Clematis Rebecca

Description

Clematis Rebecca is a flowering vine that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is a hybrid cultivar of Clematis viticella and Clematis lanuginosa, and was first introduced in 1975 by Barry Fretwell. This beautiful plant is known for its stunning violet-purple flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. The flowers are 3-4 inches in diameter and have six petals with creamy white stamens in the center. The plant can grow up to 8 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for trellises, arbors, and fences.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Clematis Rebecca has a woody stem that can grow up to 8 to 10 feet tall. Its leaves are green and have a pinnate shape with 3 to 5 leaflets. The flowers are the main attraction of this plant, with their stunning violet-purple color and six petals. The stamens in the center of the flower are creamy white, creating a beautiful contrast against the purple petals. The flowers bloom in mid to late summer and can last for several weeks. After the flowers fade, the plant produces fluffy seed heads that can add interest to your garden.

Care Guide

Clematis Rebecca is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to ensure it thrives. Here are some key care tips:Water: Clematis Rebecca prefers consistently moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.Fertilization: Fertilize your plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. You can also add a second application of fertilizer in mid-summer to encourage more blooms.Soil: Clematis Rebecca prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its quality.Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Clematis Rebecca is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Clematis Rebecca is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. To prevent these issues, make sure to keep your plant healthy by providing it with proper care. If you do notice any pests or diseases, you can treat them with insecticidal soap or fungicides.

Habitat

Clematis Rebecca is native to Europe and Asia, but it is now widely cultivated in gardens around the world. It can grow in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and rocky slopes. In gardens, it is often grown on trellises, arbors, and fences, where it can climb and add vertical interest to the landscape.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Clematis Rebecca grow in containers?
A: Yes, it can grow in containers, but make sure to choose a large container that can accommodate its size and provide good drainage.Q: How often should I prune my Clematis Rebecca?
A: Prune your plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. You can cut back the previous year’s growth by one-third to one-half to encourage new growth and more blooms.Q: Can I grow Clematis Rebecca with other plants?
A: Yes, Clematis Rebecca pairs well with other flowering vines, such as roses or honeysuckle. Just make sure to provide enough space for each plant to grow.Q: Does Clematis Rebecca attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the flowers of Clematis Rebecca are attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to a pollinator garden.

Related Plants

Here are some other popular Clematis cultivars:

• Clematis Nelly Moser
• Clematis Jackmanii
• Clematis Sweet Summer Love
• Clematis Rouge Cardinal
• Clematis The President

References

• “Clematis ‘Rebecca’.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
• “Clematis Rebecca.” RHS.
• “Clematis Rebecca.” Gardenia.