Photo: Galyna MykytynetsCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Ground Clematis Plant Care
Clematis recta L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Clematis recta is easily identified by its strikingly fragrant white flowers that form a dense cluster at the top of its tall, erect stems. Originating from Europe and Asia, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its sweet scent, beautiful blooms, and ability to attract butterflies and bees to the garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Ground Clematis?
Water Ground 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. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Ground 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 Ground Clematis?
Ground Clematis (Clematis recta) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Clematis genus. Ground Clematis is native to Eastern, Southern and Mid Europe. Ground Clematis is also known as Bush Clematis, Erect Clematis.
Ground Clematis displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Ground Clematis produces large, showy flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ground Clematis?
Clematis recta 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 Ground Clematis Need?
Ground Clematis thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ground Clematis Prefer?
Clematis recta grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Ground Clematis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ground Clematis?
Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Ground Clematis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ground Clematis?
Feed Ground 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 Ground 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 Ground Clematis?
Ground Clematis can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to italian clematis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ground Clematis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
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 Ground Clematis?
Ground 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 Ground Clematis Need?
Ground Clematis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Ground Clematis is native to Eastern, Southern and Mid Europe. In cooler regions, grow Ground Clematis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Ground 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.
Ground Clematis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Clematis Species
Other Clematis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Clematis recta L., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 544 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Ground Clematis is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Galyna Mykytynets, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Ground Clematis Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species