Clematis The President
The President Clematis
Clematis ‘The President’ is a time-honored large-flowered clematis celebrated for its rich blue-violet blooms and dependable, repeat-flowering performance. Introduced in the 19th century and still widely grown today, it brings bold color and classic elegance to trellises, arbors, and garden entrances.
Plant Profile
Type: Deciduous flowering vine
Mature Size:
Width: 3–5 ft
Height: 8–10 ft
Bloom:
Large (6–7 in.) star-shaped flowers
Deep blue-violet petals with a subtle sheen
Dark red to purple stamens
Main bloom in late spring to early summer with a reliable repeat bloom in late summer
Foliage: Medium green; clean and attractive
Zones: 4a–9b
Light: Full sun to partial shade (morning sun with afternoon shade preferred)
Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soils
Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
Pruning Group: Group 2 (light to moderate pruning)
Features & Uses
Form: Upright to gently spreading climber with a balanced, classic habit
Excellent for trellises, pergolas, fences, obelisks, and arbors
Strong blue-purple color pairs beautifully with whites, pinks, and silver foliage
Holds color well without excessive fading
One of the most reliable classic clematis cultivars
Care Notes
Prune lightly in early spring, removing dead or weak stems
After the first flush of blooms, lightly trim to encourage repeat flowering
Mulch roots to keep soil cool and evenly moist
- Plant type
- Vine
- Height
- 10-12'
- Width
- 3-5'
- Hardiness zones
- 4–11
- Sunlight
- Full Sun, Partial Shade
- Bloom time
- Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer, Summer
- Flower color
- Blue Violet
- Leaf color
- Green
- Fall color
- Green
- Soil
- Moist well-drained
- Landscape use
- Trellis
- Shape
- Climbing
- Fragrant
- Yes
- Drought tolerant
- No
