Clematis crispa

Clematis crispa is a wild species from the southeastern USA and belongs to the Viorna Group. Carl Linnaeus described it in 1753 in his Species Plantarum, and it was introduced into cultivation as early as 1726. In the wild it grows especially at wet, marshy sites, which is why it is called 'marsh clematis' in English. The 3 cm nodding flowers are urn- to bell-shaped and appear in white with a violet tinge. Four sepals joined at the base form the vessel; their edges are crinkled, and the tips roll well back. The stamens carry pale yellow anthers, and a light, pleasantly spicy fragrance adds to the charm of the flowers. Flat seeds with short, slender tails follow.

From July to October the flowers open on the current year's growth. At up to 300 cm in height, Clematis crispa climbs light supports such as a trellis, frame or obelisk; it grows herbaceous to semi-woody, which gives it an airy, light look. It can also be left to scramble through a flower border or grown in a container. It thrives best in sunny to partially shaded positions in moist but well-drained soil; wet sites correspond to its natural habitat, but it also tolerates ordinary garden conditions.

Clematis crispa is hardy in zone 7 (down to about -18 °C). Cut it back to about 25 cm in March, and it will make vigorous new growth from the base. Plant it so that the crown sits about 5 to 8 cm below the soil surface.