Clematis 'Rubra'

This dramatic clematis is one of the reddest available with dark centres and a small white central flare. Flowers are two to three inches across. A member of the Viticella group of clematis that blooms from July to September. Pruning group: 3/C - Hard prune in early spring to about one foot from the ground.

Clematis viticella Rubra blooms in a profusion of outward-facing wine-red flowers in mid to late summer. The 2-3" deep red flowers have complimentary dusky red anthers. Viticella Hybrid. This is a Group 3 (C) Clematis, which means it flowers later in summer and into fall in colder climates. In warmer climates it may begin blooming much sooner. Group 3 Clematis form flowers on new growth each year, so for the best display and neatest look they should be pruned back hard each spring to about two feet off the ground or even less if desired. However, if you are training one of these into a tree or onto an overhead arbor they should be left much longer. Look for fat, healthy buds on sturdy canes and make your cut just above them. Remove dead or damaged branches any time.