Viva Polonia Clematis

Clematis 'Viva Polonia'

Dual-Season Interest: Produces a heavy flush of 6-inch flowers in June, with a repeat performance in late summer.
Compact Vertical Growth: Reaches a mature height of 4–6 feet, making it perfect for containers or smaller trellises.
Cold Hardy Performance: Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4–9, showing excellent resilience in northern climates.
Pollinator Magnet: The large, open-faced blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial garden visitors.

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

Quart Container

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Flowering and Fast-growing

Specifications

Botanical Name

Clematis 'Viva Polonia'
Height

4-6 Feet
Width

2-3 Feet
Growing Zones

4-9
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Red
- White
- Magenta
Leaf Color
- Green
Native

Yes
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun to maintain the intense magenta and white bi-color contrast. While it tolerates partial shade, you will notice fewer 6-inch blooms and slightly muted colors if it stays in the dark too long.
Soil: This vine thrives in rich, well-drained soil that holds moisture without becoming soggy. For heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, and always keep the "feet" cool by placing a layer of mulch or low-growing perennials over the root zone.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, give your Clematis about one inch of water per week to ensure the root system establishes deeply. Once mature, the plant can handle short dry spells, but inconsistent moisture often leads to smaller flowers or heat stress. Think of deep watering as fuel for those massive blooms, especially during the peak of summer.

Pruning Tips

Viva Polonia belongs to Pruning Group 2, meaning it produces flowers on both old wood and new growth. In early spring, simply prune back stems to the highest pair of strong, healthy buds to remove any winter dieback. This light "haircut" allows the plant to bloom early on last year's stems while sending out new shoots for a second flush of color later in the season.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your vine with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as you see new green growth emerging. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall. Too much nitrogen at that time forces the plant to produce tender new leaves that will likely be killed by the first frost, wasting the plant's energy.

If you’re looking to add a vertical splash of vibrant color to your landscape, the Viva Polonia™ Clematis (Clematis 'Viva Polonia') is a showstopper that demands attention. Bred by the world-renowned Polish breeder Szczepan Marczyński, this cultivar is a celebration of its heritage, sporting the bold red and white colors of the Polish flag. It’s a vigorous, large-flowered climber that transforms fences, trellises, and arbors into living works of art from late spring through the heat of summer.

A Symphony of Bi-Color Blooms

The first thing you’ll notice about Viva Polonia is the sheer size of its flowers. Reaching up to 6 inches across, each bloom features eight velvety, pointed petals. The coloration is truly unique: a deep, rich magenta-red starburst radiates from the center, bleeding into soft, white-to-pinkish edges. As the sun catches the blooms, the contrasting colors create a shimmering effect, while the central tuft of yellow anthers provides a bright, cheery focal point.

Texture and Movement in the Vertical Garden

Beyond the blooms, this Clematis brings a lush, airy feel to the garden. Its medium-green, trifoliate foliage serves as the perfect backdrop for the high-contrast flowers. Because it climbs by wrapping its petioles (leaf stalks) around supports, it creates a delicate, weaving texture rather than a heavy, woody mass. Whether it's scrambling up a cedar obelisk or mingling with a climbing rose, Viva Polonia adds a sense of graceful movement to any vertical space.

Versatile Landscape Uses

Viva Polonia is a dream for small-space gardeners and sprawling estates alike. Its manageable size makes it an ideal candidate for large patio containers, allowing you to bring those stunning bi-color blooms right to your outdoor seating area. In the landscape, use it to soften the corners of a porch, screen an unsightly chain-link fence, or add a second layer of interest to a spring-blooming shrub. It belongs to Pruning Group 2, meaning it gives you a massive flush of flowers on "old wood" in late spring, followed by a secondary show on new growth later in the season.

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Growing Zones 4-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time and method for planting Viva Polonia Clematis?

Plant in spring or early fall. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and deep enough to bury the first set of true leaves; this encourages multiple stems to grow from the base. Always remember the Clematis rule: "Heads in the sun, feet in the shade"—apply a thick layer of mulch or plant low-growing perennials around the base to keep the roots cool.

How should I handle watering and fertilizing?

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. During the first growing season, water deeply twice a week. Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) and again when the first round of flowers begins to fade to support the late-summer bloom.

What are the pruning requirements for this variety?

Viva Polonia is in Pruning Group 2. In late winter or early spring, simply remove dead or weak stems and cut the remaining stems back slightly to a set of healthy, fat buds. Avoid a "hard prune" (cutting to the ground) or you will lose your earliest flowers.

Is this plant resistant to deer and pests?

Yes, Clematis are generally considered deer-resistant, as the foliage is not a preferred food source. Watch for "Clematis Wilt" by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Can I grow Viva Polonia in a container?

Absolutely! It is one of the best varieties for container gardening due to its compact 4–6 foot habit. Use a pot at least 18 inches deep and wide with excellent drainage, and provide a small trellis or obelisk for support.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Viva Polonia Clematis

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