Stunning Varieties Of Vining Clematis That Hummingbirds Can't Get Enough Of

Clematis vines dripping with colorful blooms as they creep up a trellis are gorgeous as-is. With fairy-like hummingbirds sipping from the flowers, the beauty is enough to give you chills. There are many, many types of vining clematis, and their blossoms appear in some of hummingbirds' favorite colors and shapes. What's more, clematis are perennial plants; once your vine is established, you and the birds will enjoy it for years to come.

All species of these flowering vines will keep hummingbirds coming back to your yard, so why not go with some truly dazzling varieties of clematis? Here are three colorful clematis species — one classic and two rare — to thrill both hummers and humans alike. The vivid blossoms of the white leaf leather flower, the two-toned ink petals of 'Duchess of Albany', and the delicate cups of Clematis tangutica are a trio of clematis species that hummingbirds will flock to with a frenzy. When planted in full sun, vines should produce the truest colors sure to lure in our hungry friends. All of these varieties bloom for months at a time, ensuring the hummingbirds a consistent food source while they're in your region.

Get to know three types of clematis that are easy to grow without taking over your garden. Native to the southeastern U.S. states, the white leaf leather flower meets the criteria for the perfect hummingbird magnet. This lesser-known vine has cup-shaped flowers in some of hummingbirds' favorite colors: red and pink. The white leaf leather flower is cold-hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9 and can grow up to 12 feet in height. Plant the white leaf leather flower in either spring or fall, preferably in part-shade. This rare native clematis will bloom all summer as long as it receives adequate water.

It's hard to match the vivid beauty of the 'Duchess of Albany' clematis. This hybrid was developed more than a century ago, and its trumpet-shaped fuchsia flowers seem to be made for hummingbirds. The 'Duchess of Albany' is hardy in USDA Zones as cool as 4 and as warm as 9. It can grow to about 9 feet in height and can bloom from late spring and into fall. Plant 'Duchess of Albany' in spring in full or part sun.

Among the rarest and toughest among these species, Clematis tangutica sports cup-shaped flowers in a buttery yellow not commonly seen in other varieties of clematis. This cold-tolerant vine can thrive in Zones 2 through 9. Hard-working tangutica can grow up to 20 feet tall! It has the shortest bloom time of these three clematises, starting in mid summer and tapering off in early fall. Plant it in the spring after the last frost. Like other clematises, it performs best in part or full sun.