Clematis pitcheri (Viorna Group)

Clematis pitcheri (Bellflower Clematis) is a herbaceous, perennial climber boasting masses of nodding, urn-shaped, purple to brick-red flowers, 1 in. wide (2.5 cm). Blooming from late spring to early fall, each long-lasting flower bears 4 ribbed tepals recurved at the tips and slightly ruffled margins. Blooming profusely over a very long season, Bellflower Clematis has a handsome foliage of opposite leaves divided into 2-8 ovate to lanceolate leaflets. The blossoms are followed by very ornamental, fluffy, dark red to dark brown seedheads, which remain on the plant, adding further interest. Vigorous and floriferous, Bellflower Clematis climbs by means of twining petioles. It can twine through nearby shrubs or simply be allowed to ramble across the ground. Fairly heat and drought-tolerant, it dies to the ground in fall.

• Grows up to 10-13 ft. long (300-390 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Thrives in moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or part shade. Ideally, Clematis prefer having their 'heads in the sun and their feet in the shade'. Keep the roots cool and shaded by other plants or add a layer of pebbles or flat stones at the base. Tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including rocky and sandy soils, as long as the soil is evenly moist and well-drained.
• This Clematis belongs to the third group of Clematis – a group including Clematis which flower in late summer on growth made in that season. They should be pruned in late winter or early spring and require 'hard pruning': simply cut back the stems to a pair of strong buds about 1ft. (30 cm) above ground level before growth begins in early spring.
• Native to northern Mexico, southern and central United States.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.