How to Grow Empress Wu
Empress Wu
Clematis 'Empress Wu'
vineEmpress Wu is a large-flowered clematis vine known for its stunning deep purple, fully double flowers that can reach 6-8 inches in diameter. This deciduous climbing vine produces abundant blooms in early summer and often reblooms in late summer. It's a vigorous grower that can reach 8-10 feet tall and is prized for adding dramatic color to pergolas, trellises, and garden structures.
When should you plant Empress Wu in your zone?
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Example Empress Wu timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Empress Wu
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Empress Wu
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, with best performance in zones 5-8
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Get my Empress Wu timeline →Growth Stages
Vegetative Growth
Summer of establishment year through following springVigorous vine producing abundant twining stems and compound leaves; establishing main framework
Guide vines onto trellis or support. Fertilize monthly with balanced or high-phosphorus fertilizer. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth if needed.
Bud Formation
Late spring, 3-4 weeks before floweringFlower buds develop along stems; distinctive double buds become visible before opening
Maintain consistent moisture and avoid physical disturbance. Do not prune heavily during this stage. Continue light fertilizing with lower nitrogen formula.
Flowering
June-July, with potential repeat bloom in August-SeptemberMagnificent deep purple, fully double flowers (6-8 inches across) bloom abundantly along the vine; flowers may have greenish stamens in center
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and potential rebloom. Water consistently. Monitor for pests and diseases. Stake any heavy-flowering areas.
Post-Bloom & Dormancy
Late summer through fall/winterFlower production slows; vine enters late-season growth phase; foliage begins to decline in fall
Cut back spent vines after hard frost. Light pruning in late fall or early spring to shape and remove dead wood. No fertilizing in late season.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Plant crown 1-2 inches deep; remove affected stems to healthy tissue; improve air circulation; avoid wounding stems. No chemical control; prevention is key.
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Increase humidity and water foliage; spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe
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Spray with water; use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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and
Remove by hand, especially near base; use slug bait or barriers; encourage ground beetles
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Improve air circulation; remove affected leaves; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide; avoid wetting foliage
Uses
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdThe large, showy double flowers are stunning in fresh flower arrangements and floral design. The fully double form creates visual impact that lasts up to 10 days in water. [source]
Garden Structure Ornament
HouseholdPerfect for covering pergolas, arbors, trellises, and walls, providing dramatic purple color and visual interest throughout the blooming season. The vine's dense coverage creates privacy and shade while flowering. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeAttracts butterflies and other pollinators to the garden, supporting local ecosystems. Even though these are double flowers with reduced stamens, the plant still provides nectar resources. [source]
Pressed Flower Craft
CraftThe large, flat double flowers can be pressed and dried for craft projects, cards, bookmarks, and decorative items, preserving their beautiful purple color when properly dried. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not a harvested plant. Enjoy flowers by cutting stems for fresh arrangements. Cut flowers last 7-10 days in a vase. Cut stems in early morning when hydrated. Remove lower leaves that would sit in water.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Empress Wu is a Group 2 clematis (early large-flowered), named to honor the famous Chinese empress Wu Zetian, and it can produce flowers up to 8 inches wide—among the largest in the clematis world.
- 🌱 The double flowers are so full that the stamens are largely obscured, giving them a pompom-like appearance; however, the plant can still rebloom on new wood in late summer if managed properly.
- 🌱 Clematis vines climb using petioles (leaf stalks) that twine around supports, making them excellent for adding vertical garden interest without heavy installation like clematis-specific trellises.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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