches away from the rose to prevent competition for nutrients. Angle the clematis toward the rose base, so it naturally climbs the canes.

4. Use a Shared Support

   • Train both plants onto the same trellis, arbor, or pergola. Use garden ties to guide clematis stems through rose canes without overcrowding.

5. Prune Strategically

   • Prune clematis according to its pruning group and avoid cutting rose canes. Maintain good airflow by spacing the plants evenly.

Perfect Color Combinations

• White Roses + Purple Clematis: Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ or ‘Etoile Violette’ provide striking contrast.
• Pink Roses + Ruby-Red Clematis: Pair with Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ for a harmonious palette.
• Yellow Roses + Blue Clematis: Clematis ‘The President’ adds a bold, complementary touch.

FAQ: What Clematis to Grow with Climbing Roses?
Q: Will clematis damage my climbing rose?
A: No, clematis vines are lightweight and won’t harm rose canes. However, ensure the plants are spaced appropriately to prevent overcrowding.

Q: Can I pair multiple clematis with one climbing rose?
A: Yes, combining clematis with different bloom times can extend the floral display even further.

Q: Do clematis and climbing roses have similar care needs?
A: Yes, both thrive in full sun, require well-draining soil, and benefit from regular fertilizing and pruning.

Q: How do I prevent clematis from overtaking my rose?
A: Regularly guide clematis stems and prune as needed to maintain a balanced growth pattern.

For more clematis varieties to pair with climbing roses, visit our Clematis Collection.