Is There a Large White Clematis?

Spring Bloomers

• Some large clematis vines produce flowers in spring. The Armand clematis (C. armandii) grows from 15 to 25 feet long. Unlike most other types of clematis, Armand is evergreen and has glossy, dark foliage. This twisting climber is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7b to 9 and prefers sun to partial shade exposures. It blooms in late spring with large, white, aromatic flowers. The anemone clematis or Indian's virgin bower (C. Montana) grows from 16 to 30 feet long. This twining vine flowers from late spring through early summer and requires pruning in late summer through fall. Anemone clematis vines are hardy in zones 6 to 8 and thrive in sun to partial shade, through they prefer shaded roots. White-flowering cultivars include Alba, Alexander, forma grandiflora and var. Wilsonii.

Fall Bloomers

• Other types of clematis vines bloom with white flowers through the fall. The sweet autumn clematis (C. paniculata, maximonowicziana or terniflora) grows up to 30 feet long and is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9. This twisting, twining vine blooms with aromatic white flowers from late summer through fall, followed by fluffy seeds. It reseeds itself easily and grows aggressively if left unchecked. Sweet autumn clematis thrives in sun to partial shade exposures. The virgin's bower clematis (C. virginiana) grows up to 18 feet long and is hardy in zones 6 to 8. This fast-growing vine has fine foliage and thrives in sites with full sun to partial shade exposures. Virgin's bower clematis blooms from late summer through fall with white blossoms. It is native to the southeastern U.S.

Spring Pruning

• Some clematis vines blossom most profusely when pruned in spring. The Italian clematis (C. viticella) grows from 15 to 20 feet long. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8 and prefers full sun and shaded roots. It blooms with 3-inch-wide flowers from midsummer to early fall and requires severe spring pruning. White-blooming cultivars of the Italian clematis include Alba Luxurians, which has pale lilac tones; Minuet, which has pale purple margins; and Venosa Violacea, which produces white flowers with purple veins. The Jackman clematis (C. x jackmanii "Jackmanii Alba") grows from 10 to 15 feet long and produces large, double, white-gray flowers all summer long. Jackman clematis are hardy in zones 6 to 8. They prefer full sun but grow best with shaded roots. Prune this clematis in early spring.

Hybrids

• Several clematis hybrids produce large white flowers. The Henryi and Edith hybrids grow up to 20 feet long. They are hardy in zones 6 to 8 and prefer full sun with shaded roots. They climb with twisting petioles and have fine foliage. These hybrid clematis require pruning only when dead, twisted or tangled wood is present. Henryi and Edith vines grow best in cool, moist, well-drained soil with a neutral pH level.