Clematis montana var. rubens 'Rubens Superba' (M)

RHS Plant Profile
clematis 'Rubens Superba'

Synonyms

Clematis 'Rubens Superba'
Clematis montana var. rubens 'Superba'

Climber Wall Shrub

A large, vigorous climber to 8m, with dark green foliage, flowering in late spring and early summer. Small flowers have four pale, dusky pink petals and prominent, cream stamens

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (rabbits): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Clematis can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or herbaceous perennials, mostly climbing by twining leaf-stalks, and often with showy flowers. Some have attractive fluffy seedheads in autumn
Name Status
Not established
Horticultural Group
Montana Group clematis are vigorous deciduous climbers with single, 4-petalled flowers opening in late spring and early summer

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, with the roots and base of the plant kept cool and shaded by other plants or a layer of pebbles. Plant with the crown 5-8cm deep to encourage shoots to grow from below ground level. Good for scrambling up trees in a naturalistic setting. See clematis cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings taken from spring to late summer, or by layering from late winter to spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Wall side borders

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, snails and caterpillars; petals may be eaten by earwigs

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), clematis wilt and clematis slime flux