Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ is one of the most esteemed and enduring varieties in the world of large-flowered Clematis. Originating in France over a century ago, it has earned its reputation for beauty, reliability, and exceptional flowering performance, making it a cornerstone of classic garden design. Part of the celebrated large-flowered Clematis group, this variety was developed to produce vigorous growth, abundant flowers, and resilient performance across a range of garden conditions.
The hallmark of ‘Ville de Lyon’ is its spectacular carmine-red blooms. Each flower is large, rounded, and generously formed, with petals finished in velvety crimson edges that create a sophisticated, high-impact effect. At the heart of every bloom, golden-yellow stamens provide a striking contrast, drawing attention and enhancing the richness of the petals. Over the course of the flowering season, the centres of the flowers may soften slightly in colour, producing a subtle ombré effect that adds depth and maturity to the garden display.
Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ reaches a height of 2–3m (6–10ft) with a spread of approximately 1–2m (3–6ft), making it ideal for covering large trellises, arches, pergolas, or fences. Flowers are large, rounded, and richly coloured, measuring 10–15cm across, with velvety crimson edges and bright golden-yellow centres. This climber is suitable for sun to partial shade positions and thrives in well-drained soil. Its vigorous growth ensures excellent coverage of vertical structures, while its long flowering period—from midsummer to early autumn—provides months of continuous colour. The manageable habit allows for easy pruning and shaping, making it perfect for cottage gardens, traditional borders, wildlife-friendly planting, and high-impact focal points.
