The Most Common White Clematis

Henryi

• Introduced in England in 1870 by Isaac Anderson-Henry, Henryi has well-shaped, creamy-white flowers sporting chocolate anthers, which can grow 7 to 8 inches across and are long-lasting. The plant is not tolerant of heavy clay soil. It is reliable to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 4, thriving in sun or half-shade where it can reach mature heights of 6 to 8 inches. Sometimes, it is listed under the names "Bangholm Belle" or "Lawsoniana Henryi."

Duchess of Edinburgh

• This century old double white has 4- to 6-inch blooms on maximum 10-foot vines. It was introduced in 1874 by George Jackman. Early flowers are profusely double and may be touched with green, while later flowers tend to be singles and solid white. The Duchess of Edinburgh is hardy to USDA zone 3 but requires good drainage to flourish. Its compact size and ability to grow in sun or part-shade make it an ideal specimen for container growing.

Gillian Blades

• Gillian Blades was introduced in 1875 by Jim Fisk and named after one of his secretaries. It is a medium-sized climber reaching a height of about 8 feet and is at home along fences, arbors and in containers. The long-lasting, wavy-edged, 5- to 6-inch flowers emerge with a hint of bluish-mauve and then turn to pure white with creamy yellow anthers. Part-shade is preferable but the plant will take full sun if necessary. It is hardy to USDA zone 4.

Marie Boisselot

• The Marie Boisselot is the most common white clematis in the United Kingdom. Introduced in France in 1890 by Auguste Boisselot, Marie Boisselot is sometimes mistakenly listed as "Mme. Le Coultre." It grows well in semi-shade and direct sun but has low drought tolerance. The large 6- to 8-inch flowers open with a hint of lilac-pink then turn to soft white. It can take up to three years to grow to its mature height of about 10 feet. It is hardy to USDA zone 4.