How to Grow Clematis 'The President'
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Clematis 'The President'
Clematis × jackmanii 'The President'
vineA stunning large-flowered clematis cultivar known for its deep purple-mauve blooms with darker stamens. This deciduous climbing vine produces massive 6-8 inch flowers and is one of the most popular and reliable clematis varieties for garden settings. It flowers prolifically from early summer through fall with proper care.
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Example Clematis 'The President' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Clematis 'The President'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Clematis 'The President'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Clematis 'The President' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Ideal in zones 4-9; can survive zone 3 with winter protection
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Get my Clematis 'The President' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeks after plantingYoung vine with 3-5 leaves per node, slow initial growth as root system develops
Provide sturdy support structure immediately. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping it away from stem. Fertilize lightly every 3 weeks.
Vegetative Growth
Spring to early summer (8-12 weeks)Vigorous shoot development with multiple stems climbing rapidly, reaching 6-10 feet in a season
Tie stems loosely to support as they grow. Prune out any dead or diseased wood. Begin fertilizing with balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions.
Flowering (Early)
Early summer, 4-6 weeks (June-July in northern zones)First flush of massive 6-8 inch double or semi-double blooms appear in purple-mauve color with dark stamens
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Maintain consistent watering. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3 weeks. Stake or tie new growth as needed. Monitor for spider mites in hot weather.
Secondary Flowering
Late summer through fall, 8-12 weeks (August-October)After summer heat, another flush of blooms emerges on new growth, typically with single flowers
Continue deadheading religiously. Maintain regular watering schedule. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer if excessive leaf growth occurs at expense of flowers. Prune lightly if vine becomes unruly.
Dormancy
November-March (4-5 months)Foliage yellows and drops as vine enters winter rest; bare woody stems remain visible
Stop fertilizing in August/September. Reduce watering as growth slows. Apply winter mulch in zones below 5. Prune in late winter (February-March in zone 5-6) to 12-18 inches above ground for renewal. Inspect for damaged wood.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Plant with crown below soil level for regeneration if affected. Remove infected stems immediately and dispose of in trash. Improve air circulation. Use fungicide (copper-based) as preventative. Avoid wounding stems.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap in early morning or evening. Maintain adequate humidity. Increase frequency of spraying during hot, dry spells.
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Improve air circulation by pruning appropriately. Apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide. Water at soil level to keep foliage dry. Remove heavily affected leaves. Apply every 7-10 days if needed.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Increase water misting to wash off insects. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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and
Remove debris and mulch piles where they hide. Use copper barriers around base. Hand-pick in evening. Apply iron phosphate-based bait. Encourage ground beetles and birds.
Uses
Ornamental Garden Structure & Vertical Beauty
CraftThe President clematis is prized for covering arbors, pergolas, trellises, and fences with dramatic purple flowers reaching 6-8 inches in diameter. Its vigorous growth and long blooming season make it ideal for creating vertical garden interest and screening unsightly views. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdThe large, showy blooms make excellent cut flowers for floral arrangements and bouquets. The long stems and substantial flowers add structure and elegance to both simple and complex arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe abundant nectar and pollen in clematis flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting pollinator populations throughout the blooming season. [source]
Landscape Design & Garden Aesthetics
CraftWidely used by landscape designers to add color and textural contrast to garden compositions. The purple-mauve blooms complement both traditional and contemporary garden styles. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalSome clematis species have been used in traditional medicine, though The President cultivar is primarily grown ornamentally. Historically, clematis has been employed in herbalism, though modern use is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental vine grown for flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. Cut flowers last 7-10 days in a vase if harvested in early morning when stems are fully hydrated. For pruning: In late winter, cut back to 12-18 inches above ground for renewal, removing all dead or weak wood.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Clematis 'The President' was raised by the Victorian nurseryman James Booth in the 1870s and remains one of the most reliable and popular large-flowered clematis varieties over 150 years later.
- 🌱 The flowers often have a double layer of petals in the first spring flush, then revert to single flowers in subsequent blooms—this variation is normal and not a sign of disease.
- 🌱 Clematis is sometimes called the 'Queen of Climbing Plants' due to its spectacular blooms and has inspired horticultural societies and breeding programs worldwide dedicated to developing new varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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