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Some clematis flowers twice a year because certain varieties are naturally reblooming.
These special clematis plants deliver a stunning spring display, then take a short rest before putting on another show in late summer or early fall.
If you’ve been searching for a clematis that flowers twice a year, you’re in luck because there’s a whole group bred just for that purpose.
This post will explore which clematis flowers twice a year, why they bloom again, and how to keep them performing at their best.
Let’s dig into the world of repeat-flowering clematis so you can enjoy two seasons of color.
Which Clematis Flowers Twice a Year
The clematis that flowers twice a year mostly belongs to the Group 2 (early large-flowered) and Group 3 (late-flowering) categories.
Group 2 clematis are famous for their big, showy blooms in late spring and then a second, lighter flush in late summer.
Group 3 clematis, on the other hand, typically bloom continuously from early summer to fall, which means you get waves of flowers that feel like two distinct blooming periods.
When you choose a clematis that flowers twice a year, you’re essentially selecting a plant with built-in stamina for repeat performances.
Here’s a closer look at the best varieties that give you that double delight.
1. ‘Nelly Moser’ – A Classic Repeat Bloomer
‘Nelly Moser’ is one of the most beloved clematis that flowers twice a year.
Its large, soft pink petals with darker pink stripes appear in late spring, and then it rewards you again in early fall.
This variety loves morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hot climates, to protect those gorgeous blooms.
If you prune it lightly after the first flush, you’ll encourage a stronger second bloom.
This clematis flowers twice a year reliably when you give it consistent moisture and well-drained soil.
2. ‘The President’ – Deep Purple Performer
‘The President’ is another top pick for a clematis that flowers twice a year.
You’ll see rich, velvety purple flowers in May and June, followed by a second wave in September.
It’s a vigorous grower that reaches about 8 to 10 feet, making it perfect for trellises, fences, or scrambling through shrubs.
This clematis flowers twice a year with proper deadheading, which means removing spent blooms to spur new growth.
Give it full sun to partial shade, and it will thank you with an encore performance every season.
3. ‘Multi Blue’ – Unique Semi-Double Blooms
If you want a clematis that flowers twice a year with a twist, ‘Multi Blue’ is a fantastic choice.
Its double and semi-double blue-violet flowers are truly eye-catching in late spring and again in late summer.
This variety is compact, growing only about 6 to 8 feet, so it works beautifully in containers or small gardens.
This clematis flowers twice a year when you prune it lightly in early spring, just to remove dead or weak stems.
The second flush may have slightly smaller blooms, but the color intensity remains stunning.
4. ‘Jackmanii’ – A Late-Season Heavyweight
‘Jackmanii’ is a legendary clematis that flowers twice a year, though many gardeners treat it as a continuous bloomer.
Its deep purple, velvety flowers start in early July and can last well into September, creating a long season of color.
Because it blooms on new wood, you can prune it hard in late winter or early spring, and it still rewards you with masses of flowers.
This clematis flowers twice a year if you deadhead regularly, as it will push out new buds after each flush fades.
It’s a vigorous climber that can reach 10 to 12 feet, so give it room to sprawl.
5. ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ – Soft Pink Reliable
‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ is a hardy, dependable clematis that flowers twice a year with charming soft pink blossoms.
You’ll enjoy a generous display in June and July, then another lighter flush in early autumn.
This variety is ideal for beginners because it’s forgiving and easy to care for.
A clematis that flowers twice a year like this one thrives in full sun with its roots shaded and cool.
Mulch the base or plant low-growing perennials around it to keep those roots happy.
Why Some Clematis Flowers Twice a Year
The secret behind a clematis that flowers twice a year lies in its growth and blooming habits.
Group 2 clematis produce their first flush from the previous year’s growth, then the second flush from the current season’s new growth.
Group 3 clematis bloom on new wood, so they keep producing flowers all season, which results in multiple waves.
In both cases, the plant’s natural hormone cycles allow it to set buds again after the first flush fades.
That’s why you can rely on a clematis that flowers twice a year to give you more bang for your buck.
Pruning Is Key for Repeat Blooms
To ensure your clematis flowers twice a year, you need to match your pruning to its group.
For Group 2 varieties like ‘Nelly Moser’ and ‘The President’, do a light prune in early spring, just removing dead stems.
After the first bloom, trim back spent flower heads to encourage a second set of buds.
For Group 3 types like ‘Jackmanii’, cut them down hard (about 12 inches from the ground) in late winter.
This hard prune promotes vigorous new growth, and that new growth is what produces the flowers.
Proper pruning is the single most important factor in whether your clematis flowers twice a year.
Deadheading Boosts the Second Flush
Deadheading isn’t just for roses, it’s crucial for a clematis that flowers twice a year.
When you remove faded blooms, you stop the plant from putting energy into seed production.
Instead, it redirects that energy into forming new flower buds.
Make it a habit to pinch off spent flowers every few days during the blooming season.
You’ll be amazed at how this simple task keeps your clematis flowering twice a year with vigor.
Feeding and Watering for Two Shows
A clematis that flowers twice a year needs extra nutrition to support those repeat performances.
Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) in early spring, then again after the first bloom.
Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells, because stress can halt blooming.
Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
With this care routine, your clematis flowers twice a year like clockwork.
How to Maximize the Second Bloom
If you want your clematis that flowers twice a year to truly shine, a few extra tips will make a big difference.
First, choose a spot with at least six hours of sunlight for most varieties, but protect the roots with shade.
Second, train the vines horizontally on a trellis, which encourages more side shoots and thus more flowers.
Third, apply a layer of compost or well-rotted manure in fall to enrich the soil for the following year.
Finally, be patient because young clematis may need a couple of years to establish before they show their full potential.
Once mature, your clematis flowers twice a year with minimal fuss.
So, What Clematis Flowers Twice a Year?
A clematis that flowers twice a year is any Group 2 or Group 3 variety that naturally reblooms.
Top choices include ‘Nelly Moser’, ‘The President’, ‘Multi Blue’, ‘Jackmanii’, and ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’.
These clematis flowers twice a year when you prune correctly, deadhead regularly, and feed them well.
Now you know exactly what clematis flowers twice a year and how to get the most out of them.
Happy gardening, and enjoy those two glorious seasons of blooms!