The Uses of an Armand Clematis Vine

Clematis vines are a practical addition to any garden, providing color and interest, especially in normally barren or unsightly areas of the yard. While most clematis flowers have no scent, Armandii, or Armand Clematis, is an exception. Planted in U.S. Department of Agriculture planting zones 7b to 9, Armandii is an evergreen that cheerfully climbs a variety of supports and provides year-round interest.

Features

• C. Armandii produces large flowers, but unlike most clematis, the number of petals may vary from four to six. Petals are narrow and spread out, similar to jasmine flowers. The blossoms appear in clusters and emit a vanillalike scent that gently perfumes the air nearby. The gleaming, dark green leaves are up to 6 inches long and a bit dangly. Armand can grow up to 20 feet tall. In warmer climates, Armand begins flowering as early as February. In cooler regions of its hardiness zone, the plant may not produce flowers until March. Although the plant needs watering during drought, Armand clematis is easy to grow and rarely suffers from insect pests or diseases. Armand clematis Apple Blossom has pink buds that open to white flowers. Snowdrift has white flowers and is a highly aromatic variety.

Outdoor Uses

• Plant Armand clematis next to an arbor, trellis or pergola to make a living arch of foliage and scented flowers near your patio, garden or an entrance. Give the plant a little wire or other material on which to cling to as it climbs. Armand will grow up and around other plants, as well. To decorate or hide a deck rail or fence, plant Armand and let the plant do your decorating for you. Make sure the planting site is sunny and out of the way of harsh winds, however, for optimum growth and flowering. Try planting Armand clematis with wisteria for a delicious mingling of both scent and color.

  Gather the silvery seedpods that appear in late summer. Spray the pods with a fixative, or ordinary hair spray, to keep them from exploding and either pile them into a small, attractive container or use them in dried flower arrangements. (Ref. 3)

Indoor Uses

• Armand clematis will grow as an attractive, trailing indoor plant or hanging basket. Be sure to keep the plant snipped to keep growth under control. If the plant completely outgrows its pot, simply transplant it to the garden and replace it with a smaller plant.

Pruning

• Because Armand clematis is a vigorous plant, prune the vine soon after flowering to remove any dead tissue and control growth. You can prune Armand clematis all the down to the ground to rejuvenate the plant, which will produce new buds for next season’s flowers.

Tip

• Mulch Armand Clematis to help keep its roots cool and moist during the heat of summer.