Every gardener knows the heartbreak of planting a vine that promises spectacular blooms but delivers only sparse flowers or worse—fails to return after winter. Traditional clematis varieties often tease us with their potential, leaving us to wonder: Why won’t my clematis bloom like the pictures? The Diamond Ball Clematis changes this narrative with its unique spherical flowers and remarkable reblooming ability.
Key Features at a Glance
- Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Mature Height: 4-5 Feet
- Mature Spread: 4-5 Feet
- Blooms on old and new wood
- Flowers June through August
- Attracts pollinators
- Powdery mildew resistant
- Pruning Group 2 (light pruning)
The Clematis Conundrum Solved
For years, gardeners in temperate climates have struggled with clematis vines that either:
- Fail to overwinter – Many varieties can’t handle zone 4 winters
- Bloom only once – Leaving gardens bare after a brief show
- Succumb to disease – Particularly powdery mildew in humid areas
The Diamond Ball Clematis from Proven Winners® ColorChoice® addresses all three issues with its unique genetics and growth habits. Unlike traditional clematis that bloom only on old wood (risking total flower loss if pruned wrong or winter-damaged), this variety flowers reliably on both old and new growth.
Anatomy of Excellence
Physical Structure: The vine’s semi-woody stems provide winter hardiness while remaining flexible for training. Its unique spherical flower clusters (3-4″ diameter) contain dozens of individual florets.
Growth Mechanism: As a Group 2 pruner, it requires only light spring trimming to remove dead wood while preserving the mature stems that will produce early blooms.
Compared to Popular Clematis Varieties
| Feature | Diamond Ball | Jackmanii | Nelly Moser |
| Bloom Period | June-Aug | June-July | May-June |
| Flower Form | Spherical | Flat | Flat |
| Disease Resistance | High | Medium | Low |
From Struggle to Showpiece: A Gardener’s Journey
The Initial State: Sarah K., a gardener in zone 5b, had given up on clematis after three failed attempts with other varieties. “They either died over winter or gave me three flowers all season,” she recalls.
The Turning Point: After learning about reblooming clematis at a garden seminar, she planted Diamond Ball against her arbor in early spring. The included hydro-gels and time-release fertilizer helped the plant establish quickly despite a late frost.
The Transformation: “By mid-June, the spherical blooms stopped neighbors in their tracks. When it rebloomed in August—during peak hydrangea season—it created this magical blue-and-white effect I’d never achieved before.”
Strategic Planting for Maximum Impact
This versatile perennial vine shines in multiple garden roles:
Vertical Accents
Train on obelisks or trellises to add height to border gardens. The 4-5′ mature size makes it ideal for small-space gardening.
Pollinator Stations
Bees and hummingbirds are drawn to the spherical flower clusters, which provide abundant nectar sources from early to late summer.
Cut Flower Source
The long-lasting blooms (5-7 days in arrangements) add unique texture to floral designs when paired with roses or hydrangeas.
Why Professionals Choose Diamond Ball
Landscape designers increasingly specify this variety for client projects because:
- Reliable performance – Unlike finicky heirloom varieties, it delivers consistent results across different soil types
- Extended bloom time – Bridges the gap between early summer perennials and fall bloomers
- Low maintenance – The included fertilizer means no additional feeding needed in the first year
- Instant impact – Grown from larger #2 containers rather than bare root or small plugs
Ready to Transform Your Garden?
Each Diamond Ball Clematis comes with our Sooner Guarantee and complete planting instructions for success.
Includes pre-measured fertilizer & hydro-gels ($12 value)
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Blooms
What makes Diamond Ball Clematis truly special isn’t just its spherical flowers or reblooming habit—it’s how this plant changes the gardener’s experience. No more holding your breath through winter to see if buds survived. No more disappointment when flowers fade too soon. This is gardening with confidence, where the vine becomes a reliable partner in creating beauty rather than a temperamental diva.
For those seeking a clematis that performs as beautifully in reality as in catalog photos, that bridges seasons with grace, and that asks so little yet gives so much—your search ends here. The Diamond Ball Clematis isn’t just another flowering vine; it’s a paradigm shift in what gardeners can expect from vertical interest plants.