Sweet Summer Love Clematis

Clematis 'Sweet Summer Love'

Proven Winners®

Fragrant Purple Blooms that Last All Summer Long on this Cold-Hardy Clematis Vine
Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 10-15 ft Tall, 6-10 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Sweetly Fragrant Flowers

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this vine at least 6 hours of direct sun each day to ensure the heaviest flower production and most vibrant color. While it tolerates partial shade, too much shade will result in "leggy" growth and fewer blooms.
Soil: Plant in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter to hold moisture without becoming waterlogged. Clematis perform best with cool roots, so apply a thick layer of mulch around the base or plant perennials in front to shade the soil surface.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the first growing season to help the extensive root system establish. Once mature, this vine is relatively resilient, but you should still water deeply during hot, dry spells to avoid heat stress. If the soil dries out completely, the plant may stop producing new buds and the lower leaves will turn yellow and drop.

Pruning Tips

Sweet Summer Love blooms on new wood, meaning the flowers appear on the current season's growth. In early spring, before new growth really takes off, prune all stems back hard to a pair of strong buds about 6 to 12 inches above the ground. This "hard haircut" prevents the vine from becoming bare at the bottom and ensures you get lush foliage and flowers from the ground up.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your clematis with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a formula designed for roses in early spring when you see new green growth emerging. Avoid using high-nitrogen lawn fertilizers near the vine late in the season, as this encourages soft, leafy growth that is vulnerable to winter damage and reduces flowering.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Reblooming, Thornless, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	10-15 ft
Width	6-10 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Climbing, Spreading
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Purple
Fragrant	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Clematis
Botanical Name	Clematis 'Sweet Summer Love'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Sweet Summer Love
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR

Proven Winners® Sweet Summer Love Clematis!

Experience the sweet scent and stunning color of Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Sweet Summer Love Clematis PP#24,044 (Clematis 'Sweet Summer Love')! This fast-growing, cold-hardy vine blooms earlier, longer, and stronger than many other Clematis varieties!

Where some Clematis flowers are fleeting, Sweet Summer Love's fabulous blossoms are long-blooming. Quite simply, Sweet Summer Love is a hardy and prolific Clematis that you can count on for a tremendous show every year! Even in small gardens, it becomes a standout feature, adding height and dimension to the landscape.

Key Features!

Fragrant Purple Flowers: Beautiful blooms with a delightful sweet scent.
Long Blooming Season: Flowers appear in July and last into mid-September.
Fast-Growing & Hardy: Climbs up to 12 feet tall and spreads up to 6 feet.
Cold & Heat Tolerant: Adapts well to various climates and soil conditions.
Disease Resistant: A low-maintenance, resilient vine that thrives year after year.
Fragrant Blooms: Sweetly scented bold color!
Thousands of Starry Blooms: A breathtaking wave of color enhanced by frilly white stamens.
Pollinator Friendly: Bring in the butterflies and hummingbirds with a long-lasting nectar buffet.

How to Use Sweet Summer Love Clematis in Your Landscape

Sweet Summer Love Clematis transforms any garden into a lush, romantic retreat! Its abundant blooms create an elegant, cascading effect, making fences, trellises, and arbors look like living works of art.

The deep reddish-purple hues provide an eye-catching contrast against green foliage, drawing attention wherever it grows! As it matures, the vine weaves itself effortlessly into your garden’s design, softening harsh lines and filling vertical spaces with vibrant, fragrant beauty!

Perfect for Vertical Interest: Let it climb trellises, fences, or arbors for a stunning garden feature.
Enhance Entryways: Plant near doorways, patios, or pergolas to enjoy its scent and beauty up close.
Low-Maintenance Beauty: A prolific bloomer that requires minimal care while making a big impact.
Companion Planting: Perfect for Cottage Garden height and interest! Pair with Roses, Hydrangeas, or evergreen shrubs for a layered, elegant look.

Clematis Care & Maintenance

Sweet Summer Love Clematis is one of the easiest Clematis varieties to cultivate, even for beginner gardeners. It thrives with minimal care, requiring only occasional pruning and regular watering to keep it flourishing.

Sun & Shade Needs: Thrives in full sun to part shade for the best flowering performance.
Well-Drained Soil: Prefers moist but well-draining soil to keep roots healthy.
Pruning Group 3: Blooms on new growth, so prune in early spring to encourage fresh flowers.
Watering Needs: Keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering.
Support for Climbing: Provide trellises, arbors, or fences for it to reach its full height potential.

A Must-Have For Your Summer Garden!

The Proven Winners® Sweet Summer Love Clematis is one of the easiest Clematis varieties to cultivate, even for beginner gardeners. Don’t miss out on this fast-growing, fragrant, and long-blooming vine! Plus, its resistance to pests and diseases makes it a stress-free addition to any garden, ensuring years of stunning color and fragrance with very little effort.

Click to order now at Nature Hills Nursery and bring sweet fragrance and vibrant color to your garden all season long!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Sweet Summer Love Clematis suitable for?

Sweet Summer Love Clematis thrives in USDA zones 4-9, tolerating both cold winters and hot summers. This cold-hardy vine adapts well to various climates and soil conditions. Plant it in spring after the last frost for best establishment.

How big does Sweet Summer Love Clematis get at maturity?

Sweet Summer Love Clematis reaches 12 feet tall and spreads up to 6 feet wide at maturity. This fast-growing vine quickly fills vertical spaces with fragrant purple blooms from July through mid-September. Plan for sturdy support structures and shop at Nature Hills for this prolific climber.

How do you prune Sweet Summer Love Clematis?

Sweet Summer Love Clematis requires minimal pruning since it blooms on new wood. In late winter or early spring, cut stems back to 12-18 inches above ground level. This promotes vigorous new growth and maximum blooms from July through mid-September.

What are the care requirements for Sweet Summer Love Clematis, like watering and soil?

Sweet Summer Love Clematis thrives in well-draining soil and adapts to various soil conditions thanks to its hardy nature. Water regularly during the growing season, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Plant in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade for best flowering performance.

Does Sweet Summer Love Clematis need full sun or partial shade?

Sweet Summer Love Clematis thrives in full sun to partial shade, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal blooming. This hardy vine adapts well to various conditions while climbing up to 12 feet tall. Plant it where it gets morning sun and some afternoon protection for best results, available at naturehills.com.

Is Sweet Summer Love Clematis evergreen or deciduous?

Sweet Summer Love Clematis is deciduous, losing its leaves in winter and returning with new growth each spring. This cold-hardy perennial vine climbs up to 12 feet tall and blooms from July through mid-September. Cut it back in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth.

Can Sweet Summer Love Clematis grow in zone 10, and where should I plant it?

Sweet Summer Love Clematis is cold and heat tolerant, adapting well to various climates including zone 10. Plant it where it can climb trellises, fences, or arbors and receive morning sun with afternoon shade in hot climates.

Can Sweet Summer Love Clematis be grown in containers or pots?

Yes, Sweet Summer Love Clematis can be grown in containers with proper support. Choose a large pot (at least 18-24 inches wide) and provide a sturdy trellis since it reaches up to 12 feet tall. Use quality potting mix and ensure consistent moisture for best blooming from July through September.

Does Sweet Summer Love Clematis get clematis wilt or have disease issues?

Sweet Summer Love Clematis is disease resistant and less prone to clematis wilt than many varieties. This hardy, low-maintenance vine thrives year after year with minimal disease issues. Provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to keep it healthy.