Herbaceous summer flowering perennial
Description: Violet-blue or white bell-shaped nodding flowers with recurving petals; sweetly scented
Habit: Grows 3 feet high and wide; this non-climbing plant may require support
Culture: Prefers full sun to light shade, cool roots, and moist, fertile soil enriched with leaf mold; cut back all previous year’s stems to a pair of strong buds, 6-8 inches above soil level, before growth begins in early spring
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 3
Origin: Europe, Asia
Attributes: deer resistant

Hardy flowering vines such as clematis grew in popularity during the 19th century. In 1839, Philadelphia nurseryman and florist Robert Buist observed, “shade is much required in this country, and plants suitable for covering arbours, &c., eagerly sought for …” Clematis integrifolia was introduced into cultivation from southern Europe in 1573. Writing of this species in 1851 in The Flower Garden, Joseph Breck called it “A handsome, upright plant.” zone3,zone4,zone5,zone6,zone7,zone8,zone9