Clematis alpina aka Alpine Clematis

Clematis alpina is a woody climber in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Gardeners call it alpine or Austrian clematis. Its native range spans Europe, temperate eastern Asia, and northern Pakistan. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. This deciduous vine loses its leaves for winter. It grows upright by winding its leaf stalks around supports.

In gardens, it reaches 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] tall. Its spread is about 3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres]. Plants reach full size in two to five years. Each leaf divides into nine narrow, lance-shaped leaflets. The flowers hang down like small bells. The RHS describes pale violet-blue flowers with four tapering sepals. Each sepal can reach about 0.13 feet [0.04 metres] long. Cream staminodes and stamens sit at the centre. Chicago Botanic Garden lists yellow flowers instead. Bloom falls in spring, with Chicago listing March through June. The RHS also notes a few flowers in midsummer.

Grow this clematis in full sun or partial shade. Keep its roots and stem base cool and shaded. Nearby plants or a layer of pebbles can provide shade. It needs moist soil that drains well, with moderate watering. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam, and sand as suitable. It prefers a neutral to alkaline soil. The RHS rates it H6 for UK hardiness. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 3–8. Flowers grow on old wood, so it needs little pruning. Remove weak or dead stems at the season's start.

This vine suits a border beside a wall with support. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists it as deer resistant. It can grow in a pot with enough root space. Choose one at least 1.5 feet [0.45 metres] wide and deep. Use peat-free, loam-based potting compost. The RHS advises planting the crown below the soil surface. A depth of 0.16–0.26 feet [0.05–0.08 metres] encourages shoots from below ground. Propagate plants by layering or taking semi-hardwood cuttings.

Watch for aphids, snails, and caterpillars; earwigs may damage petals. Possible diseases include clematis wilt and clematis slime flux. Honey fungus can occur, though the RHS calls it rare. The plant can irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling it. The RHS also warns that eating it can harm pet rabbits. Treat it as an ornamental plant, not a food crop.