About

Clematis 'Fireworks' is a robust, deciduous climbing plant that can reach a height of approximately 3 meters. It features vibrant mid-green foliage and produces large, single blooms measuring up to 20 centimeters in diameter. The petals are purple, exhibiting wavy edges and a slightly twisted form, each adorned with a vivid cerise-pink central stripe. The underside of the petals displays a greenish band bordered with mauve, complemented by dark red anthers. This variety yields large flowers from late spring to early summer, followed by smaller ones from late summer to early autumn.

About the genus

Clematis includes a variety of plants, ranging from deciduous and evergreen shrubs to herbaceous perennials. Many of these species are climbers, utilizing twining leaf stalks for support, and they frequently produce prominent flowers. In the fall, certain varieties develop appealing fluffy seed heads.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Plant type

Climber Wall Shrub

Habit

Climbing

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

2.5-4 metres

Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden

Toxicity

Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (rabbits): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Cultivation

Plant in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, with the roots and base of the plant kept cool and shaded by other plants or a layer of pebbles at the base. Plant with the crown 5-8cm deep to encourage new shoots to grow from below ground level. See clematis cultivation

Pruning

Pruning (clematis) group 2

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring, semi-ripe cuttings in early summer or layering

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to aphids, snails and caterpillars; petals may be eaten by earwigs

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), clematis wilt and clematis slime flux