Clematis viticella - Italian leather flower

Clematis viticella, also known as the Italian clematis, purple clematis, or false vine, is a botanical species native to central and southern Europe. It is perfectly hardy, and endowed with the robustness and charm of wild plants. Its modest flowers, resembling pendulous bellflowers, bloom during from summer to autumn on a vigorous plant that clings to neighbouring plants. It is easy to cultivate, and is unaffected by the wilting disease that affects many other more spectacular clematis varieties. It thrives in ordinary, well-worked garden soil, and will live for many years in the garden.

The genus Clematis belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is classified in the group of clematis that bloom in summer on the current year's growth. It is a semi-woody, climbing perennial plant that will quickly reach a height of 3 to 5m (10 to 16ft), with a spread of 1.5m² (5ft²).

This clematis bears single flowers, 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter. They bloom in June in mild regions, and in July in cooler areas. They continue until September, mainly in the upper half of the vegetation. The bisexual flowers are solitary and pendant. They bloom on stems reaching a minimum length. They have 4 wide and thick tepals that are slightly dentate and curled at the edges, and display an intermediate colour between mauve and blue. They are slightly star-shaped with a small yellow stamen heart. The flowering is followed by small feathery fruits of a greyish-silver colour. The olive-green leaves are simple, divided into small ovate to lanceolate leaflets with an almost smooth edge. The foliage and above-ground growth are deciduous and dry in winter. This clematis clings to support or host plants through petioles transformed into tendrils. 

Plant your clematis together with climbing roses or lianas to extend the flowering period of walls and pergolas until the end of summer. This is a diverse genus, with varieties available in all colours, forms, and sizes. Take advantage of its easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. It can be easily grown in a sunny position in ordinary soil. It will tolerate dry summers much better than large-flowered clematis, in deep soil and partial shade. It can climb a late-flowering shrub such as lilac, winter honeysuckle, or an elder tree. It forms a beautiful combination with the variety C. 'Madame Julia Correvon', which has red flowers.