clematis

noun cle·ma·tis \ ˈkle-mə-təs ; kli-ˈma-təs , -ˈmā- , -ˈmä- \

|Updated on: 4 Jun 2018

Definition of clematis

: any of a genus (Clematis) of vines or herbs of the buttercup family often having three leaflets on each leaf and usually white, red, pink, or purple flowers

See clematis defined for English-language learners

See clematis defined for kids

Recent Examples of clematis from the Web

The back walls will have fragrant white roses and clematis climbing up them.

— Vogue, "Victoria Beckham’s Guide to Summer Gardening," 21 May 2018
Ignore those gardening books that promise that some clematis don't need pruning at all.

— jean nick, Good Housekeeping, "How To Grow Clematis," 17 Mar. 2017
White magnolias are near the pergola, which is topped by wisteria and varieties of clematis.

— janet eastman, OregonLive.com, "See four private estates during the Dunthorpe Garden Tour (photos)," 9 May 2018
Clematis: Most of the large, showy hybrid clematis are not scented, but the following species are all richly scented (also all vigorous climbers, to 15 feet or more).

— the editors of organic life, Good Housekeeping, "The 60 Most Fragrant Flowers Across The World," 11 May 2017
With the aid of trellises, every wall has something growing up: Climbing roses, clematis, trumpet vine, honeysuckle and more.

— debbie arrington, sacbee, "Think Sacramento feels like Iowa? They'd agree | The Sacramento Bee," 21 Apr. 2018
These super aggressive weeds include blackberry, Scotch broom, bindweed (also known as invasive morning glory), horsetail, English ivy, poison oak and old man’s beard (also known as traveler’s joy; an invasive species of clematis).

— OregonLive.com, "How to defend lawns, gardens against invasive weeds," 27 Feb. 2018
Care for Compost Certain plants like roses, berries, and clematis appreciate this springtime pampering.

— kier holmes, Sunset, "Essential Checklist for Prepping Your Spring Garden," 22 Jan. 2018
This is a clematis that blooms on old and new wood, and takes part sun to full sun exposure.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Consider growing perennials that bloom and bloom ...," 17 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'clematis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.