Clematis 'Niobe'
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Family: Ranunculaceae
Pronounced: KLEM-uh-tiss
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Vines.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: A-2, A-3, 2-11, 14-24.
USDA zones: 4-9.
Heat zone: 9-1.
Mature size:
Height: 6-10 feet (2.-3 m).
Flowering period:
Late spring to early autumn.
Flowering attributes:
Red, six inch wide with 6-8 tepals. Flowers are darker red when young and fade to red as the flower ages.
Leaf attributes:
Deciduous, green leaves.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Fertile, humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Mulch well with composted manure or compost. Fertilize once a month with a complete organic fertilizer during the growing season.
Propagation Methods:
Layer branches in late winter. | Basal and softwood cuttings in spring. | Division in spring. | Semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.
Pruning Methods:
Pruning group 2 or B. You can also prune for group 3 or C; however, you will loose the early flowers that bloom on old wood.
Rainy Side Notes
As with all other red-flowering clematis, 'Niobe' has the American native, Clematis texensis, in its parentage. This cultivar does not need pruning, except when first planted to increase the amount of canes. However, you can prune it in late winter if necessary. But you will lose the early flowers that bloom on old wood. The blossoms make good cut flowers.
Originating in Poland, 'Niobe' was raised by Wladyslaw Noll. In 1975, Jim Fisk introduced Clematis 'Niobe' to the nursery trade where it became one of the most popular clematis to grow, many considering it the best. You can grow this vine as a specimen, in a container, or allow it to wind its way through medium-sized shrubs. You can train it to trail on the ground; when it's in bloom, it makes a stunning ground cover. With this method, you need to pin the stems along the ground and protect the vines from slugs.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
Additional Reading
Planting and Care of Clematis.
Book Recommendation: Gardening with Clematis : Design & Cultivation
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