Photo: Tom NortonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Alpine Clematis Plant Care
Clematis alpina (L.) Mill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Clematis alpina, the Alpine clematis, is a flowering deciduous vine of the genus Clematis. Like many members of that genus, it is prized by gardeners for its showy flowers.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Alpine Clematis?
Water Alpine Clematis every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Alpine Clematis Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Alpine Clematis?
Alpine Clematis (Clematis alpina) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Clematis genus. Alpine Clematis is native to Europe. Alpine Clematis is also known as Bavarian Clematis, Mountain Clematis.
Alpine Clematis displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Alpine Clematis produces large, showy flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alpine Clematis?
Clematis alpina requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Alpine Clematis Need?
Alpine Clematis thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Alpine Clematis Prefer?
Clematis alpina grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Alpine Clematis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Alpine Clematis?
Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Alpine Clematis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Alpine Clematis?
Feed Alpine Clematis every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Alpine Clematis?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Alpine Clematis?
Alpine Clematis can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sweet autumn clematis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Alpine Clematis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Clematis species (which includes Alpine Clematis). View the ASPCA entry
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Alpine Clematis?
Alpine Clematis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Alpine Clematis Need?
Alpine Clematis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Alpine Clematis is native to Europe.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Alpine Clematis is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Clematis genus — compare its care with other Clematis species on PlantoScan.
Clematis is part of the Ranunculaceae plant family — browse all Ranunculaceae genera and species.
Alpine Clematis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Clematis alpina (L.) Mill., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Gard. Dict., ed. 8. [textus s.n.] Clematis no. 9. 1768 [16 Apr 1768]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Clematis species (which includes Alpine Clematis) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Tom Norton, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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