Clematis as a Cut Flower
- Su Whale
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
One of the few climbing garden plants to migrate successfully into the cut flower market, trailing Clematis with its simple, open petals, wiry stems and elegant leaves is now an essential summer flower. Used extensively in bridal work, competitions and installations, the range of colours and longevity of Clematis is constantly expanding and being improved.
It all started in 2006 when Dutch growers Marginpar developed Clematis ‘Blue Pirouette’ which was at the time, the only Clematis to be traded at the auctions. Since then, Marginpar have been introducing new colours with the ‘Clematis Amazing’ series with a long-awaited white Clematis, ‘Vienna,’ a flower top of the wish list of most floral designers, arriving in 2020. Marginpar now supply 99% of cut Clematis in Europe.
How to buy Clematis
Stem Length: 50-70cm, sold in batches of 10 or 20 stems.
Colour Range: White, pale pink, dark pink, crimson, pale blue, blue, violet, purple.
Availability: All year round with different colours and varieties peaking within the year.
Vase life: 10 -14days.
Care and Conditioning
Ideal temperature for display: 2-5°C.
Clematis are thirsty flowers and will need a good drink before using in designs. Keep containers topped up with fresh water, checking water levels daily.
Re-cut stems on arrival using scissors and remove any unnecessary foliage or that which will be in contact with water.
Clematis prefer cool conditions to warm, for maximum vase life, display out of direct heat sources and sunshine. Moving them to a cool spot at night will prolong their flowering time.
Using Clematis in Designs
As Clematis require a lot of water, they are not ideal flowers for using in test tubes or in floral foam, especially if they need to be in place for a number of days, i.e. in competition or installations. If they are used in this way, ensure that test tubes are topped up daily and floral foam is thoroughly soaked.
Use long stems of Clematis to trail elegantly from bridal tied designs, or, if using in a holder, a dab of glue on the end of the stem will help to keep moisture in. They will wilt quickly on a warm day out of water, so not suitable for wiring.
FSI Certified
It’s worth noting, for those customers and clients who are demanding more sustainability, Marginpar Clematis are 100% certified FSI (Floriculture Sustainability Initiative).
Images courtesy of Marginpar. Designers Max van der Sluis (wreath) Sylvia Hartmann (vase) and BLOOMsMedien
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over Thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
Comments