Clematis 'The President'
Best climbing perennial for gardeners seeking long-lasting, pollinator-friendly vertical color.
Clematis 'The President' is a stunning deciduous vine, recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society for its award-winning, large purple-blue blooms. This perennial climber produces abundant, cupped flowers up to 7 inches wide, featuring striking white or reddish anthers and a silvery shimmer on the reverse. It offers multiple bloom periods from late spring through fall, attracting bees and butterflies. Thriving in full sun with cool roots, it's adaptable to various soil types and makes a beautiful vertical accent for trellises or garden borders.
$21.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1020
/ 2691
#1020 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-50%
Below average
Genus
Clematis
/ Clematis
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-impact, vibrant floral displays
- Landscape planners wanting extended seasonal color
- Urban gardeners needing versatile, climbing plant options
Who should skip it
- Busy homeowners preferring low-maintenance planting requirements
- Risk-averse gardeners worried about fungal plant diseases
- Novice gardeners intimidated by complex pruning schedules
Performance breakdown
Bloom Impact
Massive seven-inch flowers provide an immediate, high-drama visual focal point.
Seasonal Longevity
Multiple bloom cycles ensure consistent color from late spring through autumn.
Hardiness Versatility
Exceptional range across zones four through eleven accommodates diverse regional climates.
Pollinator Appeal
Reliably draws bees and butterflies to enhance your garden's local ecosystem.
Growth Adaptability
Thrives equally well in garden beds or managed container environments.
Pest Resistance
Natural deer resistance reduces the need for constant protective maintenance.
Key Specs
Genus
Clematis
Variety
'The President'
Hardiness Zones
4 - 11
Mature Height
10 Feet
Mature Width
6 Feet
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil Drainage
Moist, well-drained
Item Form
1-Quart, 2 1/4-inch Pot
Features
- Award-winning Royal Horticultural Society cultivar
- Large, up to 7-inch cupped blooms
- Two main bloom periods for extended interest
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Resistant to black walnut toxicity
- Vining, bushy, and twining growth habit
- Suitable for containers
- Deer resistant
What customers say
Customers rave about 'The President' for its outstanding quality and dependable performance. The deep violet color and large blooms accurately match the catalog description, creating a stunning garden display. Reviewers consistently note the plant's vigor and rapid establishment, making it a reliable choice. Despite initial shipping size observations, the lasting beauty and impressive blooms provided year after year solidify its reputation as a beloved garden favorite. This plant offers exceptional value and consistent results, earning its place as a top performer.
Know before you buy
This variety is known for its extended interest, producing two main bloom periods from late spring through fall.
As a vining and twining climber, it performs best when provided with a trellis, arbor, or fence to support its 10-foot mature height.
Yes, 'The President' is suitable for container gardening, provided the pot is large enough to accommodate its growth and offers excellent drainage.
Clematis prefer their roots to stay shaded and cool while their foliage reaches for the sun. You can achieve this by planting low-growing perennials around the base or applying a layer of mulch.
While no plant is completely immune to hungry wildlife, 'The President' is generally avoided by deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens where deer pressure is a concern.
This variety is highly adaptable and hardy in zones 4 through 11, meaning it can thrive in a wide range of climates across the country.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$22