Clematis Ernest Markham (Late Large-Flowered Clematis)

A memorable sight when in blooms, Clematis 'Ernest Markham' is a deciduous vine that gets covered with a profusion of large, 4-6 in. (10-15 cm), vivid magenta flowers with blunt-tipped velvety petals and chocolate anthers. A gardener's favorite since its introduction in 1926!

• Blooming in mid-summer to early fall, this vigorous and extremely floriferous Clematis vine won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its noteworthy qualities.
• It thrives in moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or part shade. Ideally, Clematis prefer having their 'heads in the sun and their feet in the shade'. Keep the roots cool and shaded by other plants or add a layer of pebbles or flat stones at the base. Afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer areas.
• Hardy to zones 4-11, it is incredibly free-flowering and can quickly grow up to 10-12 ft. long (300-360 cm).
• Excellent choice for trellis, it can be trained to climb a wall, fence, or arbor and is also well suited to containers. Combines beautifully with other climbers such as Roses. It will pair magnificently with Rose 'American Pillar' or with Clematis 'Jackmanii'
• This Clematis belongs to the third group of Clematis – a group including Clematis which flower in late summer on growth made in that season. They should be pruned in late winter or early spring and require 'hard pruning': simply cut back the stems to a pair of strong buds about 1ft. (30 cm) above ground level before growth begins in early spring.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.