Clematis is widely regarded as the 'Queen of Climbers' — and with good reason. Few garden plants match the visual impact of a clematis in full flower, whether it is smothering a pergola in a cascade of fragrant pink blooms, threading elegantly through a hedge, or softening the face of a bare brick wall with starry white flowers. Versatile, vigorous, and surprisingly easy to manage once you understand their basic requirements, clematis plants reward Australian gardeners across all climate zones.

At Online Plants, we have been helping Australian gardeners discover, select, and grow the right clematis for their conditions for over two decades. Our range — personally evaluated by our in-house horticultural team — includes both exotic large-flowered hybrids and native Australian species, giving you a choice suited to every garden style, climate, and design intent. Whether you are creating a dramatic feature or a low-maintenance wildlife garden, we have a clematis to match.

Our clematis range — what's in the collection?

We currently stock a select range of proven performers for Australian gardens, including:

Clematis Montana Rubens Clematis montana 'Rubens' Prune Group: Group 1 — minimal pruning   Best for: Pergolas, fences, large walls Height: To 6m Flower: Soft pink, fragrant Blooms: Late spring to early summer

One of the most spectacular clematis available for Australian gardens. Montana Rubens is a vigorous, deciduous climber that produces an extraordinary profusion of soft pink flowers with a distinct vanilla fragrance in late spring to early summer. The flowers are borne against bronze-tinted, deeply cut foliage that adds visual interest long after the blooms have faded. Perfect for covering large structures, pergolas, and boundary fences at speed. Our horticulturalists recommend it as the single most impactful clematis for statement garden moments.

Clematis Aristata Clematis aristata Prune Group: Group 1 — prune after flowering   Best for: Native gardens, fences, wildlife planting Height: To 3–5m Flower: Cream/white, starry Blooms: Spring

An Australian native and one of the most ecologically valuable plants in our clematis range. Known as Old Man's Beard, Clematis aristata produces masses of starry cream-white flowers in spring, followed by the distinctive fluffy seed heads that give it its common name. Found naturally in the forests of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, it is a highly adaptable, vigorous climber that thrives in light shade through to full sun. Ideal for wildlife gardens, native landscaping, and fence coverage — and a boon for bees and butterflies.

Clematis Microphylla Clematis microphylla Prune Group: Group 1 — prune after flowering   Best for: Dry gardens, rockeries, native companion planting Height: To 5m Flower: White/cream, starry Blooms: Spring

Australia's inland native clematis, Small-leaved Clematis is a delicate, fine-foliaged climber with small starry flowers in white to cream tones. Found across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia in dry sclerophyll woodland and arid shrubland, it is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established — making it the ideal native clematis for gardens in lower-rainfall regions. Its fine texture makes it an excellent companion plant for climbing through native shrubs, over low fences, or across rockeries. Attracts bees and butterflies.

 

How to grow clematis in Australia — expert guidance

All clematis share a key principle our horticulturalists call 'cool feet, warm head' — their roots need to be kept cool and moist, while their foliage and flowers thrive in sunshine. Understanding this is the single most important factor in clematis success.

•    Position: Full sun is ideal — a minimum of 6 hours daily. Some varieties, including Aristata and Microphylla, tolerate partial shade well. Protect from harsh, persistent winds, which can damage the fragile stems.
•    Soil: Clematis prefer deep, fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Before planting, dig in generous amounts of well-rotted compost or organic matter. In sandy soils this improves moisture retention; in clay soils it improves drainage. Clematis prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
•    Planting depth: Unlike most plants, clematis should be planted deeper than they sat in their pot — approximately 5cm below the soil surface. This encourages multiple stems to develop from below ground, which protects the plant if clematis wilt strikes.
•    Keeping roots cool: Mulch around the base generously, keeping mulch away from the stem itself. Alternatively, plant a low-growing groundcover or perennial in front of the clematis root zone — lavender, thyme, and alyssum all work beautifully alongside clematis in Australian gardens.
•    Watering: Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system. Once established, clematis prefer a steady, even moisture level — not waterlogged, never bone dry. In summer, deep weekly watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering.
•    Fertilising: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring as growth begins. A liquid feed with a high-potash fertiliser once flowering commences boosts bloom production significantly.
•    Support: Clematis climb by wrapping their leaf stalks around supports. Provide a trellis, wire mesh, or sturdy support before planting — not after. For wall-mounted supports, ensure the trellis or mesh stands at least 2.5cm away from the wall surface to allow stems to twine freely.

Pruning groups — which applies to your clematis?

Clematis are divided into three pruning groups. Getting this right is critical to whether your plant flowers well each year. Our team's rule of thumb: when in doubt, check the plant label, or refer to this guide.

Group 1 (minimal pruning): Flowers on old wood produced the previous season. Prune only to remove dead or damaged wood and to control size, immediately after flowering. Includes: Clematis montana Rubens, Clematis aristata, Clematis microphylla, Clematis armandii. Do NOT prune hard in winter — you will remove all the flowering wood.
Group 2 (light winter prune): Flowers on both old and new wood. Prune lightly in winter down to strong buds, then deadhead after the first flush to encourage a second flowering. Includes most large-flowered hybrids.
Group 3 (hard winter prune): Flowers entirely on new season's growth. Cut back hard to 20–30cm above the ground each winter. Produces the most abundant summer and autumn flowering. Includes viticella types and late-flowering hybrids.

Why buy clematis plants from Online Plants?

•    30-day guarantee to grow on every plant
•    Australia's first and largest online nursery — 20+ years of delivery experience
•    Plants selected by our horticultural team — not warehouse-picked
•    Delivery to VIC, NSW, QLD, SA and ACT — metro and regional
•    No minimum order
•    Free garden design consultation — call 0428 110 584 or email store@onlineplants.com.au

Variety Comparison Table

Variety	Height	Prune Group	Best Use	Flower	Pot-Friendly
Montana Rubens	To 6m	Group 1	Pergolas, walls, fences	Pink (fragrant)	No — too vigorous
Aristata	To 3–5m	Group 1	Fences, native gardens, groundcover	Cream/white starry	No — too vigorous
Microphylla	To 5m	Group 1	Trellis, fences, groundcover	Cream/white	No — too vigorous
Jackmanii type	To 3m	Group 3	Trellises, arches, containers	Purple (large)	Yes (large pot)

 

Frequently Asked Question - FAQs

What is clematis and why is it called the 'Queen of Climbers'?

Clematis (pronounced KLEM-uh-tis) is a genus of over 300 climbing and trailing plants in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. They are nicknamed the 'Queen of Climbers' because of the extraordinary range, size, and beauty of their flowers — from small starry natives through to large-plate hybrid blooms 20cm across — combined with their vigour and versatility. In Australian gardens, clematis add vertical interest to structures and fences that few other plants can match.

Which clematis grows best in Australia?

The best clematis for Australian gardens depends on your climate zone. In cool-temperate regions (VIC, ACT, highland NSW, SA), Clematis montana Rubens and large-flowered hybrids perform exceptionally well. In subtropical zones (coastal QLD, northern NSW), our native species — Clematis aristata and Clematis microphylla — are far more reliable as they are adapted to Australian conditions. For hot, dry gardens with low rainfall, Clematis microphylla's drought tolerance makes it the standout choice. Our horticultural team is happy to advise on the right variety for your specific location.

When should I plant clematis in Australia?

The ideal planting times for clematis in Australia are late winter to early spring (August to October) and early autumn (March to April). Planting during mild, moist soil conditions allows the root system to establish before facing summer heat or winter cold. Avoid planting in the peak of summer or during frost periods. When planting, position the crown of the plant approximately 5cm below the soil surface to encourage multiple stems from below ground level.

How do I know which pruning group my clematis belongs to?

Check the plant label when you purchase — it should specify Group 1, 2, or 3. As a general guide: if your clematis flowers early in spring (September-October), it is almost certainly Group 1 and needs only light tidying after flowering. If it flowers in spring and again in summer, it is likely Group 2 — prune lightly in winter. If it flowers from November onwards into summer and autumn, it is Group 3 — prune hard to 20–30cm in late winter. Our Montana Rubens, Aristata, and Microphylla are all Group 1.

Can clematis grow in pots in Australia?

Clematis can be grown in pots, but they are not ideal long-term container plants as their roots need depth and coolness. If growing in a pot, choose the largest container possible (minimum 40–50 litres), use a premium potting mix, keep the pot in a position where it receives shade on its sides to keep roots cool, and water frequently. Smaller-growing Group 2 and Group 3 hybrid varieties are better suited to containers than the vigorous Group 1 types such as Montana or the native species.