Clematis 'Niobe'

Description: One of the most stunning hybrid clematis available with large almost black ruby red velvety flowers which change to a brighter shade as they mature. Contrasting cream stamens are very distinctive.

The flowers are produced over a long period - the early flowers are large and the later ones are smaller.

One of the most popular varieties of clematis.

Climate/Position: Best in a shady spot to ensure the best colouration. Plant against a wall or fence, cool at the base.

Height/Spread: Reaches 2-3 metres x 1metre spread

Soil Requirements: Humus rich, fertile and well drained soil. The roots of clematis like to be kept cool.

Pruning: After establishment and training onto fence or wall, this mid sized large flowered variety requires little or no pruning. (Group 2). However, to rejuvenate plant then you can hard prune in late winter if but in doing so you will lose the early flowers that bloom on old wood.

Special Requirements: To keep roots cool you can plant amongst low growing shrubs. If planting in containers, ensure the pot is large enough to ensure roots are not restricted too much.

Raised by Wladyslaw Noll in Poland from unknown parentage in 1970. As with all other red-flowering clematis, 'Niobe' has the American native, Clematis texensis, somewhere in its parentage.

In 1975, Jim Fisk introduced Clematis 'Niobe' to the nursery trade