Clematis campaniflora

Clematis 'campaniflora' is not a cultivar but a wild species related to Clematis viticella (Italian clematis), native to Portugal and south-western Spain, from where it was introduced to Europe around 1820. Its name reveals its flower shape: 'campaniflora' means 'bell-flowered' (from Latin campana for bell). The small, roughly 2 cm flowers consist of four strongly recurved sepals, white flushed with violet, with pale yellow stamens – usually borne singly, occasionally in small panicles.

From July to September, 'campaniflora' produces a continuous succession of flowers throughout high summer and early autumn. At around 300 cm, it is well suited to fences, trellises and other supports, and equally happy clambering into shrubs or small trees. It is undemanding about position: sun to part shade and virtually any aspect will do, as long as the root area stays cool and shaded, for instance under low underplanting.

'campaniflora' is winter-hardy (zone 5, down to about -28 °C) and one of the toughest, most easy-care clematis. As a pruning group 3 plant flowering only on new wood, cut it back hard to about 25 cm in March – this encourages compact growth and abundant flowering. The sap can irritate the skin: wear gloves when pruning.