Clematis montana Rubens

Clematis montana 'Rubens' is perhaps the most famous of mountain clematis. It is vigorous, floriferous, and beautifully coloured. This variety develops long stems capable of climbing up to the tops of small trees. Its pink flowering is so abundant in spring that it almost covers its young vegetation. Beautiful like wild roses, its flowers emit a pleasant fragrance with notes of vanilla and biscuits. This hardy climber is made for large spaces in romantic or English gardens. It will thrive in full sun or partial shade, in moist, deep, fertile soil.

Clematis 'Rubens', also known as C. montana var. rubens, is a semi-woody and climbing perennial plant, belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. This variety is distinguished by its young purple leaves, its slightly later flowering, and its abundance of modest-sized flowers. It is a vigorous variety, which will reach 6 to 7m (20 to 23ft) in height in a few years, with a minimum spread of 3m² (10ft²). This variety is derived from C. montana, native to the Himalayas, an excellent garden plant widely planted in many of our regions. It does not require pruning, or only above a height of 2m (7ft), after flowering.

Clematis 'Rubens' bears simple, small flowers, 4 to 6 cm (2in) in diameter. They bloom in abundance in May. The bisexual flowers are grouped in axillary clusters of 1 to 5 flowers on long pedicels. They appear on the previous year's branches. They have 4 rounded to oval tepals, gracefully open in a star shape with a yellow stamen centre. Their colour is a tender pink lightly tinged with lilac, fading a little over time. Their light fragrance holds notes of vanilla and cloves. The flowering is followed by decorative feathery fruits, which are a greyish-silvery hue. The leaves are simple and palmate, with irregularly toothed edges. They are prominently coloured purple when young, then turn bronze, and finally olive-green. The deciduous foliage falls in autumn. This clematis clings to the support or host plant through voluble petioles, transformed into tendrils. 

Plant Clematis 'Rubens' in the company of climbing roses to extend the flowering period of walls and pergolas until the end of summer. The clematis genus is rich in diversity, with varieties available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. They are suitable for every gardener, from experienced to beginner. They will give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Rubens' will be magnificent in front of the house, for example, entwined around a wrought iron fence. It will welcome visitors with its romantic and fragrant flowering. 

Avoid use of excessive fertiliser, as this stimulates foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch in order to avoid excessive moisture that causes wilt.