Garden hybrid

Clematis x hybridaClematis

43 other cultivars

vine

Kilian Donahue Clematis

Clematis x hybrida 'Kilian Donahue'

The Story

Plant Bio

Clematis is a genus of climbing vines in the buttercup family, native primarily to temperate regions across the northern and southern hemispheres. These vines climb by twining petioles and are grown for large, petalless blossoms whose visual display comes from broad, colorful sepals.

'Kilian Donahue' produces five-inch star-shaped blossoms featuring white anthers tipped with burgundy. Early blooms open deep ruby-red before shifting to fuchsia with orchid-pink edges, later aging to pink-lavender to create a multi-toned canopy throughout the summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces multi-toned pink and ruby flowers that change color continuously from late spring through summer.

Vertical climbing habit covers narrow garden structures without taking up ground footprint.

Provides nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bee species.

SpeciesClematis x hybridaClematis

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

120"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden origin

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Late spring – Late summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site receiving five to six hours of daily sun with deep, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil.
Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and install vertical support such as a trellis or wire matrix.
Set the plant into the hole so the nursery soil line sits two to four inches beneath the ground surface.
Backfill with native soil mixed with compost, drench thoroughly, and apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base while keeping it away from the stems.

Pro Tip

Plant the crown two to four inches below the surrounding soil line to encourage secondary stem production from dormant subterranean buds and protect against clematis wilt.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Shade the root zone using thick organic mulch or low-growing companion perennials.
Provide consistent moisture during hot spells and active flowering periods.
Prune lightly in early spring down to strong leaf buds before new growth commences.

Don't

Do not allow the root zone to dry out completely during summer heat.
Do not perform severe cutbacks deep into old, leafless woody stem tissue.
Do not plant in deep shade where light falls under five hours daily, as flower color will dull.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Training over arbors, pergolas, and trellises.Growing through establish shrubs or climbing roses.Potted container displays with climbing supports.

Companion Plants

Rosa Nepeta Heuchera Salvia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kilian Donahue Clematis questions

What zones can Kilian Donahue Clematis grow in?

Kilian Donahue Clematis is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Kilian Donahue Clematis deer resistant?

Yes — Kilian Donahue Clematis is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Kilian Donahue Clematis bloom?

Kilian Donahue Clematis typically blooms in late spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Kilian Donahue Clematis need full sun?

Kilian Donahue Clematis does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.