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Clematis 'Madame Julia Correvon'

Madame Julia Correvon

Ranunculaceae

Hybrid of garden origin; viticella type, raised Morel, Lyon, France, 1900

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Clematis 'Madame Julia Correvon' is a vigorous, deciduous, climbing vine in the Viticella Group reaching 8–12 feet (2.4–3.6 m) per season with a spread of 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m). The cultivar carries masses of outward-facing to nodding, four-tepaled flowers 3–3.5 inches (8–9 cm) across in deep wine-red to claret-red with creamy-yellow anthers, from June through September on current-season growth. The tepals are gently recurved and slightly twisted, giving the flowers an open, airy form. The wine-red holds through the flowering period without bluing or fading in sun—a pigmentation stability uncommon in red-flowered clematis, where many cultivars shift toward purple or magenta as the flowers age. Leaves are compound and pinnate with 3–5 dark green leaflets. The plant climbs by twining leaf petioles. Growth rate is vigorous. Pruning Group 3. The C. viticella parentage confers strong resistance to clematis wilt (Calophoma clematidina). Raised by Francisque Morel in Lyon, France, in 1900 and named for the wife of the Swiss botanist Henry Correvon. All parts contain protoanemonin, an irritant that causes skin and mucous membrane contact dermatitis; sap contact during pruning should be rinsed off promptly and ingestion causes mouth burning and GI upset.

Native Range

Clematis 'Madame Julia Correvon' is a viticella hybrid of garden origin. C. viticella is native to southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Turkey, the Balkans), occurring in sunny woodland edges and scrubland. Raised by Francisque Morel in Lyon, France, 1900.

Suggested Uses

Planted on trellises, arbors, fences, and scrambling through large shrubs and trees at 4–6 foot (1.2–1.8 m) spacing. The wine-red flowers pair with climbing roses in a tonal red-and-pink composition and contrast with blue or purple clematis for complementary-color combinations. Functions as a companion to 'Etoile Violette' for a red-and-purple pairing on the same support. Grows in large containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L) with a support. A true non-fading red is an uncommon color in clematis, and this cultivar is a reliable source of the color in hardiness zones 4–9. Planted on pergolas and walls, the long June-through-September bloom covers the support across the full summer season.

How to Identify

Separated from 'Etoile Violette' by the deep wine-red (versus violet-purple) flower color. Separated from 'Duchess of Albany' by the open, outward-facing (versus narrow, upright tulip) flower shape and the viticella (versus texensis) group membership. Separated from × durandii spp. by the wine-red (versus indigo-blue) color and the true climbing (versus non-climbing) habit. Open, four-tepaled, deep wine-red flowers with creamy anthers on a vigorous climbing vine that holds red color without fading identify this cultivar.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8' - 12'

Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~13 weeks

Summer Fall

Outward-facing to nodding, four-tepaled, deep wine-red flowers 3–3.5 inches (8–9 cm) across with creamy-yellow anthers open from June through September on current-season growth. Bloom duration is 12–14 weeks. Silky seed heads follow the flowers and persist into fall.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep wine-red to claret-red with creamy-yellow anthers

Foliage Description

Dark green, compound pinnate with 3-5 leaflets

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant with the crown 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) below soil surface in moist, well-drained soil. Full sun to partial shade; shading the root zone with mulch or low companions reduces summer stress. A trellis, fence, arbor, or tree supplies climbing support. Consistent moisture through the growing season supports sustained bloom. The C. viticella parentage confers strong resistance to clematis wilt. Cutting all stems to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) in late winter (Pruning Group 3) renews the flowering framework. All parts contain protoanemonin, an irritant; gloves during pruning reduce skin contact.

Pruning

Pruning Group 3: all stems are cut to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) above ground in late February to March, just above a pair of strong buds. Flowers form on new wood. The vigorous annual regrowth covers the support structure by mid-summer.

Pruning Schedule

winterearly spring