Clematis montana var. Rubens

Clematis montana var. Rubens

Why Buy Me?

• Ideal for growing up walls, pergola and trellis
• Fast growing
• Mass of flowers looks spectacular

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Performs best with 6+ hours of sunlight per day, but tolerates partial shade well. In hot climates, some afternoon shade helps reduce stress and prolongs flowering.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Prefers loamy or sandy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Avoid waterlogged or compacted soils, which may lead to root rot.

Exposure:
Ideal for large vertical spaces such as walls, fences, arches, trellises, or scrambling over mature trees. Root zone should be kept cool and shaded with mulch or groundcover plants.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate to high once established. Needs regular watering during the first growing season. Mature plants can tolerate occasional dry spells, though consistent moisture encourages lush growth.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in spring or early autumn when the soil is moist and workable. Autumn planting allows root establishment before winter.

Spacing:
Allow 2–3 m (6–10 ft) between plants or structures. This is a vigorous climber that can reach 6–9 m (20–30 ft) or more in height with support.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water deeply during dry periods, especially in the first year. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support strong early growth and abundant flowering.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch annually in early spring to retain moisture and protect the root zone.
Pruning group 1:

• Prune immediately after flowering (late spring to early summer), if needed.

• Minimal pruning is usually required — just remove dead or damaged stems and lightly shape if necessary.

• Avoid heavy pruning, as it flowers on old wood.

Propagation:
Propagate by layering or semi-ripe cuttings in summer. To retain the purple-tinged foliage and pink flower colour, vegetative propagation is required.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New growth emerges with attractive bronze or purplish-tinged foliage. Masses of small, four-petaled pink flowers (5–6 cm wide) bloom profusely in late spring (April–May). Flowers are fragrant with a sweet, vanilla-like scent.

Summer:
Foliage remains attractive through summer, forming a dense screen of mid- to dark-green leaves tinged with purple on new growth.

Autumn:
Leaves may develop bronze or golden tones before falling. Woody stems become more prominent.

Winter:
Deciduous. Plant becomes bare in winter but retains its woody structure. Pruning, if required, should be done in late spring after flowering.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Attracts bees and early pollinators in spring. Provides shelter and cover for small birds and insects due to its dense growth habit.

Garden Use:
Excellent for covering large spaces quickly. Ideal for informal gardens, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, and boundary screening. Perfect for scrambling over pergolas, arches, sheds, fences, and even large trees. A fast-growing climber for vertical impact and seasonal drama.

Companion Plants:
Complements spring bulbs and early-flowering shrubs. Can be paired with climbing roses or other clematis with staggered bloom times (e.g. Clematis viticella or Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’) to extend seasonal colour. Underplant with perennials such as Geranium, Alchemilla mollis, or Brunnera to cool the root zone and soften the base.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Clematis montana var. Rubens. It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.