--- title: "Clematis: vase life, season, meaning & care | Floreboard flower guide" url: https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/ language: en last_reviewed: 2026-10-31 publisher: Floreboard --- # Clematis: vase life, season, meaning and care for florists ZANDER 5D 〰↓ ⊔= ∠ ⨀ 4–6 days ☠❄ Clematis (Clematis, family Ranunculaceae) usually lasts 4–6 days in a vase. In season: Spring, Summer. Fragrance: none. Typical role in a design: filler flower. - **Botanical name:** Clematis - **Family:** Ranunculaceae - **Accepted name:** Clematis L. [POWO](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:329401-2) · [GBIF](https://www.gbif.org/species/3033512) · [Catalogue of Life](https://www.catalogueoflife.org/data/taxon/3QTB) - **Role in a design:** Filler flower - **Vase life:** 4–6 days - **In season:** Spring, Summer - **Fragrance:** None - **Colours:** [purple](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/purple/), [blue](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/blue/), [white](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/white/), [pink](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/pink/) - **Type:** Cut flower - **Pets:** Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten ## Cut flower commercial monograph 🌿 Taxonomy & Origin - **Official name:** Clematis - **Botanical name:** Clematis - **Family:** Ranunculaceae - **Aliases:** None - **Native origin:** Southeastern Europe, Mediterranean and temperate Asia 🌸 Morphology & Visuals - **Growth habit:** Herbaceous perennial or biennial with sturdy, upright flowering stems. - **Stem length:** 50–70 cm - **Natural colours:** Purple, Blue, White, Pink ⏳ Phenology & Harvest - **Natural bloom:** Natural flowering in spring, summer - **Commercial supply:** Peak in spring, summer - **Harvest stage:** Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3). ✂️ Postharvest & Floristry - **Vase life:** 4–6 days - **Cold storage:** Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity). - **Special care:** Wilts easily. Sear the cut ends or dip them in hot water, then condition in deep water overnight before arranging. - **Application:** Serves primarily as Filler flower in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs. - **Market notes:** Wilts easily. Sear the cut ends or dip them in hot water, then condition in deep water overnight before arranging. For florists ## Try Clematis in a client design We fill in the brief from this page. No stock yet? Load the sample flowers — Clematis included — and see a recipe, quote and preview image in about a minute. New shops get 30 free credits. Try it as a design — free ## Care and conditioning - Wilts easily. Sear the cut ends or dip them in hot water, then condition in deep water overnight before arranging. - Clematis is mildly toxic to cats and dogs: remind clients with pets to keep it out of reach. - Clematis is short-lived (about 4–6 days): when mixed with longer-lasting stems, deliver the same or next day. ## Where it fits | Use | | Why | | --- | --- | --- | | Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. | | Weddings | ! | Lasts only about 4–6 days — make up the day before or on the day. | | Dining tables and restaurants | ✓ | Little or no scent, so it will not compete with the meal. | | Homes with cats or dogs | ! | Mildly toxic if eaten — advise keeping it out of reach. | | Making ahead and next-day delivery | ! | Short-lived (about 4–6 days) — deliver the same or next day. | ## Pairs well with These are available at the same time as clematis and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly: | Flower | Role | Vase life | | --- | --- | --- | | [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/) | Focal flower | 4–6 days | | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | Focal flower | 5–7 days | | [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/) | Focal flower | 6–10 days | | [Sweet flag (acorus)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/acorus/) | Foliage | 7–14 days | | [Eucalyptus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/eucalyptus/) | Foliage | 10–14 days | | [Monstera leaf](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/monstera/) | Foliage | 10–14 days | ## Substitutes When clematis is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year: | Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Cornflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cornflower/) | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer | None | — | | [Daisy (marguerite)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/daisy/) | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer | None | mildly toxic | | [Queen Anne's lace (Ammi)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/queenannes/) | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer | None | — | | [Scabiosa](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/scabiosa/) | 5–7 days | Summer | None | — | ## FAQ ### How long does clematis last in a vase? Usually 4–6 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning. ### When is clematis in season? In season in spring, summer; at other times prices can run high or quality can vary. ### How do you keep clematis fresh? Wilts easily. Sear the cut ends or dip them in hot water, then condition in deep water overnight before arranging. ### What colours does clematis come in? Naturally in purple, blue, white, pink (not counting dyed stems). ### Is clematis toxic to cats or dogs? Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. ### What can I use instead of clematis? Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Cornflower, Daisy (marguerite), Queen Anne's lace (Ammi), Scabiosa. ## Related guides - [Cut flower care and conditioning guide](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/cut-flower-care/) - [Pet-safe flowers for cats and dogs](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/pet-safe-flowers/) - [Unscented and low-pollen flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/unscented-flowers/) - [Cut flower vase life chart](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-vase-life/) - [Spring flowers in season](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/spring/) ## In season at the same time [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/) · [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/) · [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/) · [Chamomile](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chamomile/) · [Tree peony](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peony/) · [Peony (herbaceous)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/herbaceous-peony/) · [Silver wattle (mimosa)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/acacia/) · [Astrantia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/astrantia/) Last reviewed: 2026-10-31. Reference values from common trade practice. Real results vary with variety, origin and conditioning. Pet toxicity follows the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants list. [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants) · [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)