Groundcover and Vines – Italian Clematis

• Italian Clematis 

Botanical name: clematis viticella 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 13 ft in height and up to a 5 ft spread 

Bloom time: summer

Hardy zone: zones 7-9 

Flower color: pink, purple, white, blue, peach 

Foliage color: green 

Growth rate: can grow multiple feet in a single growing season

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early spring before new growth begins to emerge 

Propagation methods: propagate by cutting below the node and put into water until roots begin to grow 

Landscape use: used to climb up a fence, trellis, etc. 

Light needs: 4-7 hours of sun per day 

Special features: produces non-edible small dry fruits with a feathery appearance

Watering instructions: allow the top layer of soil to dry between watering sessions but try to keep the lower layers consistently moist while avoiding sitting water to accumulate  

Fertilizing instructions : fertilize once a year in the early spring to prepare for the upcoming growing season

Best time to plant: early spring 

Best type of soil: loam or clay 

Companion plants: salvia, peonies, daylilies

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no