Clematis adds vibrant color and elegance to any garden, but not all plants make good companions.
Through trial and error, I’ve learned that certain plants can hinder clematis growth.
Some plants compete for sunlight, water, or nutrients, making it hard for clematis to thrive.
Here’s a guide to avoid those pairings and ensure your clematis grows beautifully.
1. Large Trees
Large trees cast heavy shade and have aggressive root systems. I planted a clematis near an oak, and it couldn’t compete for sunlight or water.
The tree’s roots dominated the soil, stunting my clematis’ Clematis loves to climb, but large trees can present serious problems.
Trees cast heavy shade, which clematis dislikes, and their roots compete for nutrients and water.
I once planted a clematis near a large oak tree. While I imagined the tree would serve as a beautiful backdrop, the reality was different.
The clematis couldn’t get enough sunlight, and its growth was stunted by the tree’s dominant roots. To allow clematis to thrive, avoid planting it near large trees..
2. Aggressive Ground Covers
Ground covers can fill bare spots in your garden, but some are too aggressive to grow near clematis. Plants like English ivy or creeping Jenny can quickly take over.
I planted English ivy at the base of a clematis, hoping the ivy would cover the ground while the clematis climbed. Instead, the ivy began to choke the clematis.
The ivy wrapped around its stems and competed for every drop of water, so I had to remove it. Choose less aggressive ground covers like sweet woodruff or sedums.
3. Roses
Hybrid tea roses can overshadow clematis with their dense foliage Roses and clematis can be seen as classic companions, but not all rose varieties work well.
Hybrid tea roses, in particular, can pose a challenge.
These roses demand frequent watering and heavy feeding, making it hard for clematis to thrive alongside them.
Their dense foliage also shades the clematis too much.
If you want to plant roses with clematis, try old-fashioned or shrub roses, which are less demanding and coexist better.
4. Hostas
Hostas love moisture, but clematis prefers well-drained soil. Hostas are popular for their broad, lush leaves and ability to thrive in shade.
However, they’re not ideal companions for clematis.
Hostas prefer moist, shady environments, while clematis needs full sun and well-drained soil.
I planted them together, thinking the hostas would shade clematis roots.
However, the hostas’ love for water led to root rot in the clematis. For better results, avoid planting moisture-loving hostas near clematis.
I planted them together, the excess moisture caused clematis root rot. Hostas thrived, but my clematis didn’t.
5. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are famous for their large, showy blooms, but they require different soil conditions than clematis. Hydrangeas prefer moist, acidic soil.
Clematis, on the other hand, thrives in slightly alkaline, well-drained soil. I planted hydrangeas and clematis together once, and it didn’t end well.
The hydrangeas thrived, but the clematis couldn’t handle the moisture and began to rot. It’s better to plant them in separate areas of the garden.
6. Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Azaleas and rhododendrons prefer acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade. Clematis needs more sun and usually neutral soil to thrive.
When I planted a clematis near rhododendrons, the clematis struggled with the lack of sunlight and unsuitable soil. The rhododendrons, however, flourished.
Ensure your clematis gets full sun and the right soil to avoid issues like this.
7. Peonies
Peonies offer stunning blooms, but they prefer rich, moisture-retentive soil. This type of soil can be too heavy for clematis, leading to root rot.
I planted peonies and clematis together, expecting a gorgeous display. But the peonies thrived while the clematis weakened.
Separate these two plants for best results.
8. Daylilies
Daylilies are resilient and adaptable, but they can outcompete clematis for sunlight and nutrients. Their roots are thick and aggressive.
I planted daylilies near clematis, and they quickly overshadowed the clematis, blocking sunlight and competing for water.
It’s best to plant daylilies away from clematis.
9. Ferns
Ferns are admired for their lush, delicate fronds and thrive in cool, shady, and moist environments.
Unfortunately, these preferences make them poor companions for clematis, which requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive.
In my own garden, I thought the ferns would provide natural shade for the clematis’ roots, but I quickly realized this was a mistake.
The ferns’ love for moisture led to overly damp conditions, and my clematis developed root rot.
Instead of thriving, it became stunted and weak. To avoid such issues, it’s best to plant ferns and clematis far apart.
10. Mint
Mint is an incredibly popular herb, loved for its refreshing fragrance and usefulness in the kitchen. However, it’s also notorious for being highly invasive.
Mint spreads rapidly through underground runners, quickly taking over garden beds if not contained.
I made the mistake of planting mint near clematis, thinking they’d complement each other.
Before long, the mint completely overran the clematis, choking it out and competing for valuable nutrients and water.
The clematis struggled to grow in this overcrowded environment. If you want to enjoy both plants, it’s essential to keep mint confined in a pot or plant it in a separate garden area.
11. Ligularia
Ligularia is a bold, dramatic plant with large, striking leaves and bright yellow flower spikes.
It thrives in shady, damp areas, and its moisture-loving nature makes it unsuitable as a neighbor for clematis, which prefers dry, sunny conditions.
I once planted ligularia near clematis, hoping the contrast between their colors and textures would create a stunning display.
However, the ligularia’s preference for wet, shaded conditions overwhelmed the clematis.
The excess moisture and shade caused my clematis to weaken and wilt. It’s clear that ligularia needs to be planted in a separate location to avoid stifling your clematis.
12. Camellias
Camellias are beautiful evergreen shrubs that produce showy, rose-like flowers, but they have very different soil and water requirements compared to clematis.
Camellias prefer acidic, well-drained soil with consistent moisture, while clematis thrives in slightly alkaline soil with less frequent watering.
I once made the mistake of pairing camellias with clematis, hoping they would complement each other.
Unfortunately, the clematis could not tolerate the acidic soil or the high moisture levels needed by the camellia.
The clematis soon became weak and developed yellowing leaves, while the camellias thrived.
These two plants are best kept in separate areas where their differing needs can be met.
13. Clematis Varieties with Different Needs
While it might seem logical to plant multiple clematis varieties together, it’s crucial to understand that not all clematis are created equal.
Different varieties have distinct needs in terms of sunlight, soil, and pruning.
Some prefer more sunlight, while others thrive in partial shade.
I once planted two different clematis varieties together, expecting them to complement each other perfectly.
Unfortunately, their varying sunlight and pruning requirements became a problem.
One variety flourished, while the other struggled to grow and bloom.
To avoid this, ensure that any clematis varieties you plant together have similar sunlight, soil, and pruning needs, ensuring all of them thrive harmoniously.
14. Periwinkle (Vinca)
Periwinkle, also known as vinca, is a fast-growing ground cover known for its glossy green leaves and vibrant purple flowers.
While it can quickly cover bare spots in your garden, it can also become invasive, spreading rapidly and competing with other plants for resources.
I planted vinca near my clematis, hoping it would create a neat ground cover around the base of the vine.
However, the vinca spread aggressively, wrapping around the clematis stems and competing for water and nutrients.
The clematis soon began to falter, struggling to climb and flower in the face of such competition.
If you need a ground cover near clematis, opt for less aggressive plants like creeping thyme or phlox, which won’t overwhelm the clematis.
Final Thoughts
Clematis is a versatile and beautiful addition to any garden, but it needs the right environment and companions to flourish.
From my personal experiences, I’ve learned that not all plants make good neighbors for clematis.
Whether it’s because of aggressive growth, different moisture needs, or competition for sunlight and nutrients, some plants can hinder the health and beauty of clematis.
By avoiding the plants listed here, you can create a thriving environment where clematis can reach its full potential.
The key to success is understanding the unique needs of each plant in your garden and ensuring they complement rather than compete with each other.
With careful planning and smart choices, you’ll be able to enjoy a garden filled with vibrant clematis blooms that shine in their full glory.