Clematis vit. Etoile Violette

Clematis viticella Etoile Violette

Why Buy Me?

• Vigorous grower
• Ideal for training up walls, pergola or trellis
• Masses of large flowers

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sun for the best flowering and colour intensity. Tolerates more shade than many large-flowered clematis, making it ideal for north- or east-facing sites.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Performs well in loamy or sandy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Avoid waterlogged or compacted soil, which can damage roots.

Exposure:
Thrives on trellises, fences, obelisks, arches, pergolas, and growing through shrubs or small trees. Roots should be kept cool and shaded with mulch or underplanting.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate to high once established. Regular watering is needed during dry spells, especially in the first year. Mature plants tolerate short droughts well.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in spring after frost or in early autumn. Autumn planting allows root establishment before winter.

Spacing:
Allow 1.2–1.5 m (4–5 ft) between plants or other climbers. Grows 3–4 m (10–13 ft) tall, forming a light, graceful canopy over supports.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water deeply during dry periods. Feed in spring with a balanced or high-potash fertilizer to support vigorous growth and prolonged flowering.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning group 3:

• Prune hard in late winter or early spring (February–March), cutting all stems back to 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) above ground level.

• Blooms on new growth, so hard pruning encourages a stronger flower display.

Propagation:
Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in spring or summer. As a cultivar, vegetative propagation ensures true flower form and colour.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Foliage appears in spring after hard pruning. Strong early-season growth with a light, open habit.

Summer:
Main flowering season from July to September. Abundant small (6–8 cm), deep violet-purple, star-shaped flowers with pale yellow stamens. Masses of blooms give a long-lasting, airy display over a long season.

Autumn:
Flowering often continues into early autumn. Foliage may develop golden hues before dropping.

Winter:
Deciduous. All stems are pruned to the ground in late winter. Remains dormant until spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Foliage provides light cover for insects during the growing season.

Garden Use:
A classic, reliable clematis ideal for scrambling through shrubs, climbing over arches, or decorating trellises and pergolas. Perfect for cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, and informal planting schemes. Also suitable for covering fences or softening unsightly structures.

Companion Plants:
Pairs beautifully with climbing or shrub roses, especially white, pale pink, or yellow varieties. Works well with perennials like Salvia, Campanula, Geranium, Lavandula, and ornamental grasses. Its deep purple colour contrasts elegantly with silver or variegated foliage.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Clematis viticella Etoile Violette. It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.