Clematis armandii [KLEM-uh-tiss, ar-MOND-ee-eye] is a species of climbing plants and vines from the flowering family Ranunculaceae.
It’s prized by gardening enthusiasts for its beautiful white flowers.
This Clematis plant type is native to northern Burma and most of China except for a few regions in the extreme north and south.
The genus name Clematis has Greek roots.
The name Clematis comes from the word klema, which means vine shoot. Hence, it is given to vines or climbing plants.
The species name armandii is given in the honor for Father Jean Père Armand David, a Jesuit French missionary and plant collector.
The common name Armand Clematis also comes from this reference.
The other common name for the plant is Evergreen Clematis.
Most popular cultivars include C. armandii ‘Henderson Rubra’, ‘Snowdrift’, and ‘Apple Blossom’.
Clematis Armandii Plant Care
Size & Growth
When grown in the proper USDA zones these vigorous plants are fast-growing and produce an abundance of flowers in the first year.
These plants can climb to a height of 20’ feet. The dark green leaves are glossy, leathery, and trifoliate.
Flowering and Fragrance
Come late spring or early spring/late winter, Clematis armandii produces fragrant flowers on the previous year’s growth.
The flower color is usually white but different cultivars produce other colors.
For instance, the Apple Blossom variety produces pale pink flowers 2.5” inches across with 5 petals.
They are also sweetly fragrant with an almost almond-like scent, attracting hummingbirds and bees.
Light & Temperature
Hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 7, 8, and 9, these plants grow successfully under the full sun.
Typically, Armand clematis plants love having their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade. This helps keep the roots moist.
- Add a layer of mulch, pebbles or flat stones at the base.
- Provide partial shade on very hot days.
Watering and Feeding
The plant has medium water needs. During hot and dry weather, water the plant enough to keep the soil moist.
The frequency should be spaced so the soil doesn’t dry out completely in between.
Add a balanced fertilizer in late fall after the growing season ends or early spring before new growth emerges.
Fertilizers high in N, nitrogen, promote growth and excessive vegetative growth reducing the development of flowers.
While transplanting your Clematis vine. Add a 15-5-5 NPK fertilizer into the soil and feed the plant only once.
Soil & Transplanting
Clematis armandii plants like moist soils with good drainage.
The soil should be humusy as Armand clematis thrives in rich soils.
It tolerates neutral to slightly alkaline soils very well.
These plants should be transplanted in late fall to early spring before new shoots start emerging.
- Dig a hole big enough to remove the plant without disturbing the root system.
- Place in the new location with well-draining soil and a trellis inserted into the ground.
- The crown should be around 3” inches underneath the soil surface.
- Gently fill and pack the hole with dirt, removing any air pockets.
- Water liberally afterward.
Grooming and Maintenance
The plants from the Clematis genus are divided into three pruning groups.
Clematis armandii comes under Pruning Group 1 or Pruning Group A, which means you don’t have to prune it.
The only grooming or pruning required is deadheading spent flowers.
Otherwise, the plant is low-maintenance.
More on Clematis Vines:
How To Propagate Evergreen Armandii Clematis
The plant is evergreen, which means it grows from the previous year’s wood.
The best way to propagate this evergreen vine is by layering, semi-hardwood cuttings or hardwood cuttings.
Take cuttings in early summer, plant them in well-drained soil in a sunny location in coastal areas and in partial shade in warmer climes.
Clematis Armandii Pests or Diseases
Although the evergreen clematis is generally free of most serious pest and disease conditions, there are a few things to look out for.
When it comes to pests, aphids, slugs, and caterpillars may cause trouble for the young shoots.
During bloom time, earwigs may attach flower petals.
The plant may be susceptible to Clematis slime flux, which appears in the form of whitish, smelly slime oozing from the stems.
It is possible to save the affected plants if you take immediate action.
Occasional stem dieback may also affect the plants.
Toxicity
The armandii clematis plant may be toxic to dogs if ingested.
Be careful about the location you plant them in, using measures to keep dogs away if you have them.
Clematis Armandii Plant Uses
Evergreen armandii Clematis is given this name as they are planted outdoors all year long.
The dark green leaves remain luscious with white flowers emerging in the bloom season.
- They are best suited for sunny garden locations where they have the support to climb.
- Plant them along wall borders, twining them on a trellis, along pergola legs, plinths, and other structures outdoors.
- The blooms on this evergreen vine attracts bees and hummingbirds, so add them to pollinator gardens as well.
- They are not suited for potting or as a groundcover.