7 purple or red viticella clematis to have in your garden

7 purple or red viticella clematis to have in your garden

to bring contrast to your garden

Contents

Modified the 2 October 2025  by Patricia 5 min.

All clematis enthusiasts know the Clematis viticella, and for good reason: it is valued for its incredible floribundity and disease resistance. Naturally generous, this climbing plant is also distinguished by the size of its flowers, which can offer various shades and shapes. Red to purple flower varieties are rich in nuances, deep, and sometimes velvety. Discover 7 particularly aesthetic varieties, along with some tips for planting and caring for them on a daily basis.

Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn Difficulty

Clematis viticella 'Rubra', a deep pink

Between purple and red, the Clematis viticella ‘Rubra’ leans almost towards pink… This is a liana capable of climbing up to 4.50 metres in height, producing flowers of about 6 cm, with an almost flat shape. Clematis viticella ‘Rubra’ stands out as an ideal choice for all beginner gardeners, as it is so easy to grow. Beyond other viticella clematis that pair wonderfully with this variety, plant it at the base of a lilac, which it will bloom alongside once the bush has finished flowering.

The resilient and beautiful Rubra clematis

Clematis viticella ‘Rubra’

Clematis ‘Burning Love’, a romantic that truly lives up to its name

The Clematis viticella ‘Burning Love’ is characterised by pretty star-shaped flowers in red, measuring between 6 and 8 cm in diameter. The intense and deep red makes this variety an ideal choice for adding colour to the garden and a touch of glamour in a very subtle way. Like many viticella clematis, this species has the advantage of being resistant to wilt disease, while being generally very robust and vigorous. The icing on the cake is its good drought resistance.

It is wonderful on its own, against a trellis or in a mild climate, alongside a Loropetalum ‘Fire Dance’, which will brighten its foliage a few months after its flowering has finished.

The Burning Love clematis, romantically charming

Clematis viticella ‘Burning Love’

Discover other Clematis Viticella

Italian clematis ‘Rosalyn’ and its stunning shape

We appreciate the Clematis ‘Rosalyn’ not only for its colour but also for the lovely shape of its flowers. Originating from the Netherlands, this variety produces a considerable number of flowers in the garden each year, as it is very generous.

It looks stunning when paired with a climbing rose or liana with small pink flowers such as ‘Apple Blossom’ or ‘Guirlande Rose’.

The unusual shape of Clematis ‘Rosalyn’ is captivating

Clematis ‘Rosalyn’

Clematis ‘Royal Velours’, a shade that leans towards black

The Clematis ‘Royal Velours’ offers particularly velvety reddish-purple flowers that give the impression of almost black petals depending on the exposure… A result that is both refined and aesthetic! The medium-sized flowers remain visible to enhance the garden throughout the summer. As it is an extremely robust variety, Clematis ‘Royal Velours’ can easily be cultivated by beginners, as it is low-maintenance and requires little care.

Clematis Royal Velours reaches up to 4 metres

Clematis viticella ‘Royal Velours’

This clematis quickly reaches 3 to 4 metres in height at ripeness. To beautify a wall or pergola, pair this clematis with a climbing liana rose (‘Constance Spry’ or ‘Jasmina’), or with other varieties of clematis such as ‘Queen Mother’, which leans more towards pink.

Clematis viticella ‘Mme Julia Correvon’, to bring cheerfulness to the garden

The Clematis ‘Mme Julia Correvon’ reveals pink flowers that quickly turn into a stunning burgundy red. Initially, the shape resembles that of bellflowers, before a pin-cushion heart appears in the middle of summer. To top it all off, the flowering continues until autumn, at which point feathery fruits emerge.

A Clematis Mme Julia Correvon in the shape of bellflowers

Clematis viticella ‘Mme Julia Correvon’

Reaching up to 3 metres, this plant features flowers that curl at the tips, creating a lovely contrast and an original shape.

Let it entwine in the branches of a black-leaved elder such as ‘Black Beauty’ or to accompany the rose ‘Seven Sister Rose’.

Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’, a magnificent display renewed each year

Hard to resist the beauty of its large flowers, which can reach 13 cm in diameter: the Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ displays a vivid carmine red, contrasting with the yellow stamen at its centre. This variety, developed in France on the eve of the 20th century, is not strictly a viticella but is derived from it.

It can reach a maximum spread of 2.5 metres, with a height that can flirt with 4 metres. It pairs particularly well with climbing or rambling roses such as ‘New Dawn’ or ‘Zéphirine Drouhin’.

Very hardy, Clematis Ville de Lyon ideal for beginners

Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’

Avant-Garde Clematis and Its Array of Textures

Issue from a Clematis viticella, the Clematis ‘Avant-garde’ reveals small flowers that catch every eye. They are characterised by a flat, bright red corolla, paired with a pale pink pom-pom shaped centre. This uniqueness adds colour, contrast, and style to any garden… Moreover, it is an easy-to-maintain flower that is resilient and low-maintenance.

Clematis Avant-garde stands out with its varied textures

Clematis viticella ‘Avant-garde’

Pair it with roses such as ‘Pierre de Ronsard’, ‘May Queen’, or ‘Mme Carolien Testout’.

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