Clematis 'Ernest Markham'
Best fast-growing climber for gardeners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance vertical color.
Clematis 'Ernest Markham' is a vigorous, large-flowered vine celebrated for its vibrant magenta blooms from midsummer into early fall. This deciduous perennial climber is known for its fast growth rate, quickly establishing a lush presence on trellises, arbors, or fences. It features bright green foliage and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. This variety is adaptable to various soil types, including clay and loam, and thrives in full sun to part shade. As a Group 3 late-flowering type, it benefits from hard pruning in late winter to encourage abundant flowering. It is deer resistant and cold-hardy, making it a reliable, spectacular vertical accent for the garden.
$20.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1769
/ 2696
#1769 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-52%
Below average
Genus
Clematis
/ Clematis
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a bold, high-impact focal point for summer beds
- Homeowners wanting consistent color long after spring blooms have faded
- Busy gardeners needing a low-maintenance, easy-to-prune flowering vine
Who should skip it
- Gardeners without the space or budget for heavy-duty structural supports
- Residents in regions with extreme, scorching afternoon summer heat
- Beginners looking for a completely disease-resistant, worry-free plant
Performance breakdown
Bloom Vigor
Produces a spectacular, high-impact display of magenta throughout the summer months.
Growth Rate
Establishes a lush vertical presence quickly on any garden structure.
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives across a wide range of zones and diverse soil conditions.
Maintenance Simplicity
Group 3 classification makes annual pruning straightforward and highly predictable.
Pollinator Appeal
Acts as a reliable magnet for bees, butterflies, and local hummingbirds.
Pest Resistance
Natural deer resistance protects your investment from common garden browsing.
Key Specs
Genus
Clematis
Variety
'Ernest Markham'
Hardiness Zones
4 - 11
Mature Height
12 Feet
Mature Width
3 Feet
Bloom Color
Dark Magenta/Dark Red
Foliage Color
Medium Green
Item Form Available
1-Quart, 2 1/4-inch Pot
Features
- Vibrant magenta blooms from midsummer to early fall
- Fast-growing climbing vine habit
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Adaptable to various soil types (chalk, clay, loam)
- Deer resistant
- Awarded the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit
- Requires hard pruning (Group 3 late-flowering type)
What customers say
Consumers are overwhelmingly impressed by the reliability and quality of the 'Ernest Markham' clematis. The deep, true crimson blooms are consistently cited as spectacular, delivering reliable late season color that transforms garden spaces. While initial growth can be slow, patience is rewarded with a vigorous, hardy vine that establishes quickly and performs dependably year after year. This plant is viewed as a high quality, long term investment for vertical gardening.
Know before you buy
As a Group 3 late-flowering clematis, this variety should be pruned hard in late winter or early spring. Cut the stems back to about 12 to 18 inches above the ground to encourage vigorous new growth and a more abundant display of blooms.
Clematis 'Ernest Markham' is highly adaptable and hardy in zones 4 through 11. It thrives in a wide range of climates, making it a reliable choice for most gardens across the country.
This variety is quite versatile and performs well in most soil types, including clay, loam, and chalk. Ensure the planting site has good drainage to keep the roots healthy.
When fully mature, this vine reaches a height of approximately 12 feet and a width of 3 feet. It is best suited for vertical structures like trellises, arbors, or fences where it has room to climb.
Yes, 'Ernest Markham' is considered deer resistant, meaning it is less likely to be targeted by deer than many other garden plants. However, no plant is entirely deer-proof, especially if food sources are scarce in your area.
For the best performance and most vibrant magenta blooms, plant it in a spot that receives full sun to part shade. Providing at least six hours of sunlight daily will help ensure the most prolific flowering.
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$21