Clematis viticella 'Polish Spirit' is a vigorous and long blooming climber prized for its abundant velvety purple flowers. A member of the viticella group, it features a more disease resistant nature and a free flowering habit that begins in early summer and continues into fall. This variety pairs well with trellises, fences, or rambling through shrubs where its color can pop against foliage. It blooms on new wood, making it a reliable candidate for annual pruning.
Height & Spread: 10 - 12 ft x 3 - 6 ft
Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil with good organic content
Watering Needs: Moderate; consistent watering preferred during active growth
Deer Resistance: Moderately deer resistant; stems may be browsed if unprotected
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Clematis viticella, a European native. It is not native to North America but is well adapted to garden culture across temperate regions.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Visited by long tongued bees such as bumblebees and large carpenter bees which access nectar from the bell shaped blooms.
Butterflies
- Supports nectar feeding by swallowtails, red admirals, and painted ladies during peak summer bloom.
Moths
- Twilight blooming encourages visits from nocturnal moths such as the sphinx moth and rustic sphinx.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 3 - 6 ft apart along support structures for best coverage and airflow.
Landscape Placement:
- Perfect for climbing trellises, fences, obelisks, or threading through open shrubs in mixed borders.
Companion Plants
- Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' - Upright ornamental grass adds height and texture beneath or beside climbing supports.
- Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' - Large mophead blooms in white contrast beautifully with the deep purple flowers of clematis.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Spiky purple blue flowers echo the vine’s hues and attract pollinators at the base.
- Clematis integrifolia - Herbaceous clematis creates a tiered effect below the climber blooming in harmony without competition.
- Rosa 'New Dawn' - Soft pink climbing roses create a romantic pairing with clematis weaving through its canes.