Henryi Clematis
Henryi Clematis
Huge Pure-White Blooms with Dramatic Dark Centers
Henryi Clematis (Clematis 'Henryi') is a timeless favorite, opening enormous 6–8 inch pure-white flowers with pointed sepals and striking dark chocolate anthers at the center. It blooms in early summer and reblooms in late summer, climbing arbors and trellises on a vigorous zone 4-hardy vine that wants its top in the sun and roots in cool shade. Whether you're brightening an arbor in Edina, climbing a dark fence in Maple Grove, or anchoring a white border in Woodbury — Henryi brings crisp, elegant white to zone 4b–5a yards.
Henryi Clematis Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Clematis 'Henryi' |
| Plant Type | Deciduous flowering climbing vine |
| Mature Height | 8–12 feet (with support) |
| Mature Spread | 3–4 feet |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade (6+ hours for best bloom); keep the roots cool and shaded |
| Water | Moderate — consistent moisture in well-draining soil |
| USDA Zones | 4–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) |
| Soil | Rich, well-draining; amend Minnesota clay-loam with compost |
| Pruning Group | Group 2 — light prune in early spring; blooms on old and new wood |
| Bloom | Very large pure-white flowers with dark anthers; early summer and again late summer |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to zone 4; mulch the crown the first winter |
Henryi Clematis Uses in Minnesota Landscapes
Arbors and trellises
The big white flowers pop against dark backdrops — a black fence, brick wall, or evergreen hedge in Plymouth. Give it thin supports to twine around.
White and moon gardens
Crisp white blooms light up at dusk, perfect for an evening garden in Eden Prairie.
Cut flowers and pollinators
The large, long-lasting blooms are excellent cut, and bees work both flushes.
Best Time to Plant Henryi Clematis in Minnesota
Spring (late April–May) and early fall (late August–September) are both excellent. Avoid summer heat, and never plant after mid-October — frost-heaving kills new roots.
How to Plant Henryi Clematis
- Site it so the top gets sun but the roots stay cool and shaded — "head in the sun, feet in the shade."
- Dig 2–3× the root ball width and set the plant 2–3 inches deeper than it grew in the pot to guard against clematis wilt.
- Backfill with native soil plus 20–30% compost; firm gently and water in well.
- Install the support at planting and tie young stems to start them climbing.
- Mulch 2–3 inches over the root zone or shade the base with a low perennial; keep mulch off the stems.
Watering Henryi Clematis in Minnesota
First Year Watering Schedule
- Weeks 1–2: Every 2–3 days, deep and slow
- Month 1–2: Every 3–4 days
- Month 3–6: Weekly; keep evenly moist but never waterlogged
- Stop watering 2–3 weeks before ground freeze (typically late October in the Twin Cities).
After Year One
Water deeply during dry spells, especially in summer heat. Deep roots and steady moisture keep it blooming.
How do I prune Henryi?
It's a Group 2 clematis: in early spring, remove only dead or weak stems and trim lightly to strong buds. Hard pruning removes the big early flowers on old wood.
The vine collapsed suddenly — is it dead?
That's likely clematis wilt, common on large-flowered types. Cut affected stems to the ground; because you planted the crown deep, it usually resprouts from below. Keep it watered and it often returns.
Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 4. Mulch the crown the first winter or two; established plants need no protection.
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- Barbara Jackman Clematis — mauve-blue with a carmine bar