Clématite primée à floraison abondante - Clématite 'Niobe' (Groupe tardif à grandes fleurs)

Flower appearance

• Shape: The flowers are single, with 6-8 broad, slightly overlapping tepals forming a rounded star. The tepals have a velvety texture, adding an extra touch of elegance.
• Color: The color is an intense ruby red, sometimes described as burgundy red or dark red, with a lighter shade towards the center. The yellow-cream stamens contrast beautifully with the petals, highlighting the depth of the color.
• Size: The flowers measure 10-15 cm in diameter, considered large and very noticeable.
• Blooming period: Blooms in two waves – first in May-June on old wood, with larger flowers, and then in August-September on new growth, when the flowers may be slightly smaller but equally impressive.

Growth characteristics

• Height: Grows up to 2-3 meters, a moderately sized climbing plant ideal for trellises, fences, or pergolas.
• Foliage: The leaves are dark green, oval, and glossy, providing a perfect backdrop for the intense red flowers.
• Vigor: It is a robust plant with vigorous but manageable growth, suitable for various garden spaces.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun or partial shade, with roots protected from direct light (by mulching or companion plants at the base).
• Soil: Requires well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Watering should be regular but without excess moisture.
• Pruning: Belongs to pruning group 2, which involves light pruning in spring (February-March), about 1 meter from the ground, keeping healthy buds on old wood. This encourages both early and late flowering.

Care and resistance

• Resistance: Resistant to most common clematis diseases and tolerates mild winters well (down to -20°C with minimal protection).
• Fertilization: Benefits from a balanced fertilizer applied in spring and summer to support abundant flowering.
• Special care: To maintain color intensity, it is best to protect it from harsh afternoon sun in very hot climates.

Origin

Clematis 'Niobe' was introduced in 1975 by Polish breeder Władysław Noll and is considered one of the most successful red-flowered varieties. The name “Niobe” comes from Greek mythology, referring to a tragic figure, which may suggest the depth and drama of its color.