Clematis 'Rubra'
clematis (group 3) (syn. Clematis Viticella Rubra)
This climber is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil
- Rate of growth: Fast
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
Displaying an abundance of outward-facing wine-red flowers, this perennial climbing clematis offers 5-7cm (2-3in) deep red blossoms adorned with complementary dusky red anthers, creating a captivating mid to late summer spectacle. ‘Rubra’ is a very old variety, gracing gardens since the early seven seventeenth century.
Clematis need their roots to be kept cool and moist, so plant the base of these climbers in light shade or provide shading with other plants or a dressing of pebbles. In early spring cut back the previous year's stems to a pair of strong buds about 15-20cm (6-8in) above ground level and apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser and a mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the plant, avoiding the immediate crown.
- Humans: Skin irritant; Pets: Harmful if eaten