climber · design plant record

Clematis viticella

Italian clematis

A summer-flowering climber for a suitable support. Height and supported spread are not a free-standing shrub canopy.

Height at maturity
3.05–4.57 m (10–15 ft)
Spread at maturity
0.91–1.52 m (3–5 ft)
Light
Sun / Part shade
Moisture
Moist, draining soil
Source-reported USDA zones
4–8 · verify subzone and cultivar
Principal seasonal role
Summer, Autumn

Fit it to the site

Moist, draining soil, with roots protected from excessive heat. The source favours neutral to alkaline conditions.

Reject an unassessed wall fixing, undersized support or persistently waterlogged root zone. A large climber in a small pot is a separate care decision.

Keep the care in the decision

Flowers on new growth and is in pruning group 3. Follow the source for late-winter or early-spring pruning in your climate; keep the support accessible for tying and maintenance.

Origin & safety checks

Southern Europe to Asia; check local invasive status.

NC State flags ingestion toxicity and skin irritation, and risks to children and pets. Do not place where likely chewing or brushing contact cannot be managed.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.

Factual source · checked 3 October 2026

NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Clematis viticella

Ranges are rounded metric conversions of the source's dimensions. Growth varies with cultivar and conditions. Linked source photographs can help verify identity; our concept garden images cannot.