Clematis ‘Honora’ (Late Large-Flowered Clematis)

A fascinating climber, Clematis ‘Honora’ is a large-flowered variety that produces a profusion of large, up to 6 in. wide (15 cm), velvety, plum-magenta flowers with a prominent burgundy bar through the center of each sepal. Opening from elegantly pointed, slender buds, the dark and dramatic blooms are initially burgundy. As they mature, the edges of the lightly crimped sepals lighten, making the central bars prominent. The rosy petioles and gray undersides of the unfurling sepals provide additional complimentary details. Blooming from early to mid-summer, with a second flush from late summer to early fall, ‘Honora’ flowers from the ground up. Its wonderfully long season and a delightful parade of color make it an interesting companion in plant combinations. This clematis is best trained on arbors, fences, walls, or grown over or through evergreen hedges.

• Thrives in moist, well-drained soils, in part shade. While sun tolerant, the best flower color is obtained in part shade. Avoid the direct, hot sun. Keep the roots cool and shaded by other plants, or add a layer of pebbles or flat stones at the base.
• Hardy, this clematis is incredibly free-flowering and can quickly grow up to 10-13 ft. long (300-390 cm).
• Excellent choice for trellis and can be trained to climb a wall, trellis, fence, or arbor. Combines beautifully with shrubs.
• 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.

As climbers, Clematis are unsurpassed in their long flowering presence, their rich diversity of flower shapes, their wide array of colors, and their tolerances in terms of exposure and climate. It is no wonder they are so popular! From tree huggers to container varieties, there is a Clematis for every garden and flowers for almost every month of the year! Members of the Ranunculaceae family, they include more than 300 species and hundreds of hybrids. They create year after year a ravishing colorful show in the garden whether solely trained on walls, arbors, or trellises, or grown in association with other climbers. They are divided into 3 groups which determine how they should be pruned. Regular pruning of Clematis is important as it promotes strong growth and flowering as well as a harmonious plant. If left unpruned, Clematis can turn into a mass of tangled stems with a bare base and flowers well above eye level.