Clematis 'Kilian Donahue'
Best vertical accent for gardeners seeking long-lasting, color-changing floral displays.
Introducing the Clematis 'Kilian Donahue', a stunning vine celebrated for its dramatic, color-changing 5-inch blooms. This perennial plant offers a profusion of flowers, starting pink with ruby-red stripes and maturing through fuchsia to a soft lavender, creating a captivating multi-toned display. Growing 8 to 10 feet tall, it's ideal for trellises, fences, or large containers. Its attractive blooms, which attract butterflies and hummingbirds, are also perfect for cutting, adding a touch of natural beauty indoors. This Clematis is a repeat bloomer, ensuring season-long visual interest.
$26.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
61
/ 2656
#61 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-38%
Below average
Variety
'Kilian Donahue'
/ 'Kilian Donahue'
Who it's for
- Urban gardeners with limited space or container setups
- Designers seeking high-contrast, dramatic floral focal points
- Homeowners wanting long-lasting, multi-season vertical color
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners preferring low-maintenance, hands-off plant care
- Beginners intimidated by managing plant-specific fungal diseases
- Gardeners looking for easy-to-place, adaptable landscape additions
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Dynamic color-shifting blooms provide a high-contrast focal point for any garden.
Bloom Longevity
Repeat blooming habit ensures a vibrant display throughout the entire season.
Pollinator Appeal
Rich nectar sources effectively draw hummingbirds and butterflies to your landscape.
Versatility
Adapts seamlessly to vertical trellises, fences, or large decorative containers.
Hardiness Range
Robust performance across USDA zones four through nine offers reliable growth.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy stems and striking colors make these blooms ideal for arrangements.
Key Specs
Variety
'Kilian Donahue'
Mature Height
10 Feet
Mature Width
3 Feet
Hardiness Zones
4 - 9 (USDA)
Bloom Color
Lavender, Pink, Dark Red
Foliage Color
Dark Green
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Part Shade
Pruning Group
II
Features
- Dramatic 5-inch blooms change color as they mature.
- Heavy initial bloom flush with continuous reblooming.
- Creates a unique multi-colored appearance.
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Flowers are excellent for cut arrangements.
- Suitable for large container planting.
- Vining habit ideal for vertical gardens.
- Offers seasonal interest with repeat blooms.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Clematis 'Kilian Donahue' upon arrival, noting healthy root systems and robust growth potential. The primary theme is reliability; once established, this variety proves to be a vigorous climber, delivering stunning, deep purple blooms exactly as advertised. Reviewers frequently highlight the plant's ability to thrive even in less than ideal conditions, making it a dependable choice for gardeners seeking dramatic color and easy care. This strong performance justifies the premium price point, confirming its high value.
Know before you buy
The 'Kilian Donahue' starts with pink petals featuring ruby-red stripes. As the flowers mature, they transition through shades of fuchsia before settling into a soft lavender, often resulting in a multi-toned display on the same vine.
This variety belongs to Pruning Group II. You should prune it lightly in early spring to remove dead or weak stems and encourage a strong flush of new growth.
Yes, it is well-suited for large containers. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage and is large enough to support a vine that can reach up to 10 feet in height.
The 'Kilian Donahue' is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. It is quite versatile, though you should ensure it is planted in well-drained soil to prevent root issues.
This clematis performs best in full sun to part shade. While it can tolerate some shade, providing at least six hours of sunlight will help maximize the intensity of its color-changing blooms.
Yes, it is a repeat bloomer. It produces a heavy initial flush of flowers in the spring and will continue to provide blooms throughout the season.
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$27