Never failing to impress, these brilliant, velvety crimson blooms grow on a woody vine with leathery-textured, green foliage. Rouge Cardinal Clematis is a compact vine, making it an excellent choice for containers and small spaces. It’s also great for covering a fence, trellis, or arbor, and it also works well climbing through tall shrubs, or unsupported as a groundcover. This is an easy-care plant and a vigorous grower.
Flowers are attractive to butterflies.
This Clematis thrives in well-drained, lightly alkaline soil, with roots sheltered and top growth in the sun. Bark mulch will help conserve moisture. Water deeply, regularly in first growing season to establish the root system. Fertilize regularly beginning in spring. Pruning time: late winter or early spring. Prune spent flowers to promote repeat bloom and to stimulate a large flush of new growth. Type 3/Group C pruning – flowers on new wood.
Clematis in general have no known serious issues.
Most plants can be prone to common, ornamental (non-lethal) issues caused by various environmental conditions. Clematis may be susceptible to wilt/stem rot (potentially fatal), powdery mildew, leaf spots, rust, and viruses. Potential insect pests include aphids, vine weevils, slugs, snails, scale, and earwigs. Watch for spider mites. Alleviate these common issues with over-the-counter insecticides or pesticides.
As climbers, Clematis are unsurpassed in their long flowering presence and rich diversity of color. Originated in China. The essential oils present can be used as a migraine treatment but can cause skin irritation as well.
Japanese Maple, Climbing Rose, Daylily, Hydrangea, Butterfly Bush. Japanese Maple (foliage color often compliments flower color, most Clematis are native to Japan and this combination is often grown naturally together). Climbing Rose (flower texture and colors add contrast to the Clematis flowers while maintaining a similar foliage, this is not a plant we sell). Hydrangea (can help fill in the bottom when the vine matures upwards). Butterfly Bush (an additional source of color and also attracts pollinators, while filling in the bottom when Clematis begins to mature upwards).