Jackman’s clematis is a very old and well-known clematis with large, dark purple flowers. It is the picture that comes to mind when the word clematis is spoken. There are a number of hybrids derived from this species and they are known as the Jackman group or the Jackman hybrids. These hybrids generally have large flowers.
Size and Method of Climbing:
Jackman’s clematis can grow up to ten feet. It is a twining vine and also has petioles that twine. Twining vines climb by twisting their stems or leaf stalks (petioles) around a support. This type of vine grows well on trellises, arbors, wires, or chain-link fences.
Native geographic location and habitat:
The plants are of hybrid origin.
Leaf description:
The opposite leaves are pinnately compound.
Flower description:
Jackman’s clematis has large, deep purple flowers that can reach 4 to 6 inches across. They have four to six showy, petal-like sepals. The Jackman hybrids produce large flowers in a variety of colors, including purple, red, pink, and blue.
Fruit description:
The fruits are groups of achenes, each with a long, plume-like tail.
Plant care:
Jackman’s clematis prefer full to partial shade. They should be mulched to keep the roots cool. They do best in moist well-drained soils. They tolerate a wide range of soil pH. Generally pruned in winter or early spring. Pruning timing will vary on the hybrids as some flower on old wood and some on new wood.
List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:
Leaf spots are common among clematis as is stem wilt, a more serious problem. Powdery mildew can also occur. They are tolerant of black walnut toxicity.
This is a selection of the Jackman hybrids. There are other cultivars in the Jackman group and there are other groups of clematis. Check local nurseries for availability.
Alba clematis (Clematis x jackmanii ‘Alba’):
This is a cultivar with white flowers.
Comtesse De Bouchaud clematis (Clematis x ‘Comtesse De Bouchaud’):
Pink flowers are produced in large quantities on this hybrid.
Hagley hybrid clematis (Clematis x ‘Hagley Hybrid’):
This plant has pink flowers with ruffled edges.
Madame Baron Veillard clematis (Clematis x ‘Madame Baron Veillard’):
This hybrid has mauve-pink flowers.
Rubra clematis (Clematis x jackmanii ‘Rubra’):
A hybrid with red-purple flowers.
Star of India clematis (Clematis x ‘Star of India’):
This plant has purple flowers with red-purple stripes on each sepal.
Superba clematis (Clematis x jackmanii ‘Superba’):
A heavily flowering vine with purple flowers.
The President clematis (Clematis x ‘The President’):
A vine with large purple flowers.
