The delicate spidery flowers of clematis 39ruby39 are delightful from march through to april when this alpina variety of clematis produces a welcome spring flush of lilac45mauve nodding blooms equally as attractive are the fluffy seedheads which persist through the summer otherwise known as old man39s beard this versatile climber is highly adaptable and can be grown in sun or shade it grows strongly and is a trouble45free hardy shrub requiring very little pruning it looks