Clematis ‘Nubia‘ (also known as Evipo079) is a compact, deciduous, large-flowered climber, part of the Raymond Evison Boulevard® series designed specifically for smaller gardens, containers, and patios. It is highly regarded for its intense, velvety, pillar-box red flowers, which are considered one of the strongest red shades among clematis varieties.
Key Characteristics
- Flowers: Velvety, deep red star-shaped flowers, typically around 3 inches (7-8 cm) in diameter, with contrasting dark purple anthers.
- Flowering Period: Blooms early to mid-summer (May/June) and often produces a second flush in late summer/autumn.
- Size: Compact, reaching an average height of 1.2m to 1.5m (4-5 feet) and a spread of 1m (3 feet).
- Color Retention: Unlike many red clematis varieties, ‘Nubia’ does not fade in bright light.
- Hardiness: Fully hardy (H6, hardy down to -20C to -15C).
Cultivation and Care
- Position: Thrives in full sun or light shade, though it prefers its roots to be kept cool and shaded by other plants or mulch.
- Soil: Requires moist, fertile, well-drained soil.
- Pruning (Group 3): As a late-flowering variety, it is best pruned hard in early spring (February/March). Cut back the previous year’s stems to a pair of strong buds, roughly 15-20cm (6-8 inches) above ground level to encourage vigorous new growth.
- Container Gardening: Ideal for large pots and containers, especially when provided with a support structure like a small trellis or obelisk.
- Feeding: As a “greedy” feeder, it benefits from regular feeding with a slow-release fertilizer in spring.
‘Nubia’ is excellent for creating a vertical focal point on fences, patio walls, or for scrambling through established shrubs.
