Clematis viticella is a beautiful and vigorous climbing vine native to Europe and has been cultivated for centuries. It is highly appreciated for its impressive and striking flowering, which lasts from late spring to autumn.
It features clusters of bell-shaped, tubular flowers that are available in various shades, such as white, pink, blue, purple and bicolor. This plant is known for its hardiness and adaptability to various garden conditions.
Characteristics of Clematis viticella
It is one of the strongest and healthiest groups of clematis, it is the best option to place on the facades of houses. since it can reach 5 m in height.
Its foliage is made up of elongated ornamental leaves with three or five serrated leaflets arranged along the stem. Some have bronze or purple hues on new growth, adding to their ornamental value.
Clematis viticella flowers in late spring and summer, producing clusters of bell-shaped flowers 5 to 8 cm long.
Flowers range from white and pastel shades to deep blues, purples and magentas, as well as bicolor combinations. Each of its petals is adorned by a purple bar, which gives it unparalleled beauty.
In the center of the flower there is a tuft of pale yellow antennae and white filaments that make it a wonderful and very striking flower.
It grows abundantly from midsummer to autumn. It is an ideal plant to grow in pots or where space is limited. In addition, it combines very well with climbing roses since they are companions.
Clematis viticella care
It is a robust, hardy, low-maintenance perennial plant that is relatively easy to grow.
Clematis have their origins in the Far East, but The first specimen of Clematis viticella arrived in Europe in the mid-16th century. Two centuries after that arrival, the Victorians created many more varieties and the popularity continues to this day.
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It prefers a location with a little direct sun or semi-shade. But because it is a climbing plant, if it is in the garden He doesn't like hot walls to climb on, Therefore, it is ideal for the base of the plant to remain in the shade and in a place protected from the wind.
Irrigation
Watering is important especially during the growth and flowering periods. Prefers high humidityIt is important to water it regularly, but you should let the soil dry partially between waterings. This plant is more suitable for outdoors because it is a climber and needs space to grow.
Land
It needs a moist and constantly watered soil to perform optimally, but extreme waterlogging should be avoided to prevent root rot. It should also be well drained and slightly alkaline. It thrives in fertile soils rich in organic matter.
It has a natural preference for being a climber and It would be helpful to incorporate some sort of support, such as a trellis, fence or arch, for better growth and flowering.
Fertilizer
Putting straw on the ground around the base of the vine can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
It is a very good option since it is an organic material that helps improve ventilation and soil humidity.
It also serves as fertilizer, since The straw decomposes and provides nutrients to the soil. It repels some insects and protects the plant from extreme temperatures in the winter.
Regarding fertilizer It is recommended to apply a multipurpose one, according to the instructions on the label, to promote strong growth and abundant flowering. You should do it in early spring and mid-summer to promote flowering and growth.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain health and appearance., as this vine tends to become straggly and untidy with age.
The best time to prune is generally to cut back the vine in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
It is important to cut back the previous year's growth to at least a couple of strong shoots about 30 cm above the ground.
Pruning is also useful to remove old, dead, diseased wood and encourage new growth and flowering.
Propagation
It is a plant that can be propagate by cuttings taken in late spring early summer.
You can do it this way: cut a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves and replant it in a potting mix that drains very well. Try to keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a bright, indirect light location until roots develop.
Toxicity
This plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
The plant contains glycosides that are irritating and can cause gastrointestinal discomfort as well as skin irritation.
When handling it, you must be very careful, use gloves and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Clematide viticella varieties
There are a wide variety of very pretty clematis of different colors that belong to the viticella group such as:
Clematis abundance: It is a very vigorous climber, with light red to cherry pink flowers. It blooms in mid-summer and thrives if you grow it next to trees, climbing plants or large shrubs.
Clematis Emilia Platter: It is a robust climbing vine with pale lavender-blue flowers. It blooms from mid-summer to fall, is resistant to wilting, and prefers to grow on pergolas among shrubs and trees.
Clematis Etoile Violette: It is a deciduous climbing plant that has spectacular flowers in a deep purple violet tone, with pale yellow stamens and has a long flowering period.
Clematis Justa: It is a very compact climber, ideal for pots. Its flowers are pale blue and mauve, with a tuft of yellow stamens in the centre. It blooms from mid-summer to autumn.
Clematis Julia Correvon: It has intense, bright red, star-shaped flowers. The center is yellow. It blooms for a long season. Its foliage is green in a medium shade. It is an ideal choice for containers, but it can also be trained to climb walls, trellises, fences or pergolas.
Clematis Full Purple: It is one of the most vigorous and resistant climbers of this group. It has a large mass of pink flowers that last up to two weeks. It also blooms for a long season, It is very resistant to wilting and thrives when left unpruned.
It is an ideal option for training your dog to climb walls, trellises, fences, pergolas and small trees.
Clematis Poisonous Violet: This species was created in 1883, it exhibits abundant deep violet flowers with a white stripe in the middle and violet stamens.
It provides its beautiful flowers from mid-summer to early fall. It is very resistant to wilting and needs full sun.
Clematis Wisley: It is a very vigorous deciduous climber, with large violet-blue flowers and a reddish touch along each petal.
It has wavy edges that give it extra charm. It blooms from mid-summer to fall and combines perfectly with climbing roses.
Clematis Alita: It is a compact deciduous climber with a combination of crimson and reddish-purple flowers adorned with a central tuft of golden-hued stamens.
It is the most showy of the Clematis viticella. It flowers from early to late summer. It is highly recommended to plant it in a pot and incorporate it into rather small gardens.
Clematis Vanguard: It is an impressive plant with abundant bicolor red and deep pink flowers that have a central pompom on pale pink petals.
Its flowers appear in mid-summer and can be enjoyed until early autumn. It is ideal for growing on pergolas, walls, climbing bushes and trees. It is easy to grow and its flowers are very long-lasting.
Crematis Pink mink: This variety has deep pink flowers, blooming from early summer to early fall. It is perfect for climbing on pergolas and walls. It is known for its strong growth, ease of cultivation and its long flowering season.
Clematis Betty corning: It is a medium-sized vine, it has a large number of flowers. bell-shaped in lavender blue with a soft scent.
It blooms from mid-summer to autumn, its foliage, both leaves and stems, is a dark green shade that perfectly stands out with the flowers. It grows very well when grown next to large trees and its delicious aroma intoxicates any garden.
Finally, Clematis viticella is a stunning and versatile perennial vine with hardy and adaptable characteristics.
Produces profuse and striking clusters of bell-shaped flowers in a variety of shades, from late spring to autumn.
It is relatively low maintenance and easy to grow and care for making it a popular choice for gardens, patios and balconies.
With the right conditions and care, it can provide years of beautiful flowering., up and down walls, fences, arches and trellises.
Plus, you can choose from a wide variety within the Clematis viticella family, all of which have spectacular flowers to add to your garden!!