Types of Twice-Blooming Clematis

Small Cultivars

• Clematis recta "Purpurea" grows to a maximum height of about 4 feet, but this is because it is usually allowed to creep along the ground rather than up a trellis, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. This plant blooms from May through July and features fragrant white flowers. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Clematis "Evipo024," commonly called Clematis Picardy, is a hybrid that tops out at about 5 feet, but makes a bold statement with its bright hot-pink flowers. The flowers bloom in the spring and again in late summer. "Evipo024" grows best in USDA zones 4 through 11 and is a good choice for containers.

Medium Cultivars

• Clematis "Nelly Moser" is a hybrid that blooms in May or June and again in mid-August. The showy flowers, which are pale mauve with a carmine stripe, are at their best in the shade, as full sun can fade their colors. The flowers average between 6 and 8 inches in diameter. "Nelly Moser" reaches maximum heights of about 10 feet and grows best in USDA zones 4 through 11. Clematis "Princess Diana" is a hybrid that features bright pink flowers. Created to honor the Princess of Wales, this plant grows to an average maximum height of about 8 feet and blooms from June through September. It grows best in USDA zones 4 through 8.

Large Cultivars

• Clematis "Niobe" is a hybrid prized for its ruby-red flowers. The vine, which can reach heights of 12 feet, blooms from June through September. The first flush of flowers are 6 inches in diameter. The second bloom features flowers that are about 4 inches in diameter. "Niobe" grows best in USDA zones 4 through 9. Clematis "Marie Boisselot" can reach heights of 12 feet and blooms from June through September. Also called "Madame Le Coultre," this hybrid features pink buds that open into creamy white flowers with diameters of up to 8 inches. "Marie Boisselot" thrives in USDA zones 4 through 9.

Very Large Cultivars

• Clematis "Perle d'Azur" is a continuous blooming hybrid that puts on a show from early summer through mid-autumn. The vine, which can reach heights of 16 feet, features bright-blue flowers that range in size from 4 to 6 inches across. This plant grows best in USDA zones 4 through 11. Clematis "Mrs. Cholmondeley" may have a funny name -- it's pronounced "chumly" -- but at 20 feet in height, it is an imposing plant. This hybrid is so easy to grow that it is called "foolproof" by Ohio State University Extension. "Mrs. Cholmondeley" blooms from May through October with pale lavender flowers and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 11.