Clematis viticella
purple clematis
A vigorous, deciduous climber to about 5m tall, with mid-green leaves composed of two or three lobed leaflets, and single, open bell-shaped flowers 4cm across, with four broad purple or violet-blue tepals and creamy-yellow anthers in summer and early autumn on the current seasons stems
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (rabbits): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Clematis can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or herbaceous perennials, mostly climbing by twining leaf-stalks, and often with showy flowers. Some have attractive fluffy seedheads in autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Europe, W Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Tolerant of a range of garden soils but best grown in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil with the roots and base of the plant kept cool and shaded by other plants or a layer of pebbles at the base. Plant with the root ball 5- 8cm (2-3in) below the soil surface to encourage new shoots from below soil level. See clematis cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Root softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer. Propagate by layering in late winter or early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wall side borders
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and snails and voles may damage young shoots and cut through young stems. Aphids may attack young growth.
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), clematis wilt and clematis slime flux
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.