Clematis armandii

Clematis armandii is the evergreen clematis, a bold, glossy-leaved vine that breaks nearly every rule of the genus. Where most clematis drop their leaves and climb daintily, this one holds large, leathery, dark green trifoliate leaves the year round and grows with real vigor, then smothers itself in fragrant white flowers at the very start of spring. Few vines open so much bloom so early, and fewer still carry evergreen foliage handsome enough to grow for the leaves alone.

In late winter and early spring the vine bursts into wide clusters of small, starry white flowers, sweetly scented of vanilla and almond, an early feast for bees drifting out on the first warm days. The species honors Pere Armand David, the French missionary-naturalist who botanized across nineteenth-century China and lent his name to the dove tree and to Pere David's deer as well. Bloom comes on the previous year's wood, so any pruning is best done right after flowering.

Armand clematis wants the classic clematis compromise, roots cool and shaded, top in the sun, in moist, rich, well-drained soil. Shelter matters too, for the evergreen leaves can burn in harsh, drying winter wind, so a warm wall or a sheltered corner suits the vine best. Vigorous and fast, hardy through about zone 7, the plant can grow heavy and tangled over time and rewards a strong support and a yearly tidy.

Train Clematis armandii up an arbor, a pergola, a stout trellis, or a fence, where the early flowers and their fragrance can be met at close range and the glossy foliage screens the year round. A vine for southern and mild gardens, this is one of the finest evergreen climbers for scent and early bloom. As with all clematis, the leaves and sap are mildly toxic if eaten and can irritate skin, a small caution worth noting.