Barbara Harrington Clematis

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

8 - 10 Feet

Mature Spread

2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

Barbara Harrington Clematis (Clematis ‘Barbara Harrington’) lights up the garden with hot pink, disc-shaped blooms from late spring through autumn. Each flower measures around 4 to 5 inches across, and its color remains bold even in direct sun. This vigorous vine typically grows 5 to 9 feet tall, creating an eye-catching vertical display on fences, trellises, or pergolas. Its long flowering season also stands out, often starting earlier than many late-blooming Clematis varieties and lasting well into the cooler months.

Deer tend to pass by, and hummingbirds or butterflies often stop for a visit. In addition to being relatively low maintenance, it adapts to sun or partial shade and can handle a variety of well-drained soils. Consider pairing it with white-flowering Clematis or climbing roses for a dramatic effect, or let it cascade over a sturdy container edge. Its cut flowers hold up well indoors too, adding extra color to your arrangements.

Barbara Harrington Clematis Care

Plant in moist, fertile soil with good drainage, positioning the crown about two to four inches below the soil surface to encourage healthy shoots. Provide regular watering, particularly during hot spells, and apply a balanced fertilizer in spring for robust growth. Aim for full sun on the vine with some shade at the root zone, which can be kept cool by mulch or groundcover. Slightly alkaline or neutral soil typically works best, though it adapts to a range of pH levels.

Prune this variety (pruning group 3) back hard in late winter or early spring before new growth appears, cutting stems to about a foot above ground level. Removing spent blooms in summer can encourage additional flowering. In colder regions, apply a protective layer of mulch around the base to insulate roots. Container-grown Clematis benefit from an adequately sized pot and extra watering during peak heat.

Barbara Harrington Clematis Spacing

Allow at least 2 to 3 feet between plants if growing a row of Clematis along a fence or trellis, providing sufficient airflow and room for expansion. For a single specimen, ensure enough open space on all sides so the vine can climb freely. When using a container, choose one at least 16 to 18 inches wide to give the roots ample space to spread and support the vigorous top growth.