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Clematis × 'Niobe'

niobe clematis

Ranunculaceae Garden hybrid raised in Poland

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Clematis spp. × 'Niobe' is widely regarded as the closest-to-true-red among commonly available large-flowered clematis. Plants climb 72–96 inches (180–240 cm) tall. Flat, open flowers 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) across with 6 deep ruby-red to wine-red tepals and contrasting golden-yellow stamens appear from May through September on both old and new wood. The first flowers of the season open nearly black-red, aging to ruby-red as the tepals expand — this color transition means newly opened and mature flowers on the same plant differ in shade. The golden-yellow stamens against the dark red tepals create a warm, high-contrast center. 'Niobe' blooms on both old and new wood, placing it in Group 2 for pruning, though it responds to Group 3 hard pruning with only a short delay before flowering begins on new growth. The moderate height makes it manageable on smaller supports. Named for Niobe of Greek mythology, the cultivar was raised by Wladyslaw Noll in Poland and introduced in 1975. Clematis wilt resistance is moderate. All parts contain protoanemonin, toxic if ingested.

Native Range

Clematis spp. × 'Niobe' is a garden hybrid raised by Wladyslaw Noll in Warsaw, Poland, and introduced in 1975.

Suggested Uses

Trained on trellises, arbors, and fences where the deep red color is visible against lighter backgrounds. The closest-to-true-red clematis for gardeners seeking warm color on a vine. Container culture works in pots of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. Pairs with white clematis ('Henryi') and golden-leaved plants for contrast.

How to Identify

Identified by flat, open flowers 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) across with deep ruby-red to wine-red tepals and golden-yellow stamens. Newly opened flowers appear nearly black-red, aging to ruby-red. The very dark red color with golden stamen contrast is the key trait — darker and more red than 'Ernest Markham' (which is magenta-red) and 'Acropolis' (which is plum-red). Group 2 pruning habit.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Flowering begins in May on old wood and continues through September on new growth, approximately 12 weeks total. First flowers of the season are the darkest, nearly black-red. The extended bloom is longer than most Group 2 clematis due to flowering on both growth types.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep ruby-red to wine-red

Foliage Description

Dark green, compound, with twining petioles

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-10 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 Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade with at least 5 hours of direct light. Shade the root zone. Well-drained, humus-rich soil. Group 2 pruning: remove dead and weak stems in late winter, cut to strong buds. Tolerates Group 3 hard pruning with a short delay before new-growth bloom. Provide support. Water regularly. Fertilize lightly in spring.

Pruning

Group 2 (light prune): In late February–March, remove dead and weak stems, cut remaining to strong buds. Alternatively, Group 3 hard pruning to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) is tolerated — flowering begins a few weeks later on new growth.

Pruning Schedule

early spring