Clematis smilacifolia

Climber Wall Shrub

A rare, vigorous, sub-tropical, evergreen species of climber up to 6-10m tall, with thick woody stems and leathery, glossy, dark green leaves. Upward-facing or nodding, fragrant, aubergine-purple flowers, 3.5cm across, with fully-reflexed, slender petals and prominent white stamens, appear in the autumn. Must be protected from frost and best grown in a conservatory or greenhouse away from mild areas of the UK

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (rabbits): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Clematis can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or herbaceous perennials, mostly climbing by twining leaf-stalks, and often with showy flowers. Some have attractive fluffy seedheads in autumn
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Tropical & Subtropical Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, with the roots and base of the plant kept cool and shaded by other plants or a layer of pebbles at the base. Plant with the crown 5-8cm deep to encourage new shoots to grow from below ground level. See clematis cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring, semi-ripe cuttings in early summer or layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Sub-tropical
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Wall side borders

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails or caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to clematis wilt and clematis slime flux