Clematis 'Scarlet Windmill'

Clematis 'Scarlet Windmill' is a new introduction from the Polish clematis specialist Szczepan Marczyński, launched in 2024. It belongs to the Viticella Group and bears large flowers 8 to 12 cm across in bright red. The four velvety petals show green markings at the tips, which give the strong red an attractive contrast.

'Scarlet Windmill' flowers in autumn, from September to October, adding a strong splash of colour late in the gardening year. At 200 to 300 cm, it climbs by its leaf stalks up trellises, fences and obelisks. It likes well-lit spots in south-, east- or west-facing positions and a fertile, moderately moist soil, neutral to slightly acidic. It is undemanding and resistant.

'Scarlet Windmill' is very winter-hardy (zone 4, down to about -34 °C). To keep the growth vigorous and the flowering abundant, cut the shoots back to about 50 cm in March. As a recent novelty it carries plant breeders' rights (PBR); little long-term garden experience is available yet.