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Clematis – Viticella Group

Group 3 Clematis

Clematis, Clematis Viticella, group 3 clematis, Purple clematis, Disease resistant clematis, Long blooming clematis, Red clematis, pink clematis, blue 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

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
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.

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
Compare All Clematis
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Clematis
Guides with
Clematis

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