Clematis campaniflora

Clematis campaniflora, also known as C. viticella subsp. campaniflora, is a botanical species closely related to Italian clematis. It is native to Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula. It distinguishes itself from its cousin by slightly greater development, lusher foliage, and slightly paler flowers. Its modest flowers, resembling white bellflowers, bloom in abundance in late spring or summer on a vigorous plant that eagerly clings to its neighbours. It is easy to grow and unaffected by wilt disease that afflicts many other more spectacular clematis varieties. It is content with well-worked ordinary garden soil, and will live for many years in the garden.

The genus Clematis belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Clematis campaniflora is classified in the group of clematis that flower on the current year's growth, in late spring or summer. It is a semi-woody, climbing perennial plant that will reach a height of 4 to 5m (13 to 16ft) fairly quickly, with a spread of 1.5m (5ft).

This clematis bears single flowers, 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter. It flowers from May-June in warm climates, and July-August in cooler ones. They appear mainly on the upper half of the plant. The bisexual flowers are pendulous. They are either solitary or grouped in clusters. They bloom on stems that reach a minimum length. These flowers have 4 broad and thick tepals that are rolled at the edges. They are white, washed with a very pale-mauve. They are slightly star-shaped with a small heart occupied by short stamens. The flowering is followed by small feathery fruits of a greyish-silvery colour. The leaves are divided into 5 to 6 leaflets, with a well-developed terminal leaflet. They are a medium olive-green colour. The deciduous foliage and aerial growth dry up in winter. This clematis clings to support or host plants using petioles transformed into tendrils. 

Plant your clematis together with climbing roses or lianas to extend the flowering period of walls and pergolas until the end of summer. This is a diverse genus, with varieties available in all colours, forms, and sizes. Take advantage of the easy cultivation of Clematis campaniflora to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. It can be easily grown in a sunny position in ordinary soil. It will tolerate dry summers much better than large-flowered clematis, in deep soil and partial shade. It can climb a late-flowering shrub such as lilac, winter honeysuckle, or an elder tree. It forms a beautiful combination with the variety C. 'Madame Julia Correvon', which has red flowers.