Yellow clematis
Clematis tibetana
Yellow clematis (Clematis tibetana) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 72 to 144 in tall and 36 to 60 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. A vigorous climber hung with nodding, thick-petaled yellow lanterns from midsummer into fall, followed by silky silver seedheads. Easy and drought-tough. Seen at Denver Botanic Gardens.
Not on an authoritative Colorado list. Yellow clematis grows on the Front Range, but it is not on the CSU Extension, Plant Select, or Colorado Native Plant Society lists our recommended plants come from. We include it for coverage because people grow it here and ask about it. Read the guidance below as our own honest take, not a formal recommendation.
low to medium water72 to 144 in tall and 36 to 60 in wideXeric / water-wiseToxic to dogs
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5 to 9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 72 to 144 in tall and 36 to 60 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~42 to 60 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer, early fall
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Deer often browse this
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- Spreads aggressivelySelf-sows readily; its relative Clematis orientalis is a Colorado noxious weed, so cut off the fluffy seedheads before they scatter.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Clematis wilt
- Aphids
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Give it full sun and something to climb; drought-tolerant once established. Cut it back hard in late winter, as it blooms on new growth.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Yellow clematis good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Yellow clematis is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Yellow clematis?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet. Self-sows readily; its relative Clematis orientalis is a Colorado noxious weed, so cut off the fluffy seedheads before they scatter.
- How big does Yellow clematis get?
- It matures to about 72 to 144 in tall and 36 to 60 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Yellow clematis?
- Space Yellow clematis about 42 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 60 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Yellow clematis hardy on the Front Range?
- Yellow clematis is hardy in USDA 5 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
- How much water does Yellow clematis need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Yellow clematis safe for dogs?
- No. Yellow clematis is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Yellow clematis deer-resistant?
- No. Deer often browse Yellow clematis, so plan on protecting it where deer roam.
- Is Yellow clematis prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Yellow clematis can be affected by clematis wilt and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
- How long does Yellow clematis bloom?
- Yellow clematis blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
