Clematis Ville de Lyon - Stunning Late Summer Clematis

Clematis

Clematis Ville de Lyon is a vibrant, fast-growing deciduous climber celebrated for its rich magenta blooms, extended flowering period, and vigorous nature. Belonging to the late large-flowered clematis group, this cultivar has long been a favourite among UK gardeners looking to inject bold colour and vertical interest into their outdoor spaces. Whether trained along trellises, fences, or pergolas, this standout clematis offers exceptional garden performance from midsummer into autumn.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ such a reliable choice, covering its flowering habits, preferred conditions, planting tips, care routine, and how best to incorporate it into your garden design.

Introduced in France in the late 19th century, Clematis Ville de Lyon was bred by Morel, a renowned French nurseryman, and named in honour of the historic city of Lyon. Its enduring popularity speaks to its ornamental value and resilience in garden settings across Europe.

This clematis belongs to pruning Group 3 and is well known for its prolific summer display and adaptability to various growing conditions. Gardeners value it for its vibrant floral performance and ease of care, making it an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned horticulturists alike.

The hallmark of Clematis Ville de Lyon is undoubtedly its large, richly coloured flowers. Each bloom features velvety, magenta-red petals lightly ruffled along the edges, measuring approximately 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) across. A paler central stripe and prominent yellow stamens add depth and dimension, making every flower a captivating focal point.

Blooming from July to September, this clematis offers an extended flowering season, providing sustained colour just when many other garden plants begin to fade. The sheer volume of flowers adds an abundant, almost cascading effect, perfect for easily covering vertical structures.

In addition to its stunning blooms, ‘Ville de Lyon’ boasts healthy, mid-green foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season. The foliage forms a dense, leafy screen, which enhances the visual impact of the blooms and contributes to its usefulness as a privacy screen or backdrop.

Position Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ in a sunny or partially shaded location to achieve the best display. While it thrives with around six hours of direct sunlight daily, the roots should be kept cool and shaded. A classic clematis planting mantra applies: “Head in the sun, feet in the shade.” Use mulch or underplant with low-growing perennials such as geraniums or hostas to help protect the root zone.

Soil Requirements

This clematis grows best in well-drained, moisture-retentive soil enriched with organic matter. To enhance soil fertility and structure, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure when planting. While adaptable to a variety of soil types, it performs best in neutral to slightly acidic conditions (pH 6.5 to 7.0).

Climate and Hardiness

Fully hardy across the UK, Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F), making it suitable for a wide range of regions. Given appropriate structural support, its robust nature allows it to flourish even in exposed locations.

When planting, choose a sturdy support structure such as an obelisk, pergola, or trellis, and ensure it’s in place beforehand. Dig a planting hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball, loosening the soil at the base and mixing in organic matter.

Plant the clematis with the crown approximately 5 cm (2 inches) below the soil surface. This promotes new shoot development and helps protect against clematis wilt. Water thoroughly after planting and apply mulch to help retain soil moisture.

Watering and Feeding

In the first growing season, water regularly to help the plant establish a strong root system. Once mature, Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ is relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from additional watering during prolonged dry periods.

Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. From midsummer, feed regularly with a high-potash liquid feed such as tomato fertiliser to further support flower production during peak bloom.

This cultivar falls into Pruning Group 3, meaning it flowers on the current season’s growth. To maintain a healthy structure and maximise blooms, cut back all stems to a strong set of buds around 30–50 cm (12–20 inches) from the ground in late winter or early spring.

This annual hard prune encourages fresh, vigorous growth and reduces the risk of the plant becoming leggy or congested. Always use sharp secateurs to make clean cuts and reduce disease risk.

Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ is generally low-maintenance and trouble-free, but it can occasionally be affected by:

• Aphids – Often found on new growth; treat with insecticidal soap or encourage natural predators like ladybirds.
• Slugs and snails—Young shoots are particularly vulnerable to slugs; use organic slug pellets, barriers, or slug traps where needed.
• Clematis wilt is a fungal disease that can cause sudden collapse. Planting deeply and ensuring good airflow helps prevent issues. Remove and dispose of any affected stems promptly.

Good garden hygiene, proper planting depth, and correct pruning are the best defences against most problems.

Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ is a brilliant choice for adding vertical drama and seasonal interest to your garden due to its long flowering period and dramatic colour. Train it over:

• Pergolas and arches to create vibrant walkways
• Trellised walls or fences for softening hard lines
• Obelisks or teepees in mixed borders for an upright accent

Its magenta-red blooms contrast beautifully with pale pinks, whites, and purples. Consider pairing it with climbing roses such as Rosa ‘New Dawn’ or Rosa ‘Iceberg’ for a romantic display. Alternatively, underplant with lavender, nepeta, or soft ornamental grasses to complement its colour and form.

Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ has become an absolute staple in my garden. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching those rich magenta blooms explode into colour just as other summer flowers start to fade. I like to train mine up an obelisk in a mixed border where it weaves through ornamental grasses and salvias — the contrast is stunning. It’s one of those climbers that rewards a little effort with a lot of impact, especially if you remember that hard prune in late winter. I always mulch around the base and keep the roots shaded with low-growing perennials like hardy geraniums. Whether covering a fence or adding height to a sunny corner, ‘Ville de Lyon’ delivers bold, beautiful, easy-to-grow flowers season after season.

• Striking magenta-red blooms appear from midsummer to early autumn, providing long-lasting colour.
• Belongs to Clematis pruning Group 3 – prune hard in late winter or early spring to encourage flowering.
• Thrives in full sun to partial shade; keep roots cool with mulch or underplanting.
• Prefers moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal.
• Hardy down to -20°C (-4°F) – suitable for most UK gardens.
• Excellent for trellises, fences, pergolas, and obelisks, adding vertical interest and structure.
• Pairs beautifully with roses, lavender, nepeta, and ornamental grasses in mixed planting schemes.
• Attracts bees and pollinators, adding ecological value to the garden.
• Requires regular watering during the first season, then becomes relatively drought-tolerant.
• Monitor for aphids, slugs, and clematis wilt; plant deeply and prune correctly to reduce risk.

Clematis Ville de Lyon combines outstanding floral impact with ease of cultivation, making it a top-performing climber for gardeners across the UK. Its striking, long-lasting flowers, vigorous growth, and reliable hardiness ensure it delivers beauty and structure wherever it’s planted.

With the right site, supportive structure, and annual pruning, this clematis will reward you year after year with breathtaking displays. Whether designing a romantic cottage garden, adding colour to a contemporary space, or simply looking for a fuss-free climber to cover a wall or arbour, ‘Ville de Lyon’ ticks every box.

Explore our full collection of planting guides for expert advice on climbers and wall shrubs.

Want to learn about other climbers? Read about Clematis florida Sieboldii here.

Q: How tall does Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ grow?

A: This medium-sized climber reaches 2-3 metres (6-10 feet) in height. Its manageable size suits most garden situations, from walls and fences to pergolas and large containers.

Q: What colour are the flowers?

A: ‘Ville de Lyon’ produces rich carmine-red flowers with lighter edges. Each bloom measures 10-15cm (4-6 inches) across, featuring distinctive darker red bars down the centre of each petal.

Q: When does it flower?

A: The main flowering period runs from July through September. Regular deadheading encourages continued blooming, often extending the display into early autumn.

Q: What growing conditions does it prefer?

A: Plant in rich, well-drained soil where roots stay cool and shaded. The vine grows best with its top growth in full sun or partial shade.

Q: How hardy is ‘Ville de Lyon’?

A: This robust clematis withstands temperatures below -20°C (-4°F). It grows successfully throughout the UK and shows excellent winter hardiness once established.

Q: What pruning does it need?

A: Prune hard in early spring, cutting all stems about 30cm (12 inches) above ground level. This Group 3 clematis flowers on new growth.

Q: Can I grow it in containers?

A: Yes, ‘Ville de Lyon’ grows well in at least 45cm (18 inches) deep containers. Use good-quality potting compost and ensure excellent drainage.

Q: How do I prevent clematis wilt?

A: Plant deeply with the crown 5-7cm (2-3 inches) below soil level. Good air circulation and careful watering help prevent this common problem.

Q: What support does it need?

A: Provide sturdy trellis, wires, or obelisks. The stems need regular tying during the growing season to ensure good coverage and support.

Q: How often should I water and feed?

A: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. In spring and summer, apply a balanced fertiliser to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.