Clematis – Viticella Group

Group 3 Clematis

As climbers, Clematis are unsurpassed in their long flowering presence, the rich diversity of flower shapes, a wide array of colors, and tolerances in terms of exposure and climate. It is no wonder they are so popular! From tree huggers to container varieties, there is a Clematis for every garden and flowers for almost every month of the year!

Members of the Ranunculaceae family, Clematis include more than 300 species and hundreds of hybrids. They are divided into 12 main groups, each with consistent flower size, blooming season, pruning, and garden use characteristics.

Clematis viticella

Clematis viticella, commonly known as the Italian Leather Flower, is a deciduous climbing vine native to southern Europe. The Viticella group of clematis includes deciduous climbing shrubs regarded as durable, easy-care, vigorous, and free-flowering.

Habit and Size: It displays a vigorous growth habit, often reaching heights of 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters).
Foliage: Their pinnate leaves, composed of 5-7 leaflets, are smaller than those of large-flowered varieties but are healthier and less subject to clematis wilt. They often remain green until frost.
Flowers: The plant bears small to medium-sized, 2-5 inches (4-13 cm), single to double, nodding, and open bell-shaped flowers, typically in hues of vibrant purples, pinks, and blues.
Blooming Season: These blooms appear from midsummer to early autumn, offering a striking display against the plant’s lush green foliage.
Hardiness: Clematis viticella is a hardy plant tolerant of temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA hardiness zones 4-11).
Uses: It is an excellent choice for vertical gardening, capable of adorning trellises, fences, and walls, or even used as a ground cover. It can grow through shrubs, climbing roses, and into small trees. It can be grown in large containers if given room enough to grow.
Pollinators:The plant is attractive to a range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, enriching local biodiversity.
Deer and Rabbit: Clematis viticella is generally not appealing to deer and rabbits.
Toxicity: Can lead to severe discomfort if ingested or irritation upon contact with the skin. Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Guide Information

Hardiness	4 - 11
Heat Zones	1 - 9
Climate Zones	2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type	Climbers
Genus	Clematis
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Characteristics	Showy
Tolerance	Deer, Rabbit
Attracts	Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas	Wall-Side Borders, Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Pretty Clematis viticella Varieties

Clematis ‘Abundance’ (Viticella Group)

A garden favorite, Clematis ‘Abundance’ is a vigorous deciduous climber with an abundance of small, semi-nodding, light red to cherry pink flowers. Blooming from mid-summer to fall, this clematis never fails to impress with its prolific blooms and healthy foliage. It thrives when grown alongside trees, climbing plants, and large shrubs.

Hardiness	4 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	9' - 12' (270cm - 3.7m)

Clematis ‘Emilia Plater’ (Viticella Group)

Clematis ‘Emilia Plater’ is a robust and durable deciduous vine that showcases pale lavender-blue, semi-nodding flowers with a darker central bar on each sepal. The broad and rounded sepals have attractive wavy edges that catch the sunlight. Blooming abundantly from midsummer to fall, this charming vine is resistant to clematis wilt and is perfect for growing over arbors, walls, or through shrubs and trees. It creates a lovely combination with yellow-leaved or yellow-flowered plants.

Hardiness	4 - 10
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	7' - 10' (210cm - 3m)

Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’ (Viticella Group)

A timeless favorite, Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’ is a deciduous vine that produces an abundance of small, nodding flowers in a captivating deep violet-purple hue. With 4 to 6 velvety petals and a creamy stamen cluster, these blooms create a stunning display. This Clematis belongs to the ‘Viticella’ group, known for their vigorous growth and extended blooming period.

Hardiness	4 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late)
Height	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)

Clematis ‘Justa’ (Viticella Group)

Perfect for containers, Clematis ‘Justa’ is a compact deciduous vine with masses of pale blue-mauve flowers, 3 in. across (8 cm), adorned with a light purple bar on each of their sepals. The elliptic sepals are attractively wavy along their edges and catch the light in the sun. They surround a tuft of pale yellow anthers and white filaments. Blooming abundantly from midsummer to fall, this charming clematis is particularly useful for container growing or where space is limited.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ (Viticella Group)

Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ is an award-winning vine that showcases masses of intense, bright red, star-shaped flowers with a creamy-yellow center. The flowers open flat but gradually recurve or twist, creating a dynamic and lively display. Blooming profusely over a long season, this Clematis viticella hybrid features handsome medium green trifoliate foliage. It is a popular choice for containers and can be trained to climb walls, trellises, fences, and arbors, enhancing any garden structure.

Hardiness	4 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	9' - 12' (270cm - 3.7m)

Clematis ‘Purpurea Plena Elegans’ (Viticella Group)

Clematis ‘Purpurea Plena Elegans’ is a vigorous and resilient climber that showcases masses of double dusty rose flowers, lasting up to 2 weeks. The inner pompon continues to add beauty for another week. Blooming profusely over a long season, this Clematis viticella hybrid is resistant to wilt and thrives when left unpruned. It is a popular choice for training on walls, trellises, fences, and arbors, and complements small trees and large rhododendrons.

Hardiness	4 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	10' - 13' (3m - 4m)

Clematis ‘Venosa Violacea’ (Viticella Group)

Bred in 1883, Clematis ‘Venosa Violacea’ is a beloved classic. This elegant vine showcases abundant deep purple flowers, 4 inches wide, with a white stripe and purple stamens. Each flower has 5-6 sepals that unfurl in a boat shape and develop unique violet veins merging into solid purple edges. With blooming from midsummer to early fall, this vigorous clematis is sturdy, adaptable, and resistant to Clematis wilt.

Hardiness	5 - 10
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 13' (180cm - 4m)

Clematis ‘Wisley’ (Viticella Group)

Vigorous and abundant, Clematis ‘Wisley’ is a deciduous climber showcasing large violet-blue flowers with a reddish flush along the center of each sepal and yellow anthers. The elegant, crinkled edges of its 4-6 sepals add to its charm. Blooming from midsummer to fall, it pairs beautifully with wall-trained roses, free-standing roses, or climbing roses. It also complements yellow flowering plants and variegated foliage.

Hardiness	4 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)

Clematis Alita (Viticella Group)

Floriferous, Clematis Alita (Viticella Group) is a compact deciduous vine boasting a profusion of crimson to reddish-purple flowers, 4-6 in. across (10-15 cm), adorned with a central tuft of golden stamens. Blooming from early to late summer, this showy clematis is perfect for containers and small gardens.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Clematis Avant-Garde (Viticella Group)

Clematis Avant-Garde (Viticella Group) is a stunning deciduous vine with abundant semi-double, deep pinkish-red flowers featuring a central pompom of pale pink petals. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, this vigorous clematis is perfect for growing over arbors, walls, or scrambling through shrubs and trees. It belongs to the ‘Viticella’ group, known for their strong vines, easy growth, and long-lasting profusion of flowers.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	9' - 10' (270cm - 3m)

Clematis Pink Mink® (Viticella Group)

Clematis Pink Mink® is a robust deciduous vine with an abundance of vibrant pink flowers that bloom from early summer to early fall. It is perfect for adorning arbors, walls, or intertwining with shrubs and trees. Pink Mink is a member of the ‘Viticella’ group, known for its strong growth, ease of cultivation, and extended flowering season.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	9' - 10' (270cm - 3m)

Clematis ‘Betty Corning’ (Viticella Group)

Clematis ‘Betty Corning’ is a delightful medium-sized vine that showcases an abundance of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers in soft lavender-blue. Blooming from midsummer to fall, this charming clematis adds beauty with its vining stems and dark green foliage. It thrives when grown alongside large shrubs and small trees, and its delightful scent will enchant any garden.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)

Growing Tips

Clematis viticella, like most Clematis, requires careful planting and specific care to ensure its healthy growth. Here are some tips:

Planting Site: Choose a site where the plant can get at least six hours of sunlight each day. However, it’s important to keep the roots cool, so plant it where the roots will be shaded, or cover them with a layer of mulch or companion plants.
Soil: Clematis viticella thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline.
Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Feed the plant with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Clematis viticella is in pruning group 3, which means it flowers on the current year’s growth. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins but after the risk of frost has passed. All stems can be cut back to about a foot above the ground.
Pests and Diseases: While Clematis viticella is resistant to Clematis wilt, it may be susceptible to aphids and other pests. Regular monitoring and early intervention can help keep these issues at bay.
Support: Provide a trellis or other support for the plant to climb on. Clematis viticella uses its leaf stalks as tendrils for climbing and will need something to grip.

Remember, Clematis ‘viticella’ varieties are among the easiest to grow, the most free-flowering, and the most resistant to clematis wilt. They are perfect for beginner gardeners.

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Clematis Types – Which one is yours?

Clematis: How to Grow and Care with Success

Clematis – Early Large-Flowered Group

Clematis – Late Large-Flowered Group

Clematis – Atragene Group

Clematis – Montana Group

Clematis – Evergreen Group

Clematis – Herbaceous Group

Clematis – Orientalis Group

Compare All Clematis

Compare Now

Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas

Clematis

Guides with

Clematis

terezie / 123RF Stock Photo

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.