Clematis viticella

Clematis viticella, commonly called Italian clematis is a perennial climber that goes very well with roses.

Contents 1 Naming 2 Taxonomy 3 Characteristics 3.1 Growth 3.2 Leaves 3.3 Flowers and Fruit 4 Distribution 5 Cultivation 6 Uses 7 Maintenance 8 Cultivars 9 Poisonousness 10 Pests and Diseases 11 Literature 12 Non-commercial Links

[edit] Naming

Clematis viticella was described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. The name is considered as validly published.

[edit] Taxonomy

Clematis viticella is a species in the genus Clematis (virgin's bower) which contains 295 species and belongs to the family of the Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family).

[edit] Characteristics

[edit] Growth

The climbers usually grow to a height of two to four, sometimes also to five metres. They have delicate shoots and grow at a moderate rate.

[edit] Leaves

Clematis viticella is a decidious plant with imparipinnate leaves. These are arranged alternately along the stems. The proximal leaves sometimes are tri-foliate. The fresh green, somewhat leathery leaflets are broadly ovate to lanceolate or elliptic. The are entire to one- to three-lobed and have entire margins.

[edit] Flowers and Fruit

The bell-shaped flowers consist of four sepals and numerous stamens. They are blue to purplue or rose-purple. The sepals are silky-pilose on der outside wich makes the velvety to the touch. The flowers are arranged solitary and appear from June to September. They are rather small compared to other Clematis but appear abundantly.

The fruits are nutlets.

[edit] Distribution

Clematis viticella is native to Italy, the Balkan Peninsula, Turkey, Cyprus, the Caucasus and Iran, and is naturalized in France, Germany and the Czech Republic.

[edit] Cultivation

Clematis viticella prefers a sunny to half shady site and can withstand temperatures down to -23,3º C. It is important that the "foot" of the plants is in the shade. This can be achieved for example by planting low shrubs or bushy perennials. It grows best in sandy or gritty, loamy soil and sandy clay that is moderately moist. They do not tolerate stagnant moisture.

[edit] Uses

The Italian clematis needs a climbing aid. This can either be built structures such as pergolas, trellises and rose arches but also trees, shrubs or hedges. Roses generally are good companions for Clematis.

[edit] Maintenance

Cutting the plants back to within 50 centimetres of base in early spring promotes healthy growth.

[edit] Cultivars

Selection of Clematis viticella cultivars focuses mainly on flower colour, filling and form of the sepals.

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  'Alba Luxirians'

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  'Avant-Garde'

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  'Blue Angel'

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  'Cicciolina'

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  'Etoile Violette'

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  'Huldine'

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  'Little Bas'

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  'Madame Julia Correvon'

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  'Margot Koster'

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  'Minuet'

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  'Prince Charles'

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  'Purpurea Plena Elegans'

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  'Royal Velours'

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  'Södertälje'

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  'Walenburg'

[edit] Poisonousness

Clematis viticella is poisonous.

 Please read the health issues note! 

[edit] Pests and Diseases

Clematis wilt may occasionaly become a problem.

[edit] Literature

• Walter Erhardt, Erich Götz, Nils Bödeker, Siegmund Seybold: Der große Zander. Eugen Ulmer KG, Stuttgart 2008, ISBN 978-3-8001-5406-7. (Ger.)
• Christoper Brickell (Editor-in-chief): RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Third edition. Dorling Kindersley, London 2003, ISBN 0-7513-3738-2.
• Clematis viticella in the Flora of North America

[edit] Non-commercial Links

More pictures of Clematis viticella in the

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• United States Department of Agriculturees:Clematis viticella

fr:Clematis viticella