Clematis viticella (Italian clematis)

Clematis viticella - example of an Italian clematis

The various varieties of Clematis viticella - or 'Italian clematis' - do not have the largest or most colourful flowers. Nevertheless, they take an important place in the large family of clematis.

The first Viticella varieties came to Central Europe from Italy in the 16th century, hence the name Italian clematis.

They have enjoyed great and growing popularity ever since. Besides the varieties cultivated for a long time, quite a few new, reliable Viticella clematis from a wide range of countries have come onto the market in recent decades.

Qualities such as good hardiness, vigorous growth, extensive resistance to clematis wilt and a reliable, lush flowering make the Italian clematis ever more popular. These and the fairly late flowering period from June into autumn make these uncomplicated, rewarding and above all robust climbers indispensable in many gardens.

The ideal location for a viticella hybrid is partial shade to sun, but they also thrive in shade, although they do not flower quite as profusely and somewhat later. They have no special requirements as to soil, but it should be neither too moist nor too dry.

The individual flowers are 3-12 cm in diameter, slightly drooping to drooping, bell-shaped or open. The colour spectrum of the Viticellas ranges from various shades of blue and violet to blackish red, with partly vivid stamens. Some varieties also show white-striped flowers. They flower on the current year's growth, which is why Clematis viticella belong to pruning group III. The climber should be cut back almost to the ground in spring so that it flowers abundantly on the new growth at flowering time. [ general instructions on how to prune clematis correctly ]

Viticella clematis are something like the all-rounders among the clematis. They can be used creeping as ground cover, as single specimens, or on supports such as obelisks, arches, arbours and wall trellises. You often also see an Italian clematis from the Viticella group in hedges, on shrubs and on medium-sized to larger trees. Especially popular and charming, however, is the combination of Italian clematis with shrub roses and above all climbing roses and ramblers.