Scarlet clematis (Clematis texensis 'Duchess of Albany') KLEM-ah-tis teks-EN-sis Genus:  Clematis This vigorous climber can easily cover a support of 8 to 10 feet tall once established. Finely textured, dense light-green foliage makes an excellent foil for dainty, pink and carmine teardrop-shaped flowers 2 inches across. Blooms appear in early August and continue well into autumn. Noteworthy Characteristics:  It makes an attractive ground cover when allowed to creep along the ground. Care:  May die back to the ground in a cold winter, but this will not affect blooming, as flowers are produced on new growth. Even in warm winters, it should be pruned back to the second set of buds above ground level to promote abundant bloom. Grow in fertile, well-drained, acidic soil with abundant organic matter. Plant with the top of the root ball 3 to 5 inches below the surface and provide strong support. Propagation:  Root softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer. Problems:  Wilt, powdery mildew, rust, fungal spots, and stem cankers are common, while scale insects, whiteflies, earwigs, aphids can also occur.

Overview

Height 6 ft. to 10 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Runs Light Full Sun Only Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color Salmon, Red Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Trellis Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Shrubs