I planted a Dr. Ruppel Clematis at the bottom of an arbor in the back garden. This is the first year the vine actually reached the top of the arbor. I have three plants in this bed. Unfortunately, this year the blooms have been VERY sparse. But this week the vines on the arbor got to the top of the arbor and started setting flower buds - big ones! When they started blooming several blooms were deformed, but still lovely color! I learned this year that I prune it too hard all the way to the ground in spring. I will not do that next year and see if I can increase the number of blooms I have. Some have called what I do in the spring a rejuvenation pruning. But that means that there are usually no blooms that year. My hope is that eventually the Clematis will cover that arbor. I have new baby climbing 'America' roses planted on the other side of the arbor.

Typical flowers for the fall rebloom. Dr. Ruppel is in the group 2, most of the flowers on the previous year growth. If you want your flowers prune it after the spring flowering done. Each year you will see more and more flowers. This is a very good variety!

Congratulations!