Not all clematis are vines: there are also herbaceous and subshrubby species and cultivars with more or less erect stems. These include Clematis recta, Clematis integrifolia and Clematis heracleifolia. Many hybrid forms and varieties have been created on their basis. Shrub varieties of clematis are mostly winter-hardy and easy to care for: they do not require complicated pruning and bloom abundantly in the second or third year after planting. However, there is Clematis armandii, it is heat-loving.
Alionushka
‘Alyonushka’ – one of the most popular bush varieties of clematis. The variety is very winter-hardy, unpretentious and abundantly flowering, but the plants require support (although they do not cling). It grows and winters well in all U.S. states, as well as in Canada. In warmer countries it has no problems at all.
- Pruning Group: 3 (Heavy)
- Height: 4.9 feet to 6.6 feet (1.5-2 m)
- Flower Size: Approximately 2-2.4 inches (5-6 cm), bell-shaped
- Flower Color: Pinkish-lavender
- USDA Zone: 4-9
Arabella
Arabella is a wonderful variety of whole-leaved clematis with blue-purple flowers. Very fast-growing, healthy, winter-hardy variety with long flowering.
- Group: Integrifolia
- Height: 4.9 to 6.6 feet (1.5-2 meters)
- Flower Size: About 2 to 2.4 inches (5-6 cm), flat
- Flower Color: Blue-violet
- Blooming Period: June-September
- USDA Zone: 4-9