Duchess of Albany Clematis

Duchess of Albany Clematis (Clematis ‘Duchess of Albany’) sets the garden aglow with its distinctive pink, tulip-shaped blooms that appear from mid-summer into early fall. Each 2–3-inch flower displays a subtle cherry-pink stripe along the petals, creating a striking, two-tone effect. Reaching 8 to 12 feet tall, this vigorous vine dresses up arbors, trellises, and fences with ease, delivering a lengthy flowering show. Thanks to its Texensis heritage, it stands up to summer heat and adapts to various soil types, offering a reliable option for both new and experienced gardeners.

Duchess of Albany is an appealing choice for sunny to partially shaded sites and tolerates periods of dryness once well established. It draws pollinators such as bees and butterflies, yet deer tend to leave it alone. Plant it alongside climbing roses or let it weave through small shrubs for extra texture and color contrast. Whether grown in a container or used as an informal groundcover, this clematis adds a playful vertical accent to any space.

Duchess of Albany Clematis Care

Place your Duchess of Albany clematis in a spot with moist, well-drained soil, where roots can remain cool while the vines receive at least six hours of direct light. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0–7.0) suits this climber best, and mulching around the base helps keep roots shaded. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season, then water thoroughly whenever rainfall is sparse in subsequent years. If desired, apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy growth and steady flowering.

Prune in early spring (pruning group 3) by cutting back stems to around 1 or 2 feet, leaving at least two sets of strong buds per stem. Removing spent blooms through the season can also spur additional flowering. Container-grown vines may need supplemental watering in warm weather, and insulating the pot during winter can protect the roots in cooler zones. For a tidier appearance, pinch out the tips of wayward shoots or thin older stems that have become unproductive.

Duchess of Albany Clematis Spacing

When creating a row or screen, leave 3 to 4 feet between each vine to allow adequate airflow and support. As a single specimen or when weaving it through a shrub or rose, ensure at least a couple of feet on each side so the vine can spread naturally. For container planting, select a pot roughly 16 to 18 inches across, giving ample room for roots to develop and the vine to climb.

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