Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Clematis  

Species: Clematis viticella L.

Common Name(s): Italian leather flower, purple clematis, clematis jackmanii, Italian clematis, Italian virgin’s-bower, virgin’s bower

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Clematis viticella, commonly known as Italian leather flower, is a deciduous or evergreen vine in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), native to southern Europe and Asia. This vigorous climber has twining stems that can reach heights of 10-15 feet. It has a long bloom season from summer to fall boasting showy deep purple, blue, pink, or white flowers with many yellow stamens. The flowers are followed by attractive small, dry fruits each with a silky, feathery tail.295

Etymology

The genus name Clematis is derived from the Greek word “klēmatis,” meaning brushwood or broken branches, perhaps owing to its fragile stems.296

Horticulture, Ornamental, and Other Colorful Uses

Italian leather flower has been cultivated in gardens for centuries. The plant was introduced to England from Spain in 1569, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I where it came to be known as Virgin’s bower. The name was inspired by Elizabeth’s title, the “Virgin Queen,” due to her lack of children.297

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.298

Notes on Toxicity

All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested and handling it may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. Although not a first choice for deer, when food is scarce, they may nibble on them. Rabbits can eat young shoots.299