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Venosa Violacea Clematis

Clematis viticella 'Venosa Violacea'

$22.65
$22.65 $0.00
per Plant - 4" Pot
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ZONES  5-10 | Good to grow! Zone

Venosa Violacea Clematis dazzles with velvety purple blooms distinguished by white centers that shine like stars against the vivid petals. Plants bloom over a long period from midsummer to early fall attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. Perfect for climbing fences, adding height to cottage gardens and courtyards, or supported on trellises in perennial beds. (Clematis viticella)

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Description

8’-10’ tall x 4-6’ wide. Venosa Violacea Clematis (Clematis viticella) is a French heirloom introduced in 1883, and has a long been cherished for its large, breathtaking blooms and clean foliage. The slender form lends itself to lampposts and obelisks. Like other Clematis, Venosa Violacea performs best when roots are shaded and tops receive full sun. Though plants tolerate partial shade, flower color is most vivid in full sun. Clematis are divided into three groups according to pruning needs. Venosa Violacea belongs to pruning group 3, which bloom late in the season on new growth. Prune vines in late winter to early spring, cutting back hard to a set of strong buds about 1 foot above ground level. Remove all dead material above the buds and clean out any old foliage. Plants tolerate deer and rabbits.

Planting & Care

Growing Clematis: If you're already a clematis grower, you know all this. But if you're not, here's all you need to know.

First of all, there are several kinds of clematis, but most people want to grow the large-flowered types. For some info on the others, go to the bottom of this page.

Basic Requirements: First of all, clematis vines always want their roots shaded, and the plant growing up into full sun. That means you can put some shallow-rooted groundcover around the roots, or simply some mulch--just something to keep the hot sun off the root run, and promote moisture retention in that spot. But be sure your vine grows into plenty of sunlight, which promotes heavy flowering.

Soil is important. Clematis do best in neutral or slightly alkaline soils, but they are somewhat adaptable. If you have very acid soil, try to add some calcium when you plant. Also, be sure to dig the hole deep. Remember you're planning to have this plant in place for decades.

Where to plant is important. These incredible vines are some of the most beautiful flowering plants, and we've all seen them blooming lavishly on fences, porches and trellises. They're not really hard to grow, and they get larger and stronger every year. Sometimes they take their time getting going, so be patient. It usually takes about two years for a newly-planted vine to come into its own. The large-flowered types are hardy into the very cold north, so almost everyone can use them. Be sure to place yours so it has something to climb---fence, trellis, or post.

Winter and spring care are important. In very cold places (like Vermont, where I grew them for years), the winter kills the whole vine right down to the dirt. They actually disappear. Then in the spring, they are somewhat slow to emerge, so you must protect the spot, and watch for the shoots. Once they pop up, they grow fast, but beware--they are brittle! If you happen to break off the young spring shoots, it sets the vine back terribly, so its important to watch and care for the new shoots until they really get going up your post or trellis.

Once that happens, it helps to gently guide the vining shoots as they find their way upward. You can actually arrange your vine as it grows, but again, be gentle; the stems remain brittle. Soon you'll see buds, and then suddenly one day, they begin to open. Most popular clematis varieties open incredibly large flowers, often as large as 5 to 8 across. 

Further Reading

Shipping

As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat.  The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and fall-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and fall-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your Growing Zone. Perennial and fall-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service at (802) 227-7200 or contact us by email or chat.

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Key Features

Light Requirements

  • Full Sun
  • Half Sun / Half Shade

Bloom Time

Mid summer to early fall

Advantages

  • Bee Friendly
  • Attracts Birds
  • Long Bloom Time
  • Privacy
  • Cut Flowers
  • Deer Resistant
  • Rabbit Resistant

Awards

Royal Horicultural Society Award of Garden Merit.

Additional information

Mature Height

96-120" tall (8-10 feet)

Mature Spread

48-72" wide

Soil Type

  • Average Soil
  • Loamy Soil
  • Clay Soil
  • Well-Drained Soil

Soil Moisture

  • Average
  • Moist / Wet

Planting Depth

The base of the stem(s) should be just at the soil surface after watering in

Planting Time

  • Spring / Summer

Flower Size

4" flowers

Plant Classification

Introduced Cultivar

Growing Zones

  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9
  • Zone 10

Poisonous or Toxic to Animals

Poisonous if ingested. Skin and eye irritant. Toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
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