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Discover Clematis montana 'rubens' and other varieties

Clematis montana 'Veitch' has somewhat darker flowers than many other varieties

Clematis montana - also known as mountain clematis - are prolific, early-flowering climbers from the Himalayan regions of northern India and China. Some varieties have a pronounced fragrance, which makes them very popular in colder climates despite not being 100% hardy.

=> Clematis montana 'var. Rubens'
=> all Clematis montana varieties

The flowering period of the anemone clematis begins, depending on the variety, at the end of April or in May and lasts for up to about 6 weeks into early summer. The mountain clematis therefore flower slightly later overall than the alpine clematis (Cl. alpina).

The flowers of Clematis montana are mostly single and 4-8 cm in diameter, but some are semi-double or double. The flower colours range from pink in varying intensities to white, with mostly clearly visible and attractive stamens. The montana flowers sometimes resemble anemones, which is why the name anemone clematis has entered common usage.

Flower of a Clematis montana

Reddish-coppery foliage of Clematis montana

Typical reddish foliage of the mountain clematis

Clematis montana are very vigorous, determined climbing plants with reddish foliage. The flowers appear on old wood, so they fall under pruning group I and require no pruning at all. If a mountain clematis has to be cut to keep it in check, this is done directly after flowering in late spring. Be cautious, though, and remove only the parts that no longer have room.

Areas of use and ways to use these climbing artists are larger trees, wall and façade greening on sturdy trellises or rope constructions, growing over fences or unsightly parts of buildings, and also spreading creeping over large areas of ground. Training a Clematis montana up a large obelisk or climbing column is a real challenge, but with a less vigorous variety and sufficient experience in pruning clematis it is possible and rewarding.

Because of their vigour, mountain clematis should however be used with care, especially in combination with other plants that they can easily completely overgrow. We strongly advise against combining them with ornamental shrubs and roses.

Over the years the lower shoots become woody like lianas, so a mountain clematis can even serve as a living climbing support itself for other climbing plants.

Regarding the frequently criticised winter hardiness, it must be mentioned that this can be a problem mainly until the plant is established, roughly the first two years. We know quite a few Cl. montana (mostly var. Rubens) in the Allgäu and Upper Bavaria that have been greening trees, fences and entire buildings for many years.

Clematis montana 'var. Rubens' - the best-known mountain clematis

Clematis montana var. 'Rubens' is without doubt the most widespread variety.

This vigorous, early-flowering variety likes to spread over fences or other supporting elements in the garden, but it is just as often seen at dizzying heights in trees.

Architects have also recognised the merits of this early-flowering climber, which reaches up to 8 m in height, and like to green large vertical concrete surfaces with montana var. 'Rubens' on rope systems, e.g. on multi-storey car parks.

That only var. rubens is used for this is certainly due not just to its merits but also to the fact that the many other varieties of Clematis montana are not necessarily familiar to them.

Like all anemone clematis, Clematis montana Rubens does not need to be pruned - it belongs to pruning group 1 (pruning only if needed).

=> more about this variety

Clematis montana: the most important questions and care tips

When and how do you prune Clematis montana?

All varieties of Clematis montana, and therefore also montana 'Rubens', belong to pruning group I. This means no annual pruning is necessary for Clematis montana. If the plant has grown too tall, it can be cut after flowering, in June.

You can find out more in the guide 'How to prune clematis correctly'

Can Clematis montana get clematis wilt?

No, mountain clematis of the Clematis montana group cannot get wilt. Clematis wilt mainly affects hybrids with large flowers.

My Clematis montana looks frozen - will it sprout again?

Clematis montana are only conditionally hardy, especially as long as they are not fully grown. In winters with temperatures well below -10 degrees for a longer period, even during the day, some varieties of mountain clematis can freeze back very far. Most of the time the clematis sprouts again from the base. If there is no new growth by mid-June, the plant should be replaced.

Which climbing support for a Clematis montana?

The very fast and vigorously growing mountain clematis definitely need something to hold on to. A classic climbing support such as a rose obelisk, trellis or a rose arch quickly reaches its limits with a growth height of up to 15 m. These are at best suitable for the less vigorous clematis varieties of the Montana group.

The best climbing supports for a vigorously growing mountain clematis are fences, large shrubs or conifers, or tall trees.

Clematis montana: 39 varieties buy online

Clematis 'Marjorie'

Growth height: approx. 500 cm
Bloom size: approx. 4-6 cm
Flowering season: May to June
Shipping: 2 l pot, immediately

Clematis 'montana var. wilsonii'

Growth height: approx. 400 cm
Bloom size: approx. 5 cm
Flowering season: June
Shipping: 2 l pot, immediately

Clematis 'Primrose Star PBR'

Growth height: approx. 500 cm
Bloom size: approx. 4-6 cm
Flowering season: May to June
Shipping: 2 l pot, currently unavailable