Overview
Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette' is a deciduous climber in the genus Clematis, part of the Ranunculaceae family. Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include climbing on trellises, fences and walls. It is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia.
About
Clematis viticella, the Italian leather flower, purple clematis, or virgin's bower, is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, native to Southern Europe and Western Asia, from the Italic Peninsula to Iran. This deciduous climber was the first clematis imported into English gardens, where it was already being grown in 1569 by Hugh Morgan, apothecary to Elizabeth I.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clematis viticella
About the genus
Clematis is a genus of about 380 species within the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Their garden hybrids and cultivars have been popular among gardeners, beginning with Clematis 'Jackmanii', a garden staple since 1862. More cultivars are being produced constantly, mainly of Chinese and Japanese origin.
Wikipedia contributors, "Clematis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clematis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Clematis
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- deciduous climber
- Suggested uses
- climbing on trellises, fences, walls
- Native to
- Southern Europe, Western Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Requires support for climbing. Prune in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning
- Group 3 pruning: prune hard in late winter or early spring to about 30cm above ground.
- Propagation
- propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Requires support for climbing. Prune in late winter or early spring.
Where is the best place to plant Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette'?
Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette' need?
Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette' grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette'?
Group 3 pruning: prune hard in late winter or early spring to about 30cm above ground.
Is Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette' hardy in the UK?
Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette'?
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering.
More in the Clematis genus
- Clematis 'Fukuzono' (I)
- Clematis douglasiiChaparral Clematis
- Clematis stans
- Clematis × eriostemonClematis
- Clematis × jouiniana
- Clematis 'Edward Prichard'clematis 'Edward Prichard'
- Clematis 'Fairydust' (Vt)
- Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL)