Clematis vs Plum Tree

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Clematis

Clematis spp.

Ranunculaceae · vines

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Plum Tree

Prunus domestica

Rosaceae · trees

EdibleMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Clematis (Zones 4-9)

Plum Tree (Zones 4-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Clematis	Plum Tree
Scientific Name	Clematis spp.	Prunus domestica
Family	Ranunculaceae	Rosaceae
Category	vines	trees
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	20'	25'
Spread	3'	20'
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Purple, Blue, Pink, White	White
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Northern Hemisphere	Europe, Western Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Special Traits

Clematis

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Plum Tree

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Clematis

✓Keep roots cool and shaded, tops in sun.
✓Know your pruning group (1, 2, or 3).
✓Provide support for tendrils.
✓Mulch heavily.

Plum Tree

✓Most need cross-pollination — plant compatible varieties.
✓Thin fruits to 4-6 inches apart.
✓Prune in summer to reduce disease.
✓Brown rot is the main disease concern.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Clematis if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 4–9.

Choose Plum Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 4–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View ClematisProfile →View Plum TreeProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Clematis and Plum Tree grow in the same hardiness zone?

Clematis grows in USDA zones 4-9, while Plum Tree grows in zones 4-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Clematis and Plum Tree have the same sun and water needs?

Clematis needs full sun and medium water, while Plum Tree needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Clematis or Plum Tree?

Plum Tree grows taller at 25' compared to Clematis at 20'. Plum Tree spreads 20' while Clematis spreads 3'.

Are Clematis and Plum Tree deer resistant?

Clematis is deer resistant, but Plum Tree is not. If deer are a concern, Clematis is the better choice, or protect Plum Tree with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Clematis or Plum Tree?

Both Clematis and Plum Tree have medium maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Clematis	Plum Tree
Scientific Name	Clematis spp.	Prunus domestica
Family	Ranunculaceae	Rosaceae
Category	vines	trees
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	20'	25'
Spread	3'	20'
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Purple, Blue, Pink, White	White
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Northern Hemisphere	Europe, Western Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Care Tips

Clematis

✓Keep roots cool and shaded, tops in sun.
✓Know your pruning group (1, 2, or 3).
✓Provide support for tendrils.
✓Mulch heavily.

Plum Tree

✓Most need cross-pollination — plant compatible varieties.
✓Thin fruits to 4-6 inches apart.
✓Prune in summer to reduce disease.
✓Brown rot is the main disease concern.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Clematis if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 4–9.

Choose Plum Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 4–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Clematis and Plum Tree grow in the same hardiness zone?

Clematis grows in USDA zones 4-9, while Plum Tree grows in zones 4-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Clematis and Plum Tree have the same sun and water needs?

Clematis needs full sun and medium water, while Plum Tree needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Clematis or Plum Tree?

Plum Tree grows taller at 25' compared to Clematis at 20'. Plum Tree spreads 20' while Clematis spreads 3'.

Are Clematis and Plum Tree deer resistant?

Clematis is deer resistant, but Plum Tree is not. If deer are a concern, Clematis is the better choice, or protect Plum Tree with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Clematis or Plum Tree?

Both Clematis and Plum Tree have medium maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.