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Northwest Blooms · Vines

Clematis montana var. rubens 'Mayleen'

Mayleen Clematis

Clematis montana var. rubens 'Mayleen'
Family
Ranunculaceae
Height
20-30 feet
Width
6-10 feet
Flower color
Soft pink with a hint of mauve
Foliage color
Bronze-tinged when young, maturing to mid-green
Bloom time
Late spring to early summer
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate, prefers well-drained soil
Maintenance
Low to moderate
Wildlife
Bees and other pollinators

About this plant

Clematis montana var. rubens 'Mayleen' is a vigorous and highly ornamental climbing perennial vine. This cultivar is particularly admired for its profusion of soft pink, fragrant flowers and attractive, bronze-tinged foliage. Originating from the mountainous regions of Asia, 'Mayleen' is ideal for covering fences, trellises, pergolas, and walls, providing a stunning floral display.

'Mayleen' produces a breathtaking display of soft pink, slightly fragrant flowers from late spring to early summer. Each flower has four slightly overlapping petals with a hint of mauve and a central cluster of pale yellow stamens. The flowers are approximately 2-3 inches in diameter and are borne in such profusion that they often obscure the foliage beneath them. The fragrance adds an extra sensory dimension to this already striking plant. The foliage of 'Mayleen' emerges bronze-tinged in the spring, gradually maturing to a rich mid-green. The leaves are pinnate and composed of three to five leaflets, giving the plant a lush, textured appearance. The bronze tint in the young foliage adds an additional layer of interest before the flowers appear.

'Mayleen' is a vigorous climber, capable of reaching heights of 20-30 feet and spreading 6-10 feet. It climbs by twining its leaf stems around supports, making it ideal for covering structures such as fences, trellises, arbors, and pergolas. Its rapid growth and dense coverage make it an excellent choice for quickly greening large areas. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Pairing it with spring-flowering shrubs or early-blooming perennials can create stunning and harmonious garden combinations.

Works well in

Arbors & Trellises · Fences & Walls · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Bergenias · Sedums · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Boxwood

Design tip

The long summer show pairs well with plants that peak earlier, keeping one area interesting for months. Train the main stems early on a trellis or fence so the growth spreads sideways rather than bunching at the top.