Magenta Clematis

Clematis ‘Ernest Markham’ is a deciduous, late large-flowered climber. The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/96860/clematis-ernest-markham-%28ll%29/details) describes rich velvety crimson-red flowers in early to late summer or early autumn. Its listed mature height is 2.5–4 m and spread 0.5–1 m, consistent with the catalog’s existing 3.5 m height and 1 m width points. ## Growing Conditions Provide full sun and moist but well-drained soil. Clematis stems climb a support, while the root area benefits from cool, shaded conditions; the RHS recommends planting near other plants or using a layer of pebbles to shade the base. The cultivar is listed for wall-side borders and can be trained along a fence, trellis, or similar structure. ## Maintenance This cultivar is in pruning group 3 and flowers on the current season’s growth. In late winter, cut back the old stems to the lowest pair of healthy buds, roughly 15–30 cm above soil level, then guide new growth across its support. The [RHS group 3 guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/clematis/group-three-pruning-guide) gives the pruning timing and method.