The President Clematis
The President Clematis
Large, Rich Purple-Blue Blooms on a Reliable Classic
The President Clematis (Clematis 'The President') is a Victorian-era favorite that has stayed popular for good reason — big, deep purple-blue flowers with pointed sepals, silvery undersides, and reddish stamens, blooming heavily in early summer and again in late summer. Vigorous and dependable, it climbs trellises and arbors on a zone 4-hardy vine that wants its top in the sun and roots in cool shade. Whether you're dressing an arbor in Edina, climbing a fence in Maple Grove, or framing a doorway in Woodbury — The President brings deep, regal color to zone 4b–5a yards.
The President Clematis Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Clematis 'The President' |
| 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 | Large rich purple-blue flowers; early summer and again late summer |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to zone 4; mulch the crown the first winter |
The President Clematis Uses in Minnesota Landscapes
Arbors, trellises, and fences
Vigorous and well-behaved, it's a dependable choice for an arbor or fence in Plymouth. Give it thin supports its leaf stems can twine around.
Color pairings
Its deep purple-blue is a perfect foil for white, pink, or red clematis on a shared structure in Eden Prairie.
Cut flowers and pollinators
The large blooms are excellent cut, and bees visit both flushes.
Best Time to Plant The President 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 The President 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 The President 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 The President?
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.
Is it a good choice for beginners?
Yes — it's one of the most forgiving large-flowered clematis, blooming reliably with minimal fuss once sited correctly.
Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 4. Mulch the crown the first winter or two; established plants need no protection.
You May Also Like
- General Sikorski Clematis — large mid-blue flowers
- Henryi Clematis — large pure-white for contrast
- Jackmanii Clematis — classic velvety purple, Group 3