Italian Leather Flower

(Clematis viticella)

Italian Leather Flower (Clematis viticella)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Clematis viticella, commonly known as Italian Leather Flower, Purple Clematis, or Virgin’s Bower, is a deciduous vine native to Southern Europe, particularly Italy. It thrives in a variety of habitats including forest margins, shrubby areas, and along riverbanks, where it can climb on structures or other vegetation. This species typically grows to a height of 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) and spreads 3-6 feet (1-2 meters). Clematis viticella has a graceful appearance with slender stems and bright green, pinnate leaves. From midsummer to early autumn, it produces an abundance of small, nodding, bell-shaped flowers that are usually purple-blue to violet, though some cultivars may have red, pink, or white blooms. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators.

The plant is valued for its long flowering period and its ability to cover unsightly structures, making it a popular choice for trellises, fences, and arbors. It is also used in border plantings and as a ground cover when allowed to sprawl. Clematis viticella is relatively easy to maintain, requiring minimal watering once established and preferring well-drained soil. It benefits from being planted in a location with its roots in shade and its foliage in the sun. Pruning group 3, it can be cut back hard in late winter to early spring to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to clematis wilt, a fungal disease that causes sudden collapse of the plant.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine
  • Height: 9-12 feet
  • Width: 3-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, Red
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Southern Europe, particularly Italy, in habitats such as forest margins, shrubby areas, and along riverbanks

Other Names

Common Names: Purple Clematis, Italian Clematis, Italian Leather-Flower, Virgin’s Bower, Italian Virgin’s-Bower, Italiensk Skovranke, Italienische Waldrebe, Clématite Fausse-Vigne, Clématite Bleue, Italiaklematis

Scientific Names: , Clematis viticella, Clematis revoluta, Clematis viticella f. purpurea, Anemone viticella, Clematis viticella f. gigantiflora, Clematis viticella subsp. revoluta, Clematis viticella subsp. sibthorpii, Clematis viticella var. leiostylis, Clematitis viticella,

GBIF Accepted Name: Clematis viticella L.