Ithemba™ Clematis

Clematis 'Ithemba'

Raymond Evison™

Candy-Striped Blooms with Creamy Yellow Centers Flower from Late Spring Through Early Fall
Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 3-4 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Perfect for Privacy Screen in Asian Gardens

$61⁹³

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to ensure the most vibrant and abundant blooms. While this vine tolerates partial shade, the flowering might be less intense, and it is beneficial to keep the roots cool by shading the base with mulch or low-growing perennials.
Soil: Plant in rich, well-draining soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. If your garden has heavy clay or loose sand, mix in organic compost before planting to improve texture and drainage, preventing root rot while keeping the soil evenly cool and moist.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist during the first year to help the plant establish a deep root system. Once established, continue to water regularly, as inconsistent moisture can cause the vine to wilt and produce smaller flowers; container plants will need daily checking during summer heat.

Pruning Tips

Since Ithemba™ blooms on new wood, you should prune it in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Cut all stems back to a pair of strong, healthy buds about 6 to 12 inches above the ground to stimulate vigorous new growth and ensure a full flush of blooms from the base up.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your clematis with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a rose and flower food in early spring when you see new green shoots. Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season, as this promotes leafy growth that may not harden off before the first frost.

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, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	3-4 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Climbing, Spreading
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Spring, Summer
Flower Color	Pink, White
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Clematis
Botanical Name	Clematis 'Ithemba'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Ithemba
Class	Ranunculales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR

Candy-Striped Color For The Garden

Looking for a Clematis with a twist? The Ithemba Clematis (Clematis 'Ithemba') dazzles with cheerful white blooms boldly striped with vibrant bubblegum-pink down the center of each petal. At the heart of the flower, a cluster of creamy yellow anthers adds a pop of contrast and charm!

A prolific bloomer from late spring through early fall, this compact, space-saving cultivar brings color for months on end. Its vine-like form and steady flower power make it ideal for adding vertical interest without overwhelming your space. The star-shaped blooms are borne freely on new growth, creating an ever-changing display of blossoms throughout the growing season.

Key Features

Eye-catching white flowers streaked with bright pink
Creamy yellow center anthers create a bold focal point
Blooms from late spring through early fall
Compact vine, only 3 - 4 feet tall
Ideal for containers, small trellises, or patio gardens
Prefers cool roots and sun-kissed foliage
Hardy in Zones 4-9

Landscaping Uses

Growing to a modest height of just 3 to 4 feet, Ithemba is a petite powerhouse perfect for containers, small trellises, or climbing up obelisks on a sunny patio. It makes a delightful companion to Roses, small flowering shrubs, and patio displays alike!

Add vertical interest in containers or patio pots
Climb small trellises, arbors, or obelisks
Accent a cottage garden with playful color
Pair with low-growing companions for root shade
Use in Moon Garden settings where white flowers glow in the evening light

Care and Maintenance

Clematis like Ithemba appreciate their "feet in the shade and head in the sun" – meaning it thrives with cool, shaded roots and full sun on its foliage. Tuck in a low-growing perennial or use decorative mulch to keep the soil moist and cool. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, Ithemba is well-suited to a wide variety of climates! Ithemba Clematis is a deciduous perennial vine that performs beautifully with just a few thoughtful touches.

Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early fall
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade; at least 6 hours of sun for best blooms
Soil Needs: Prefers rich, well-drained soil; does not tolerate waterlogged spots
Moisture Needs: Moderate; keep evenly moist but not soggy
Arborist Mulch: A 3–4 inch deep layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and cool the roots
Fertilization Needs: Feed in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Clematis Pruning Group 3: Blooms on new wood. Prune back hard in late winter or early spring to 6–12 inches above ground.
Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips:

Plant companion perennials or use mulch to shade the root zone
Attracts pollinators
Deer-resistant
Low maintenance once established

A Candy-Striped Climber For Every Garden!

Whether you're working with a balcony, a patio, or a snug garden corner, Ithemba Clematis brings playful color and reliable performance in a small package. The bubblegum-pink stripes and creamy centers look like something straight from a candy shop, and it just keeps blooming. Buy now, and Nature Hills will ship this lovely plant to your door!

Explore More from Nature Hills

If you're captivated by the Ithemba™ Clematis, explore our full selection of clematis and other climbing vines to create vertical interest throughout your garden. This hardy climber pairs beautifully with other perennials and thrives in zone 4 plants, trees & shrubs growing conditions. For design inspiration, check out our guides on Create The Perfect Mixed Perennial Garden! and discover more options in Classic Colors Blue & Purple Flowering Perennials.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'feet in the shade, head in the sun' mean for Clematis? It means Clematis like sunny tops for lots of blooms, but they prefer their roots to stay cool, either with mulch or low-growing shade plants.

Why Order From Nature Hills Nursery? Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality plants to your door. Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills! We guarantee our plants for their first year! Find landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog!

Ithemba™ Clematis

Clematis 'Ithemba'