11 White Clematis Varieties To Grow (Pictures & Care Tips)

A fence or wall with snow-white flowers is a treat to the eyes. If you want to give life to that thought, then clematis is one of the best plants you should start with.

Clematis with white flowers are not scarce there are 100+ different varieties available including natural and numerous hybrids.

In this article, certified horticulturist Anthony Selva lists 11 of the best white clematis varieties that are readily available in most nurseries. This list includes some of the most commonly grown varieties like Duchess of Edinburgh, Gillian Blades, Henryi, John Huxtable, Miss Bateman, and Snow Queen.

Let’s get started.

1. Clematis ‘Duchess Of Edinburgh’

Clematis ‘Duchess of Edinburgh’ is a moderately vigorous, hardy, and deciduous climber whose origin is unknown, but raised by a nursery in England.

‘Duchess of Edinburgh’ is the most beautiful clematis white variety that I’ve ever seen. 

The always double flowers are 10-12.5 cm (4-5 in) broad and made up of multiple layers of slender, white petals that tend to form a curve at the tips. The central mass of the stamen is composed of white filaments and creamy anthers which complements the beauty of multi-layered petals.

This easy-to-vine blooms from early summer to late summer. However, if you prune the plant right after the first set of flowers, it may bloom again in the early fall.

• Origin: Unknown, bred in England
• Pruning Group: 2
• Plant Height: 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m)
• Flowering Season: Summer
• Maintenance: Low
• Light Exposure: Full & Partial Sun
• USDA Zones: 4-8
• UK RHS Zones: H3-H6

2. Clematis ‘Gillian Blades’

Clematis ‘Gillian Blades’ is a hardy, compact, and deciduous climber raised by Fisk’s Clematis Nursery of Suffolk, England. They are not as vigorous as most other varieties in this list.

Gillian Blades is one of the very few white clematis varieties that were the recipients of the RHS Award Of Garden Merit.

From late spring to late autumn, Clematis ‘Gillian Blades’ puts out single-layered, show-white flowers that are 6-8 inches wide. The flowers have 6 to 8 flat-opening petals with gently notched and rippled tips. The first set of flowers has a tint of blue, however, the subsequent flowers are pure white.

The clematis Gillian Blades tolerates most garden soils. However, they grow best in moist and well-draining potting soil.

• Origin: England
• Pruning Group: 2
• Plant Height: 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m)
• Flowering Season: Late spring & Late autumn 
• Maintenance: Easy
• Light Exposure: Full & Partial Sun
• USDA Zones: 3-9
• UK RHS Zones: H3-H6

3. Clematis ‘Henryi’

Clematis ‘Henryi’ is another recipient of the RHS Award Of Garden Merit. They are raised by a plant breeder in Edinburg, Scotland.

This hardy, vigorous and deciduous climber is a cross between C. lanuginosa and C. Fortunei, two white clematis varieties. 

From the late spring to late summer, they produce single-layer white flowers that are 6-8 inches wide. The flowers are comprised of eight smooth and pointed petals that are generally overlapping. The large central cluster of dark brown anthers and white filaments further enhances the charms.

Unlike most other white clematis varieties in this list, Henryi is a shade-loving plant. Regarding the potting soil, they are quite tolerant of most soils.

• Other Name(s): C. ‘Bangholm Belle’
• Origin: Scotland
• Pruning Group: 2
• Plant Height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)
• Flowering Season: Spring & Summer
• Maintenance: Beginner
• Light Exposure: Full Sun
• USDA Zones: 4-9
• UK RHS Zones: H3-H6

4. Clematis ‘John Huxtable’

Clematis ‘John Huxtable’ is another compact white flowering climber that is considered to be hardy and moderately vigorous.

This plant puts out single, semi-transparent, creamy white flowers from mid-summer to late summer (June to September). The flowers are medium size, usually 4.5-5inches wide, and consist of six recurving petals. Additionally, white filaments and yellow anthers make up the stamens.

Just like most other white clematis varieties in this list, Clematis ‘John Huxtable’ grows well in most garden soils. However, the best flowers are displayed when the soil is not allowed to dry between waterings.

• Origin: England
• Pruning Group: 3
• Plant Height: 8-10ft (2.5-3m)
• Flowering Season: Mid & late summer
• Maintenance: Easy
• Light Exposure: Full/Partial Sun
• USDA Zones: 3-9
• UK RHS Zones: H3-H6

5. Clematis ‘Miss Bateman’

Clematis ‘Miss Bateman’ is another hardy, moderately vigorous, and deciduous climbing variety that is very short compared to most other white clematis varieties in this list. This variety can achieve a maximum height of only 8ft (2.4m).

Miss Bateman is a recipient of the prestigious RHS First Class Certificate. They are a hybrid variety formed by crossing two other hybrids, Clematis ‘Fortunei’ and Clematis ‘Standishi’.

This variety produces single-layered, silky-white flowers from late spring to early summer. They are often called free-flowering clematis due to their ability to bloom continuously. The flowers consist of six to eight wide and semi-transparent petals which overlap at the base. Additionally, the green stripe is seen at the center of each petal adding to the overall beauty of the flower.

• Origin: England
• Pruning Group: 2
• Plant Height: 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m)
• Flowering Season: Spring & Summer
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Light Exposure: Full & Partial Sun
• USDA Zones: 4-9
• UK RHS Zones: H3-H6

6. Clematis ‘Snow Queen’

Clematis ‘Snow Queen’ is developed by New Zealand Clematis Nursery of Christchurch, New Zealand. The exact origin and parentage of this variety are unknown, however, they are expected to be a unique seedling of some other white clematis variety. Commercial production made sure that they didn’t go extinct.

Similar to its other siblings, Snow Queen is also hardy, moderately vigorous, deciduous climber. They are also on the shorter side with a maximum cap[able height of 8ft (2.4m).

Clematis ‘Snow Queen’ produces single flowers with six to eight overlapping petals. The petals have a textured and rippling effect. Also, the flowers may have a pale pink or blue tint during the juvenile phase and turn snow-white as it matures.

This is one of the very few white clematis varieties to bloom two times throughout the year. The first blooming season is from late spring to early summer and the second season starts in late summer and ends in early fall.

• Origin: New Zealand
• Pruning Group: 2
• Plant Height: 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m)
• Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Light Exposure: Full Sun
• USDA Zones: 4-9
• UK RHS Zones: H3-H6

7. Clematis ‘Evitwo’

Clematis ‘Evitwo’ is usually known by its trade name ‘Arctic Queen’ in most places. They are a deciduous climber with most clematis vine properties like being hardy and vigorous.

‘Evitwo’ has one of the showiest flowers among white clematis varieties. It produces fully double flowers on both old woods from the previous season and new growth from the current season. The large flowers have creamy white petals and stamens with white filaments and yellow anthers. Each flower has more than 12 pointed petals that overlap to give a dense appearance.

This variety thrives in moist soils. Also, keep the roots in partial shade and flowers in full sun for the exotic display of double flowers throughout the season. They have quite weak stems and need protection from strong winds if that’s common in your region.

• Other Name(s): Clematis ‘Arctic Queen’
• Origin: Guernsey
• Pruning Group: 2
• Plant Height: 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m)
• Flowering Season: Summer to Autumn
• Maintenance: Low
• Light Exposure: Full Sun or Part Shade
• USDA Zones: 4-9
• UK RHS Zones: H3-H6

8. Clematis ‘Andromeda’

Clematis ‘Andromeda’ is another beautiful and unique clematis variety with white flowers. It is raised from a selected seedling of Clematis ‘Jadwiga Teresa’ by a breeder from London in the year 1987 and introduced into the commercial market in 1994.

Similar to other varieties, Clematis ‘Andromeda’ is also hardy, vigorous, and deciduous climber. It is not as short as Snow Queen, but not as tall as the Duchess Of Edinburgh as well.

This plant can produce both single and semi-double flowers in two different seasons. From late spring to early summer, semi-double flowers and single flowers in late summer. The semi-double flowers are produced on the old wood and single flowers on new growth. Both flowers have a pink striped line at the center of each white petal which adds contrast to the overall beauty of the flower.

• Origin: London
• Pruning Group: 2
• Plant Height: 8-10ft (2.4-3ft)
• Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
• Maintenance: Low
• Light Exposure: Full & Partial Sun
• USDA Zones: 4-9
• UK RHS Zones: H3-H6

9. Clematis brachiata

All of the white clematis varieties that we’ve discussed so far are hybrids. However, Clematis brachiata is one of the natural clematis varieties with small white flowers that are easily available.

It is considered to be a tender, slightly vigorous, semi-evergreen climber, with a moderate growth rate. It is a tall variety that can reach up to heights of 12 ft pretty easily.

Throughout the autumn, it produces very small (2-4cm), semi-drooping, fragrant flowers with a single layer of petals. Generally, the flowers have 4 or 5 creamy white petals with a greenish tint.

Unlike most other varieties on this list, Clematis brachiata is quite hard in terms of growing and maintenance. They require well-drained, highly nutritious soil with a warm climate and filtered sunlight throughout the year. 

• Origin: Central & Southern Africa
• Pruning Group: 3
• Plant Height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)
• Flowering Season: Autumn
• Maintenance: Hard
• Light Exposure: Indirect light
• USDA Zones: 8-9
• UK RHS Zones: H3-H5

10. Clematis ‘Broughton Bride’

Clematis ‘Broughton Bride’ is bred by a second or third-generation seedling of C. koreana. This is a tall variety that can easily reach heights of up to 12 ft (3.5m). Just like others, they are semi-vigorous, hardy, and deciduous climbing vines.

Broughton Bride can bloom two times a year, first during spring and then late summer. However, the number of flowers is very less in the second season compared to spring.

The flowers have a single layer of 4 white petals with lilac patches on the outside of the petals. Flowers from the second season (3.5 inches) are comparatively smaller than the first season (2.5 inches).

Regarding care, they are quite easy and can tolerate most garden soil. Thrives well in both full sun and part shade making it a beginner-friendly variety.

• Origin: England & Germany
• Plant Group: Atragene
• Pruning Group: 1
• Plant Height: 8-12ft (2.4-3.6m)
• Flowering Season: Spring, Early Summer
• Maintenance: Beginner friendly
• Light Exposure: Full Sun
• USDA Zones: 6-9
• UK RHS Zones: H3-H6

11. Clematis ‘White Moth’

Clematis ‘White Moth’ is a short and hardy deciduous climbing vine. This is one of the very few clematis vines that are not vigorous. The exact origin of this variety is unknown. However, they are considered to be a mutated variety of Clematis alpina.

It is one of the shortest white clematis varieties that you can grow now. They can reach a maximum height of only 6ft (1.8m).

The blooming period of this variety is quite short as well, from early spring to mid-spring. During this time frame, they put out small double flowers with long petals (1.25 inches). The flowers are composed of four spear-shaped petals and light yellow anthers and creamy white filaments.

Clematis ‘White Moth’ is pretty easy to care for and can adapt to any conditions.

• Other Name(s): Clematis alpina ‘White Moth’
• Origin: England
• Plant Group: Atragene
• Pruning Group: 1
• Plant Height: 6ft (1.8m)
• Flowering Season: Early spring to mid spring
• Maintenance: Easy
• Light Exposure: Full sun
• USDA Zones: 3-9
• UK RHS Zones: H3-H6

Conclusion

If you have a border wall, fence, or trellis that needs some makeover, growing flowering vines are an excellent choice. The white clematis varieties like Duchess of Edinburgh, Gillian Blades, Henryi, John Huxtable, White Moth, and Snow Queen can add pristine color to your garden this season.

Sources

To back up the information we provide in our articles, the Plantials team only uses high-quality sources published in peer-reviewed university or scientific research journals.

1. An Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Clematis, Book By Mary Toomey & Everett Leeds, British Clematis Society.
2. Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers, A Book By The Royal Horticultural Society.