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Clematis × 'Rebecca'

rebecca clematis

Ranunculaceae

Garden hybrid bred by Raymond Evison

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Clematis spp. × 'Rebecca' is a large-flowered hybrid clematis bred by Raymond Evison that climbs 72–96 inches (180–240 cm) tall. Flat, open flowers 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) across with 6 vivid red to velvet-red tepals and contrasting dark red stamens appear from May through September on both old and new wood. The red color is saturated and true-red — brighter and less purple-toned than 'Niobe' and less magenta than 'Ernest Markham'. The color holds without significant fading in partial shade; in full hot sun, some lightening toward rose-red may occur on aging flowers. The near-continuous bloom over 14+ weeks is longer than most Group 2 clematis due to flowering on both growth types. Dark green compound foliage on twining petioles clothes the vine. Group 2 pruning is recommended: dead and weak stems are removed in late winter, remaining stems are cut to strong buds. The cultivar was named for the wife of a clematis enthusiast and introduced by Evison in the early 2000s. Clematis wilt resistance is moderate. All parts contain protoanemonin, toxic if ingested.

Native Range

Clematis spp. × 'Rebecca' is a garden hybrid bred by Raymond Evison in Guernsey, Channel Islands.

Suggested Uses

Trained on trellises, arbors, and fences where the vivid red color creates a warm visual anchor. The true red in large-flowered clematis suits red-themed garden designs. Container culture works in pots of 10 gallons (38 L) or more. Pairs with white and blue clematis on shared structures for a tricolor effect.

How to Identify

Identified by flat, open flowers 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) across with vivid red to velvet-red tepals and dark red stamens. The true-red color without purple or magenta tones is the key separating trait — brighter than 'Niobe' (ruby-wine) and less magenta than 'Ernest Markham'. Near-continuous bloom from May through September. 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

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~14 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Flowering begins in May and continues through September, approximately 14+ weeks. Flowers appear on both old and new wood, producing near-continuous bloom. The vivid red color shows most strongly in early-season flowers on old wood.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Vivid red to velvet-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. Mulch or shade the root zone. Well-drained, humus-rich soil. Group 2 pruning: dead and weak stems are removed in late winter, remaining stems are cut to strong buds. Hard pruning is not recommended if spring bloom on old wood is desired. A trellis or support structure carries the twining petioles. Water regularly. Light fertilization in spring supports vigorous flowering.

Pruning

Group 2 (light prune): In late February–March, dead and weak stems are removed. Remaining stems are cut to strong buds. Old wood is preserved for the spring bloom. Group 3 hard pruning is tolerated but delays the start of bloom.

Pruning Schedule

early spring