Hi Al,

Gorgeous rose. What color did you have in mind? I think it depends on the particular clematis as to whether two would be too many. I am a firm believer in more is better and have two clematis planted with all my climbers.

Carol

I'm not particularly skilled at finding complimentary colors. I look at a color wheel and my head spins.
I'm wondering whether a white and or light lavender might work. But, I am open to, in fact, longing for suggestions.

White goes with everything but can be boring.

In the pictures, the hot pink looks orangey in some of them. Is the bloom really sort of salmon or is it true hot pink?

Personally, I think blueish lavender or purple would go either way.

Prince Charles would be a good choice, it doesn't get huge for a type III. The photo below shows mine in it's second year after planting. It is closet to the camera sorry for the over exposure.

Here is a link that might be useful: Prince Charles

I agree with BorS. Prince Charles is wonderful. For a darker purple with big blooms I like Jackmanii Superba. Mine blooms for a long time in the early spring and then reblooms again in the fall. I have it growing next to a rose by the name of Maggie.

Carol

Maggie looks a lot like by Rosarium Uetersn . Maybe there's a touch of salmon, but I see it as mostly pink.

I can see where the combination with Jackmanii Superba could work very nicely.

If I paired Prince Charles and Jackmanii Superba, would I get anything resembling continuous bloom? Is this a realistic goal with Clematis?

Thanks so much
Al

Al, it is really hard to know what they will do in your particular climate. They are both type 3 clematis and should bloom most of the summer. Mine bloom heavily in early summer and then a few scattered blooms along until frost but I live in a warmer climate so I'm not sure if they will perform exactly the same for you. One of the clematis that literally blooms heavily and constantly for me is Rooguchi. If you like that bloom form, I recommend that clematis. Some people complain of mildew with this clematis but mine has never had this problem. I think you really don't know how a particular clematis will perform in your garden until you try it. You also have to understand that clematis take time to get established before they will look like the photo BorS posted, so be patient with them. Kind of like roses, once established they are denser and have more and bigger blooms

Carol

That picture of Prince Charles is second summer planted from a gallon can.

Type II clems don't grow nearly that much for me in only two years.

For me here in Pacific Northwest, type III's bloom for a couple months in summer.

I think any blue or purple will work. Even a light blue like Betty Corning.

{{gwi:227059}}

I love Betty Corning but it is a huge monster grower and may swamp the rose.

Here's where I am, based on your responses so far. I love the Rooguchi form and it's long blooming attribute. I'm torn between Jackmanii Superba whose color might be too close to Rooguchi, and Prince Charles which might be too short for my 7ft pillar.

I'm really enjoying this dialogue.
Al

Al, if it were me, I would go with the Prince Charles, Rooguchi combination but you should do what you like in your garden :-). It only has to please you. You really don't want two huge clematis with your rose, they'll swamp the poor thing and I don't think RU is a huge rose, anyway. You really do need a Betty Corning. Massive clematis that blooms a lot and is fragrant. :-) She will probably need her own trellis or need to be planted with a rose equally as vigorous. Harry has his planted with Westerland and it is a gorgeous combination. I wish he would post a picture of the combination for you to see.

Carol

I will do as you recommend. Prince Charles and Rooguchi. I'm very excited about this. I'm wondering if I can order and plant them now, or do I need to wait till spring?

Regarding Betty Corning, I have HT and Floribunda roses in every available sunny spot. Two huge oaks shade most of my property. I'm guessing Betty needs more light than I can provide.
Al

Al. I would order them now for spring delivery and plant them early spring. I usually like to plant mine in the fall but it is getting late in the season and I'm not sure anyone is still shipping?

Carol