Bees Jubilee Clematis
Bees Jubilee Clematis
Huge Mauve-Pink Flowers Banded in Deep Carmine
Bees Jubilee Clematis (Clematis 'Bees Jubilee') is a show-stopper, opening enormous 7-inch blooms of soft mauve-pink, each sepal split by a glowing carmine bar. It flowers in late spring and reblooms in late summer, climbing trellises and arbors on a zone 4-hardy vine. As with all clematis, it wants its top in the sun and its roots in cool shade. Whether you're framing a porch in Edina, brightening a fence line in Maple Grove, or climbing an obelisk in Woodbury — Bees Jubilee delivers big, romantic color to zone 4b–5a yards.
Bees Jubilee Clematis Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Clematis 'Bees Jubilee' |
| Plant Type | Deciduous flowering climbing vine |
| Mature Height | 6–8 feet (with support) |
| Mature Spread | 3 feet |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade (6+ hours for best bloom); keep the roots cool and shaded. Color holds better with some afternoon shade. |
| Water | Moderate — consistent moisture in well-draining soil |
| USDA Zones | 4–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) |
| Soil | Rich, well-draining; amend Minnesota clay-loam with compost |
| Pruning Group | Group 2 — light prune in early spring; blooms on old and new wood |
| Bloom | Very large mauve-pink flowers with a carmine bar; late spring and again late summer |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to zone 4; mulch the crown the first winter |
Bees Jubilee Clematis Uses in Minnesota Landscapes
Trellises, arbors, and obelisks
Its compact height makes it ideal for a freestanding obelisk in a border or a trellis against the house. Clematis climbs by twining leaf stems, so give it thin supports to grab.
Containers and small spaces
At 6–8 feet it's manageable enough for a large patio container with a built-in trellis in Plymouth or Eden Prairie.
Cut flowers and pollinators
The giant blooms are dramatic in a vase, and bees visit both flower flushes.
Best Time to Plant Bees Jubilee Clematis in Minnesota
Spring (late April–May) and early fall (late August–September) are both excellent. Avoid summer heat, and never plant after mid-October — frost-heaving kills new roots.
How to Plant Bees Jubilee Clematis
- Site it so the top gets sun but the roots stay cool and shaded — "head in the sun, feet in the shade." A little afternoon shade keeps the pink from bleaching.
- Dig 2–3× the root ball width and set the plant 2–3 inches deeper than it grew in the pot to guard against clematis wilt.
- Backfill with native soil plus 20–30% compost; firm gently and water in well.
- Install the support at planting and tie young stems to start them climbing.
- Mulch 2–3 inches over the root zone or shade the base with a low perennial; keep mulch off the stems.
Watering Bees Jubilee Clematis in Minnesota
First Year Watering Schedule
- Weeks 1–2: Every 2–3 days, deep and slow
- Month 1–2: Every 3–4 days
- Month 3–6: Weekly; keep evenly moist but never waterlogged
- Stop watering 2–3 weeks before ground freeze (typically late October in the Twin Cities).
After Year One
Water deeply during dry spells, especially in summer heat. Steady moisture with good drainage keeps it blooming.
When and how do I prune Bees Jubilee?
It's a Group 2 clematis: in early spring, remove only dead or weak stems and lightly trim to strong buds. Hard pruning removes the big early flowers, which form on old wood.
Why are the flowers fading to paler pink?
Strong afternoon sun can bleach the color. Give it morning sun with afternoon shade for the richest mauve-pink and carmine bars.
Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 4. Mulch the crown the first winter or two; established plants are self-sufficient.
You May Also Like
- Pink Champagne Clematis — deeper pink-magenta, vigorous Group 2 climber
- Barbara Jackman Clematis — mauve-blue with a carmine bar
- Climbing Hydrangea — a shade-tolerant vine for north walls