Colourful clematis

Late-flowering varieties

With more than 1,000 varieties listed in the RHS Plant Finder, there is a clematis for all seasons and situations, but choosing the right one can be confusing.

The types are numbered

1, 2 or 3, which of all the types, late-flowering summer ones tend to be the boldest and brightest, but there’s still a lot of choice.

The later-flowering varieties (which flower into

late summer and autumn) produce blooms on the current year’s growth and fall into the so-called Group 3 pruning category. This means you cut them back hard in winter or early spring, to encourage lots of healthy climbing shoots to give you plenty of flowers in summer.

The phrase late-flowering isn’t hugely specific. The larger-flowered blooms tend to appear earlier in the summer, while the end of the season is dominated by many varieties with smaller, but abundant flowers from late July onwards.

Our favourites for bold, bright colour are the Viticella group. Originating in the sunny, dry climes of southern and Eastern Europe, they tolerate a wide range of locations, in sun or shade, and have a long-flowering season. Perfect for growing through other climbers that may already have flowered earlier in the season or adding a contrasting pop of colour.