Cardinal Wyszynski Clematis
Cardinal Wyszynski Clematis
Huge Glowing Crimson Blooms on a Vigorous Summer Climber
Cardinal Wyszynski Clematis (Clematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski') is a knockout, opening enormous 6–8 inch flowers of glowing crimson-red with dark contrasting anthers from early summer to fall. Vigorous and easy, it climbs arbors, fences, and large trellises, and it's zone 4 hardy with the classic clematis preference: top in the sun, roots in cool shade. Whether you're blanketing an arbor in Edina, covering a fence in Maple Grove, or climbing a pergola post in Woodbury — Cardinal Wyszynski brings bold red to zone 4b–5a yards.
Cardinal Wyszynski Clematis Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Clematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' |
| Plant Type | Deciduous flowering climbing vine |
| Mature Height | 8–12 feet (with support) |
| Mature Spread | 3–4 feet |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade (6+ hours for best bloom); keep the roots cool and shaded |
| 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 3 (cut back hard in early spring); blooms on new wood |
| Bloom | Very large crimson-red flowers, early summer through fall |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to zone 4; mulch the crown the first winter |
Cardinal Wyszynski Clematis Uses in Minnesota Landscapes
Arbors, pergolas, and fences
Its vigor and height make it a natural for big structures — an arbor over a gate, a pergola post, or a long fence run in Plymouth. Give it thin supports its leaf stems can twine around.
Bold focal color
The size and red intensity make it a true focal point. Pair it with blue or white clematis on the same structure for contrast in Eden Prairie.
Cut flowers and pollinators
The giant red blooms are dramatic in arrangements, and bees work them all summer.
Best Time to Plant Cardinal Wyszynski 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 Cardinal Wyszynski Clematis
- Site it so the top gets sun but the roots stay cool and shaded — "head in the sun, feet in the shade."
- 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 Cardinal Wyszynski 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. Deep roots and steady moisture keep it flowering.
How do I prune Cardinal Wyszynski?
It's a Group 3 clematis — the easiest kind. In early spring, cut the whole plant back to about 12 inches. It blooms on new wood, so the hard cut just resets it for a fresh, full flush.
Why isn't it climbing on its own?
Clematis grips by twining its leaf stems around thin supports. On wide posts or smooth walls, add netting, wire, or twine and tie young stems until they catch.
Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 4. Mulch the crown the first winter or two; established plants need no protection.
You May Also Like
- Ville de Lyon Clematis — carmine-red, another easy Group 3 climber
- Rebecca Clematis — vivid velvety red, Group 3
- Jackmanii Clematis — the classic velvety purple companion