The majority of US Clematis species are in the subgenus Viorna and are characterized by a leathery, bell-shaped flower, which is why they are commonly called “Leatherflower.” Within this, there are complexes that help group leatherflowers based on shared similarities. These complexes are Glaucophylla, Viorna, Reticulata, Fremontii, and Pitcheri. There are multiple species within each complex, which are closely related and sometimes difficult to distinguish. Moreover, multiple new species have been recently discovered in the southeastern US as a result of efforts by Austin Peay Professor Dwayne Estes, PhD, and his team of researchers, (Estes et al., 2021).
Nearly all Leatherflowers are a well-behaved, deciduous vines that grow 5-12 feet, except for a few rare, non-vining varieties. Leatherflowers should be grown in well-draining, moist soil with a trellis, porch rail, or even a shrub for support. They do best when their “feet” (base of plant) are cool/shaded all day by a low-growing species such as carex or with ample pine mulch, yet their “face” (flowers) receives morning or late afternoon sun. They will suffer in full sun without ample moisture. Leatherflowers bloom from Spring through Fall, though the first flush of blooms in April-May is the fullest. They are pollinated by bumblebees and hummingbirds. Cut down the plant after frost, as flowers are formed on new growth the following spring.
The two complexes that are offered at this plant sale a described on the next two pages.
Reticulata
Clematis Viorna/Reticulata Complex Leatherflowers have green leaves with a net-like reticulum pattern. After flowering, the achene tails of this group are plumose (feathery), with spreading hairs. Flower color ranges from bright fuchsia to lavender/purple to pink fading into white or pale green These offerings are seed-grown and may be the result of hybridization between two species. Regardless, all Leatherflowers grown from seed will start to flower in their second to third year, reaching maturity by fourth to fifth year.
