Clematis viticella aka Purple Clematis

Taxonomy

Clematis viticella, also known as Italian leather flower, purple clematis, or Virgin's bower, is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia and has a long bloom season from summer to fall, producing deep purple flowers with yellow stamens. The plant is a deciduous or evergreen vine and its flowers are followed by small, dry fruits with a silky-plumose tail. The Italian clematis was the first clematis imported into English gardens in 1569 and by 1597, it was already being referred to as "Virgin's Bower". The plant has two varieties in English gardens, a purple-blue and a red. Included in this group are other clematis cultivars that share similar growth, habit, and appearance to the Viticella's, such as 'Błękitny Anioł', 'Polish Spirit', and 'Prince Charles'. They are all extremely hardy, very free flowering, and simple to prune. They make excellent companions to grow with roses and are highly recommended for those new to growing clematis due to their tolerance of various gardening techniques.

Common names

Purple Clematis, Clematis Jackmanii, Italian Leather Flower

How to care for Purple Clematis

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Purple Clematis is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Purple Clematis should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Purple Clematis, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Clematis Jackmanii is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Purple Clematis will thrive!

Lighting

Purple Clematis requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Clematis Jackmanii is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Purple Clematis to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

The Purple Clematis is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia