Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' - Clematis Dr.Ruppel

Clematis is most often seen in softer shades, but Dr. Ruppel offers fans a showier choice. This is a bi-color repeat bloomer: in May and June, it displays 8-in. rose-carmine blooms with white anthers; in September, the flowers come in again, but the colors are toned down a bit. There is an old saying with Clematis; "Tops in the sun and feet in the shade." In other words the vine blooms best in the sun and benefits from a cluster of small plants, planted around the base of the plant. Many people simply plant a ground cover like ivy, myrtle, or pachysandra around the plant to shade the base. The Dr. Ruppel Clematis does best in fertile, humus rich, well-drained soil. Mulch well with composted manure or compost. Feed once a month with a well balanced fertilizer during the growing season.