Armand’s clematis (evergreen clematis) Clematis armandii
Armand’s clematis (evergreen clematis) (Clematis armandii) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family, native to Central and southern China and northern Myanmar. It grows 4–8 m (13–26 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
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Armand’s clematis (evergreen clematis) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Mature height | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central and southern China and northern Myanmar |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇫🇷 France, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Armand’s clematis (evergreen clematis) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: all parts, sap
Clematis contains protoanemonin: the sap blisters skin and the plant causes mouth pain, drooling and vomiting if eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Armand’s clematis (evergreen clematis)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Armand’s clematis (evergreen clematis)
- How far apart should I plant Armand’s clematis (evergreen clematis)?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Armand’s clematis (evergreen clematis) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Armand’s clematis (evergreen clematis) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Armand’s clematis (evergreen clematis)?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Armand’s clematis (evergreen clematis) flower?
- From about March for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Armand’s clematis (evergreen clematis) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people moderately toxic. Clematis contains protoanemonin: the sap blisters skin and the plant causes mouth pain, drooling and vomiting if eaten.
- What grows well with Armand’s clematis (evergreen clematis)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Armand’s clematis (evergreen clematis). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A vigorous evergreen climber with long, leathery leaves and clusters of almond-scented white flowers in early spring. Needs a warm, sheltered wall and roots in shade; cold wind browns the leaves. Introduced by Ernest Wilson in 1900.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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