Jackmanii Superba Clematis
Jackmanii Superba Clematis
Deeper, Fuller Purple Than the Classic Jackmanii
Jackmanii Superba Clematis (Clematis 'Jackmanii Superba') is the upgraded version of the world's most popular clematis — same velvety royal-purple, but with broader, fuller sepals and a slightly richer, plummier tone. It's a vigorous, beginner-friendly climber that blooms midsummer to fall, zone 4 hardy, and uses the easy Group 3 pruning. Like all clematis, it wants its top in the sun and roots in cool shade. Whether you're covering a fence in Edina, climbing an arbor in Maple Grove, or scrambling up a post in Woodbury — Jackmanii Superba brings deep purple to zone 4b–5a yards.
Jackmanii Superba Clematis Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Clematis 'Jackmanii Superba' |
| Plant Type | Deciduous flowering climbing vine |
| Mature Height | 10–12 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 | 4–8 (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 | Broad, velvety deep-purple flowers, midsummer through fall |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to zone 4; mulch the crown the first winter |
Jackmanii Superba Clematis Uses in Minnesota Landscapes
Fences, arbors, and pergolas
Vigorous enough to cover a fence or arbor fast in Plymouth. Give it thin supports its leaf stems can twine around.
Scrambling through shrubs
Let it weave up through a spring-blooming shrub or evergreen for a second season of color in Eden Prairie.
Cut flowers and pollinators
The full purple blooms are excellent cut, and bees work them all summer.
Best Time to Plant Jackmanii Superba 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 Jackmanii Superba 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 Jackmanii Superba 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 blooming heavily.
How is it different from regular Jackmanii?
Superba has wider, more overlapping sepals and a slightly richer, plummier purple, giving a fuller-looking flower. Care and habit are the same.
How do I prune it?
It's the easy Group 3 type — in early spring, cut the whole plant back to about 12 inches. It blooms on new wood, so this keeps it full from the base.
Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 4 and very tough. Mulch the crown the first winter or two.
You May Also Like
- Jackmanii Clematis — the original classic purple
- Warsaw Nike Clematis — royal velvety purple, Group 3
- Ville de Lyon Clematis — carmine-red, Group 3