The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Scarlet clematis

Clematis texensis 'Duchess of Albany'

KLEM-ah-tis teks-EN-sis Audio

This vigorous climber can easily cover a support of 8 to 10 feet tall once established. Finely textured, dense light-green foliage makes an excellent foil for dainty, pink and carmine teardrop-shaped flowers 2 inches across. Blooms appear in early August and continue well into autumn.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsIt makes an attractive ground cover when allowed to creep along the ground.

CareMay die back to the ground in a cold winter, but this will not affect blooming, as flowers are produced on new growth. Even in warm winters, it should be pruned back to the second set of buds above ground level to promote abundant bloom. Grow in fertile, well-drained, acidic soil with abundant organic matter. Plant with the top of the root ball 3 to 5 inches below the surface and provide strong support.

PropagationRoot softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.

ProblemsWilt, powdery mildew, rust, fungal spots, and stem cankers are common, while scale insects, whiteflies, earwigs, aphids can also occur.

  • Genus : Clematis
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 10, 11, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
  • Bloom Time : Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer, Summer
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Uses : Ground Covers
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Flower Color : Red
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide