Clematis (Clematis 'Madame Julia Correvon')

Overview

Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ is a highly valuable addition to any vertical gardening space, known for its profuse and vibrant summer flowering period. This deciduous, small-flowering clematis vine, part of the Viticella group, delivers continuous color from early summer clear through early autumn, making it a long-lasting focal point. Gardeners prize this robust variety of Clematis for its reliable growth habit and attractive bright red flowers, which stand out beautifully against its medium green foliage.

As a vigorous climber, this robust Clematis needs sturdy architectural support, such as a trellis or arbor, to reach its mature height of 10 to 12 feet. A key cultural requirement for success with Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ is ensuring its roots remain cool and shaded while the upper vines bask in the sun. This combination promotes strong, healthy growth and spectacular sustained blooming from this popular Clematis cultivar.

Offering architectural height and rapid coverage, this specific Clematis provides excellent screening and dramatically enhances fences, walls, or pergolas. Its versatility extends to creating structure in small gardens or even sprawling over supports like shrubs or stumps, offering dynamic texture throughout the growing season.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Ranunculaceae
• Plant Type: Vine
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 10-12 ft
  • Spread: 3-6 ft
• Bloom Time: June to September
• Bloom Description: Red with yellow stamens
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Planting Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ is best done in spring or early fall, ensuring the soil is fertile, well-drained, and consistently medium in moisture. Crucially, site this vine so that the flowering, upper portions receive full sun to partial shade, but the root zone is kept cool and shaded—use perennials or a thick layer of mulch to achieve this desired shading for the roots.

Ongoing care requires consistent watering to maintain even soil moisture; never allow the base or roots of your Clematis to dry out completely, especially during hot or dry spells. Fertilize according to general Clematis guidelines, favoring feeding in the spring and mid-summer. Support is mandatory; install a trellis, arbor, or other structure at planting time, as the twining leaf stalks require something firm to grasp.

Because Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ flowers on new wood, it should be pruned according to Group 3 guidelines. This means you can cut the entire vine back hard, leaving only two or three pairs of buds above the ground, either in late fall or early spring. This heavy pruning encourages strong new growth and maximizes the size and quality of the summer blooms.

Landscape Uses

Clematis vines are unmatched for adding dramatic vertical interest to the garden. Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ can be meticulously trained along a wall, fence, or sturdy trellis to provide structure and framework where architectural height is needed. For a layered look, allow lower-growing, shade-tolerant perennials to plant around the base, effectively shading the critical root zone while the bright red flowers climb skyward.

This variety also thrives when allowed to ramble or sprawl. Consider planting it near robust, established shrubs—ensuring air circulation is maintained—to allow the Clematis to weave through the foliage rather than strictly climbing a synthetic structure. Furthermore, its vibrant color makes it a spectacular choice for large containers situated on patios or decks where its climbing nature can be immediately supported.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Clematis is a genus of over 250 species, most of which are woody to semi-woody deciduous vines climbing by twining leaf stalks or in some cases trailing over support, but in a few cases grow as freestanding or sprawling herbaceous perennials and small deciduous or evergreen shrubs. ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ is a deciduous, small-flowering, climbing clematis vine (Viticella group) which typically grows 8-12’ and features bright red flowers (2-3” diameter) with yellow stamens, providing profuse summer bloom. Cultivated plants are often divided into three groups based on pruning needs, and this specific cultivar falls into Group 3, meaning it flowers only on new wood and can be cut back hard in fall or spring.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

This beautiful Clematis is susceptible to several diseases, most critically wilt/stem rot, which can prove fatal if not quickly managed by removing affected parts. Keep an eye out for common fungal issues like powdery mildew, leaf spots, and rust, ensuring good air circulation helps minimize stress. Potential insect pests include aphids, scale, earwigs, and notably, vine weevils, slugs, and snails, especially when new growth is emerging. Regular inspection and immediate treatment of pests or signs of rot are crucial for maintaining healthy vines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ suitable for?

Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9.

How large does Clematis grow?

This vigorous vine typically reaches a height between 10 and 12 feet, spreading moderately between 3 and 6 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Clematis need?

This plant prefers full sun to part shade, though afternoon shade is often beneficial in the hottest summer climates.

When does Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ bloom?

You can expect beautiful, bright red flowers with yellow stamens to appear profusely from June all the way through September.

Conclusion

Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ delivers exceptional value to the landscape through its long season of vibrant red flowers and sturdy climbing habit. This gorgeous Clematis variety truly shines when its cultural needs—sun on the top, cool shade at the roots—are met. Before planting, always check your local USDA hardiness zone compatibility and ensure you have a suitable support structure ready for this magnificent vine.

Companion Planting

Selecting the right companions for Clematis is vital, focusing primarily on plants that thrive in similar conditions and help shade the roots. Low-growing perennials like Hostas, Astilbes, or hardy Geraniums pair exceptionally well, as they enjoy the partial shade cast near the base of the trellis while providing aesthetic cover. Ensure that companion plants do not aggressively compete for moisture or nutrients, as Clematis needs consistent, medium water uptake to fuel its extensive summer blooming.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring is the most active time for establishing your Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’. Perform your Group 3 annual pruning at this time, removing all old woody stems down to a few buds, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. As summer approaches and temperatures rise, focus heavily on consistent, deep watering to keep the root zone cool and evenly moist; this is critical during the peak bloom period in June and July. In autumn, after the final leaves drop, a thick layer of organic mulch will help insulate the roots against winter freezes, protecting the base of this hardy plant.