Clematis 'The President'
Clematis 'The President' is a classic large flowering vine prized for its rich violet blue blooms accented by striking red anthers. Flowering in late spring with a second flush later in the season, it brings bold vertical color and elegance to trellises, fences, and garden structures.
Height & Spread: 8 - 10 ft x 3 - 4 ft
Bloom Time: Late spring and late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistently moist soil
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This clematis is a cultivated hybrid developed for ornamental use and is not native to North America but is widely grown for its large flowers and repeat blooming habit.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies such as Swallowtails and Painted Ladies that visit the open blooms for nectar.
Bees
- Draws native bees and bumblebees which gather pollen from the prominent central stamens.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 3 - 4 ft apart to allow vines to spread and climb without crowding.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for trellises, fences, arbors, and obelisks where it can climb and display its large flowers at eye level or above.
Companion Plants
- Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Lime' (Panicle Hydrangea) - Provides a soft green and white backdrop that highlights the deep violet blooms.
- Rosa 'Knock Out' (Landscape Rose) - Offers continuous color at the base and pairs well with the climbing habit.
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' (English Lavender) - Adds fragrance and contrasting texture in sunny plantings.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Meadow Sage) - Brings vertical flower spikes that complement the clematis display.
- Hosta 'Halcyon' (Plantain Lily) - Helps shade the root zone with broad foliage while contrasting the vine above.