Clematis ‘Rouge Cardinal’

Clematis ‘Rouge Cardinal’ is a showstopping variety that never fails to impress us here at Tandee Nursery. Its large, star-shaped blooms, typically 10-15 cm across, are a rich, velvety crimson-red, often deepening to a purplish-red as they mature, beautifully contrasted by creamy-yellow stamens. This classic French hybrid, developed in the 1960s, is celebrated for its reliable and prolific flowering, making it a firm favourite among our customers and staff alike. It’s a robust and vigorous deciduous vine, offering a spectacular display throughout the summer and into early autumn.

For optimal performance, we recommend planting ‘Rouge Cardinal’ in a fertile, moisture-retentive, but well-drained soil. Like most clematis, it thrives with its ‘head in the sun and feet in the shade’ – meaning the top growth enjoys full sun to partial shade, while the roots prefer to be kept cool and shaded. You can achieve this by planting low-growing perennials at its base or by applying a good layer of mulch. It’s fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures down to -20°C. Regular watering, especially during its first growing season and dry spells, will help establish a strong root system.

Belonging to Pruning Group 3, ‘Rouge Cardinal’ flowers on new wood, so we advise a hard prune in late winter or early spring, typically February or March. Simply cut all stems back to about 20-30cm (8-12 inches) above ground level, just above a strong pair of buds, to encourage vigorous new growth and a profusion of blooms. Throughout summer, you’ll be treated to its magnificent display, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Its vibrant colour makes it a stunning addition to fences, pergolas, and arbours, or for weaving through climbing roses and Japanese maples for a captivating contrast. It also performs exceptionally well in large containers, providing vertical interest in smaller gardens or patios.