Overview
Clematis 'John Paul II' is a climbing, herbaceous climbing perennial in the genus Clematis, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen (varies by species) foliage. Clematis 'John Paul II' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include climbing on trellises, fences and walls; ornamental garden plant.
About
A large-flowered clematis cultivar with deep purple, bell-shaped flowers and prominent yellow stamens, blooming in late summer to autumn.
About the genus
Clematis is a genus of about 380 species within the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Their garden hybrids and cultivars have been popular among gardeners, beginning with Clematis 'Jackmanii', a garden staple since 1862. More cultivars are being produced constantly, mainly of Chinese and Japanese origin.
Wikipedia contributors, "Clematis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clematis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Clematis
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- neutral to slightly alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- south, east, west
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Clematis 'John Paul II' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- climbing perennial
- Habit
- Climbing, Herbaceous
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen (varies by species)
- Suggested uses
- climbing on trellises, fences, walls; ornamental garden plant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Clematis 'John Paul II'
- Cultivation
- Plant in spring or autumn; prefers roots shaded and top in sun; mulch to retain moisture.
- Pruning
- Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood; this is a Group 3 clematis, so prune hard in early spring.
- Propagation
- propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids, Capsid bugs, Earwigs
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Clematis wilt
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Clematis 'John Paul II'?
Plant in spring or autumn; prefers roots shaded and top in sun; mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Clematis 'John Paul II'?
Clematis 'John Paul II' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Clematis 'John Paul II' need?
Clematis 'John Paul II' grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Clematis 'John Paul II'?
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood; this is a Group 3 clematis, so prune hard in early spring.
Is Clematis 'John Paul II' hardy in the UK?
Clematis 'John Paul II' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Clematis 'John Paul II'?
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering.
More in the Clematis genus
- Clematis 'Fukuzono' (I)

- Clematis douglasiiChaparral Clematis

- Clematis stans

- Clematis × eriostemonClematis

- Clematis × jouiniana

- Clematis 'Edward Prichard'clematis 'Edward Prichard'
- Clematis 'Fairydust' (Vt)
- Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL)