Purpurea Plena Elegans Clematis

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

10-12 Feet

Mature Spread

2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

The clematis continues to be among the favorite summer perennials and the Clematis Purpurea Plena Elegans is no exception! Being one of the oldest Clematis plants adds to its legacy as well as well deserved respect. Its purple-red blooms blossom into an approximate 2" double which means its petals from the appearance of a flower within another flower. The depth of its color depends on location. Set against a background of bright green leaves, it shows its splendor through the summer being a July through October bloomer.

The Clematis Purpurea Plena Elegans grows quickly with a bounty of luxurious blooms. Although the plant itself grows quickly, the petals are slower to open as if giving its audience great anticipation of its debut. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies giving a two for one show which makes up for its fragrance free feature. It is a deer and rabbit resistant plant that requires little maintenance. Being a natural climber it grows up to 10-12 feet in height with an approximate spread of two feet. It grows beautifully trailing up a wall, trellis or pergola. When the beautiful petals fall it will leave behind a pleasant surprise of a pom-pom in the center, seemingly bringing a close to its season.

Purpurea Plena Elegans Clematis Care

This clematis prefers full sun but it's durability and robust nature will do well in most any location. Purpurea Plena Elegans Clematis is in pruning group 3, which means it blooms on new wood each year. Prune in late winter to early spring for an abundance of new life to sprout and bloom in summer.

It does well in moderately moist soil, is durable and very easy to maintain.The PPE prefers a slightly alkaline soil which you can obtain by adding lime. In colder months add a generous supply of mulch around the bottom of each plant to protect the roots from damage.

Purpurea Plena Elegans Clematis Spacing

When spacing, allow 36 to 48 inches and plant 2 to 4 inches deeper than its current crown, being sure that the roots and the bottom portion of the stem are well covered to prevent the plant from wilting. A good and attractive way of root protection is to plant low growing annuals near the roots for moisture retention and protection from too much sun.