Italian clematis is a deciduous or evergreen, perennial vine in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) native from southern Europe to Asia. The specific epithet is Latin for “small vine.” Plant in full sun but provide shade for the roots. Good draining moist soils with neutral to alkaline pH are ideal. Italian clematis blooms on new wood so severely prune it back to about 1 foot tall in late winter or early spring (Type 3). Propagate by layering or stem cutting. This species is highly resistant to clematis wilt. Italian clematis grows rapidly to a height of 10 to 15 feet and a width of 3 to 5 feet. It has a long bloom season from summer to fall, boasting showy deep purple flowers with many yellow stamens. The flowers are followed by attractive small, dry fruits each with a silky, feathery tail. This plant is a great climber and can be trained to grow on an arbor, along a fence, rock wall, or other vertical space. It can spread along the ground in a woodland or naturalized area, spill out of a container placed on a patio, or provide a backdrop in a cottage or English garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids may attack young growth. Slugs, snails, and voles may damage young roots. Plants are susceptible to powdery mildew. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Clematis .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Slugs & Snails on Ornamental Plants; Aphids on Ornamental Landscape Plants
Problems
Contact Dermatitis; Poisonous to Humans; Problem for Cats; Problem for Children; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses
Resistant to
Deer; Diseases; Rabbits
Particularly resistant to
Resistant to clematis wilt
Propagation
Layering; Stem Cutting
Poison severity
High
Poison parts
Flowers; Fruits; Leaves; Sap/Juice; Seeds; Stems
Poison symptoms
All species are toxic-- and all parts are toxic. CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN! SKIN IRRITATION MINOR OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. Poisonous through dermatitis, ingestion, and inhalation. Symptoms include a burning sensation of mouth and mouth ulcers; skin redness and burning sensation, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea.