Red hybrids
Red clematis are garden hybrids with large, flat blooms in crimson, claret or wine. Cultivars such as 'Ville de Lyon' are known for their carmine-red flowers with a golden centre of stamens. Because these are bred plants, the exact shade varies with cultivar and with light.
Placing a red clematis
- Choose a spot with sun on the leaves and shade at the roots.
- Offer a sturdy trellis or an obelisk for pots.
- Prune in late winter if the variety flowers in summer on new growth.
- Add a layer of mulch to hold moisture.
Colour care
Strong sun can bleach red flowers slightly. Morning light with some afternoon cover keeps the tones deep. In cooler climates, the dark red stands out wonderfully against pale walls.
Red clematis combine well with a white or soft yellow climbing rose. Allow the vine to scramble through the rose's branches for a long season of colour.
Pets, children and sap
Clematis sap is an irritant. The ASPCA lists the genus as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with signs such as drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea. Wear gloves when pruning to protect your skin.
A red clematis can be grown in a large pot with an obelisk on a balcony, as long as the container is deep and the mix stays moist. Use a general-purpose potting mix, water thoroughly through summer and feed in spring.
What red clematis stand for
There is no fixed red clematis symbolism. The flower generally suggests mental beauty.
