Plant Profile: Clematis armandii

Taxonomy: Clematis armandii

Names

Armand Clematis, Evergreen Clematis

  • Photo of Clematis armandii (Clematis armandiis)

Phonetic Spelling:KLEM-ah-tiss ar-MOND-ee-eye

Genus:Clematis

Species:armandii

Family:Ranunculaceae

Clematis armandi is a versatile vine that can be either deciduous or evergreen, known for its ability to climb through the twisting of its stems and petioles. It features glossy, dark green foliage and produces clusters of star-shaped white flowers that emit a vanilla-like scent, blooming in late winter. Since it flowers on old wood, it’s important to refrain from pruning until after the blooming period. While this vine can grow quite vigorously, it is manageable with regular pruning to keep it in check. It thrives best when supported by a lattice or trellis.

This plant prefers full sunlight and cool roots, flourishing in moist, humus-rich soils, but it does not tolerate overly wet conditions. Applying mulch around the base can help maintain root moisture and provide winter protection, especially in zone 7.

Quick Identification Tips:

Clematis armandii Feature Summary

Clematis armandii Image Gallery

Tags

#hummingbirds
#white
#evergreen
#showy flowers
#deciduous
#poisonous
#full sun tolerant
#fragrant flowers
#bronze
#perennial
#white flowers
#green
#pink flowers
#tendrils
#winter interest
#cottage garden
#year-round interest
#spreading
#fences
#vines
#climbing vines
#neutral ph
#deer resistant
#cascading flowers
#rich soil
#spring interest
#pollinator plant
#fantz
#twining vine
#asian garden
#showy seedheads
#butterfly friendly
#arbor
#winter flowers
#partial shade tolerant
#problem for cats
#problem for dogs
#bee friendly
#problem for horses

Similar Plants

Clematis armandii is often confused with:

Clematis armandii Feature Summary

Attributes
Central & S. China to N. Myanmar (Burma)
This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Perennial
Woody
Fragrance
Attracts Pollinators
Attractive Flowers
Fruit
Many small, dry fruits each with a silky-plumose tail. An achene, with long, persistent, plumed style, in clusters.
Flowers
White, fragrant flowers with 4-8 petal-like parts and many stamens. A dense panicle on the previous year's growth. (2-15) white or cream tinted pink, fragrant, spreading, 2-2.5" dia; petals 0; sepals (4-7) narrow oblong, approximately 1".
Pink
White
Spring
Winter
4-5 petals/rays
Colored Sepals
1-3 inches
Leaves
Each compound stem has 3 leaflets that are 3-6 inches long and 1 inch wide, glossy and leathery and cascade downward. Opposite, ternately compound; leaflets to 15 cm, oblong-lanceolate to ovate, acute, rotund to cordate, glabrous, coriaceous, prominently veined, emerging bronze, then glossy dark green.
Deciduous
Broadleaf Evergreen
Semi-evergreen
Green
Brown/Copper
Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
Ovate
Cordate
Lanceolate
Oblanceolate
3-6 inches
Glossy
Smooth
Leathery
1-3 inches
Poisonous to Humans
Clematis can cause severe mouth pain and ulcers if eaten. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses. Clinical signs are salivation, vomiting, diarrhea. In humans, symptoms may include dizziness, confusion, fainting, and convulsions. Fatalities are rare, due to the rapid and intense bitter taste and mouth irritation from eating. Gastric lavage is recommended and anti-inflammatory to soothe irritated tissue. Contact dermatitis results in skin redness and burning sensation for some people, gardening gloves are recommended.
Leaves
Sap/Juice
Whole Plant Traits
Perennial
Poisonous
Vine
Deciduous
Broadleaf Evergreen
Semi-evergreen
Spreading
Climbing
Cascading
Medium
Tendrils
Cultural Conditions
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Good Drainage
Moist
Coastal
Piedmont
Clay
High Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Landscape
Butterfly Garden
Pollinator Garden
Winter Garden
Cottage Garden
Asian Garden
Hedge
Screen/Privacy
Woodland
Naturalized Area
Rock Wall
Riparian
Vertical Spaces
Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Poisonous to Humans
Problem for Cats
Problem for Dogs
Problem for Horses
Contact Dermatitis
Problem for Children

Clematis armandii Attributes

Clematis armandii: Country Or Region Of Origin

Central & S. China to N. Myanmar (Burma)

Clematis armandii: Wildlife Value

This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Clematis armandii: Life Cycle

Annual
Biennial
Bulb
Perennial
Woody

Clematis armandii: Recommended Propagation Strategy

Division
Grafting
Layering
Leaf Cutting
Root Cutting
Seed
Stem Cutting

Clematis armandii: Play Value

Attractive Flowers
Attracts Pollinators
Buffer
Colorful
Defines Paths
Easy to Grow
Edible fruit
Fragrance
Pieces Used in Games
Screening
Shade
Sound
Textural
Wildlife Cover/Habitat
Wildlife Food Source
Wildlife Larval Host
Wildlife Nesting
Wind Break
Wind Shimmer

Clematis armandii: Climbing Method

Clinging
Scrambler
Tendrils
Twining

Clematis armandii Fruit

Clematis armandii: Fruit Description

Many small, dry fruits each with a silky-plumose tail. An achene, with long, persistent, plumed style, in clusters.

Clematis armandii: Fruit Type

Achene
Aggregate
Berry
Capsule
Caryopsis
Drupe
Follicle
Legume
Nut
Pome
Samara
Schizocarp
Siliqua

Clematis armandii: Fruit Value To Gardener

Edible
Fragrant
Good Cut
Good Dried
Long Bloom Season
Long-lasting
Showy

Clematis armandii: Display/Harvest Time

Fall
Spring
Summer
Winter

Clematis armandii Flowers

Clematis armandii: Flower Description

White, fragrant flowers with 4-8 petal-like parts and many stamens. A dense panicle on the previous year's growth. (2-15) white or cream tinted pink, fragrant, spreading, 2-2.5" dia; petals 0; sepals (4-7) narrow oblong, approximately 1".

Clematis armandii: Flower Color

filter_vintage
Pink
filter_vintage
White

Clematis armandii: Flower Inflorescence

Catkin
Corymb
Cyme
Head
Insignificant
Panicle
Raceme
Solitary
Spadix
Spike
Umbel

Clematis armandii: Flower Value To Gardener

Edible
Fragrant
Good Cut
Good Dried
Long Bloom Season
Long-lasting
Showy

Clematis armandii: Flower Bloom Time

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Clematis armandii: Flower Petals

2-3 rays/petals
4-5 petals/rays
6 petals/rays
7 - 20 petals/rays
asymmetrical petals
Bracts
Colored Sepals
fused petals
more than 20 petals/rays
Tepals

Clematis armandii: Flower Shape

Bell
Cross
Crown
Cup
Dome
Funnel
Irregular
Lipped
Radial
Saucer
Star
Trumpet
Tubular
Urn
Wheel

Clematis armandii: Flower Size

1-3 inches
3-6 inches
< 1 inch
> 6 inches

Clematis armandii Leaves

Clematis armandii: Leaf Description

Each compound stem has 3 leaflets that are 3-6 inches long and 1 inch wide, glossy and leathery and cascade downward. Opposite, ternately compound; leaflets to 15 cm, oblong-lanceolate to ovate, acute, rotund to cordate, glabrous, coriaceous, prominently veined, emerging bronze, then glossy dark green.

Clematis armandii: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics

Broadleaf Evergreen
Deciduous
Needled Evergreen
Semi-evergreen

Clematis armandii: Leaf Color

spa
Brown/Copper
spa
Green

Clematis armandii: Leaf Type

Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
Fronds
Needles
Sheath
Simple

Clematis armandii: Leaf Arrangement

Alternate
Opposite
Other/more complex
Rosulate
Whorled

Clematis armandii: Leaf Shape

Acicular
Auriculate
Cordate
Cuneate
Deltoid
Elliptical
Filiform
Lanceolate
Linear
Oblanceolate
Oblong
Obovate
Obtuse
Orbicular
Ovate
Palmasect
Palmatifid
Peltate
Pinnatifid
Pinnatisect
Reniform
Rhomboidal
Spatulate
Subcordate
Subulate

Clematis armandii: Leaf Margin

Crenate
Crenulate
Dentate
Denticulate
Doubly Crenate
Doubly Dentate
Doubly Serrate
Entire
Lobed
Serrate
Sinuate
Undulate

Clematis armandii: Hairs Present

No
Yes

Clematis armandii: Leaf Length

< 1 inch
1-3 inches
3-6 inches
> 6 inches

Clematis armandii: Leaf Feel

Fleshy
Glossy
Leathery
Papery
Prickly
Rough
Rubbery
Slippery
Smooth
Soft
Velvety
Waxy

Clematis armandii: Leaf Value To Gardener

Edible
Fragrant
Good Cut
Good Dried
Long-lasting
Showy

Clematis armandii: Leaf Width

< 1 inch
1-3 inches
3-6 inches
> 6 inches

Clematis armandii Poisonous to Humans

Clematis armandii: Poison Symptoms

Clematis can cause severe mouth pain and ulcers if eaten. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses. Clinical signs are salivation, vomiting, diarrhea. In humans, symptoms may include dizziness, confusion, fainting, and convulsions. Fatalities are rare, due to the rapid and intense bitter taste and mouth irritation from eating. Gastric lavage is recommended and anti-inflammatory to soothe irritated tissue. Contact dermatitis results in skin redness and burning sensation for some people, gardening gloves are recommended.

Clematis armandii: Poison Toxic Principle

protoanemonin

Clematis armandii: Poison Severity

High
Low
Medium

Clematis armandii: Causes Contact Dermatitis

No
Yes

Clematis armandii: Poison Part

Bark
Flowers
Fruits
Leaves
Roots
Sap/Juice
Seeds
Stems

Clematis armandii Whole Plant Traits

Clematis armandii: Plant Type

Annual
Bulb
Carnivorous
Edible
Epiphyte
Fern
Ground Cover
Herb
Herbaceous Perennial
Houseplant
Mushroom
Native Plant
Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Perennial
Poisonous
Rose
Shrub
Succulent
Tree
Turfgrass
Vegetable
Vine
Water Plant
Weed
Wildflower

Clematis armandii: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics

Broadleaf Evergreen
Deciduous
Needled Evergreen
Semi-evergreen

Clematis armandii: Habit/Form

Arching
Ascending
Broad
Cascading
Climbing
Clumping
Columnar
Conical
Creeping
Dense
Erect
Horizontal
Irregular
Mounding
Multi-stemmed
Multi-trunked
Open
Oval
Prostrate
Pyramidal
Rounded
Spreading
Vase
Weeping

Clematis armandii: Growth Rate

Slow
Medium
Rapid

Clematis armandii: Maintenance

Low
Medium
High

Clematis armandii: Texture

Fine
Medium
Coarse

Clematis armandii: Appendage

Prickles
Spines
Tendrils
Thorns

Clematis armandii Cultural Conditions

Clematis armandii: Light

Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

Clematis armandii: Soil pH

Acid (<6.0)
Alkaline (>8.0)
Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Clematis armandii: Soil Drainage

Frequent Standing Water
Good Drainage
Moist
Occasional Flooding
Occasionally Dry
Occasionally Wet
Very Dry

Clematis armandii: NC Region

Coastal
Mountains
Piedmont

Clematis armandii: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

thermostat
7a
thermostat
7b
thermostat
8a
thermostat
8b
thermostat
9a
thermostat
9b

Clematis armandii: Soil Texture

Clay
High Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Shallow Rocky

Clematis armandii Stem

Clematis armandii: Stem Is Aromatic

No
Yes

Clematis armandii Landscape

Clematis armandii: Landscape Theme

Asian Garden
Butterfly Garden
Children's Garden
Cottage Garden
Cutting Garden
Drought Tolerant Garden
Edible Garden
English Garden
Fairy Garden
Garden for the Blind
Native Garden
Nighttime Garden
Pollinator Garden
Rain Garden
Rock Garden
Shade Garden
Water Garden
Winter Garden

Clematis armandii: Design Feature

Accent
Barrier
Border
Flowering Tree
Foundation Planting
Hedge
Mass Planting
Screen/Privacy
Security
Shade Tree
Small groups
Small Tree
Specimen
Street Tree
Understory Tree

Clematis armandii: Resistance To Challenges

Black Walnut
Compaction
Deer
Diseases
Drought
Dry Soil
Erosion
Fire
Foot Traffic
Heat
Heavy Shade
Humidity
Insect Pests
Pollution
Poor Soil
Rabbits
Salt
Slugs
Squirrels
Storm damage
Urban Conditions
Voles
Wet Soil
Wind

Clematis armandii: Landscape Location

Coastal
Container
Hanging Baskets
Houseplants
Lawn
Meadow
Naturalized Area
Near Septic
Patio
Pond
Pool/Hardscape
Recreational Play Area
Riparian
Rock Wall
Slope/Bank
Small Space
Vertical Spaces
Walkways
Woodland

Clematis armandii: Attracts

Bats
Bees
Butterflies
Frogs
Hummingbirds
Moths
Pollinators
Predatory Insects
Reptiles
Small Mammals
Songbirds
Specialized Bees

Clematis armandii: Problems

Allelopathic
Contact Dermatitis
Frequent Disease Problems
Frequent Insect Problems
Invasive Species
Malodorous
Messy
Poisonous to Humans
Problem for Cats
Problem for Children
Problem for Dogs
Problem for Horses
Short-lived
Spines/Thorns
Weak Wood
Weedy