Clematis 'Niobe'

Raised by Vladyslaw Noll of Warsaw, Poland ~1970.  Flowers are 5-6", deep velvety crimson with a bright central boos of stamens.  Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit.  Very popular,  in my opinion this is one of the best if not the best red colored variety of clematis.

Flowering period: Late spring to late summer.

Habit: Moderately fast growing deciduous climbing vine.

Height: 6-8'.

Exposure:  Will take full sun but part shade is best.  Flowers tend to fade in hot sunny locations, morning sun is preferred.

Site: Will tolerate any location except deep shade. Tolerates most garden soils.

Recommended use:  Grow on a trellis, arbor, obelisk, wall or fence, separately or in combination with other plants.  Size and long blooming period makes it ideal for summer container use on decks and patios.   Makes a good companion plant in shrubs, small trees etc.

Pruning: (Group 2, optional 3)  When pruning as a 3 you will lose some early flowers.  Group 2 pruning - When starting with a new plant prune as follows: during the winters of year 1 and 2 cut each stem ½ -1" above the lowest pair of active buds.  This will encourage low branching, giving you a fuller looking plant in later years.  Winter pruning after year 2 would be to cut each stem back to a strong pair of buds.  Remove dead or weak branches.  Hard pruning in winter will be at the expense of some spring flowers as they form on growth from the previous season.  You can prune this clematis to shape the plant in late spring after its main flowering period, with out the worry of cutting off potential flowers.    

Watering:  Likes regular water. Soil should be moist but not wet.  Water deeply and then allow to dry some to encourage deep rooting.

Zones: 4-9.