Etoile Violette Clematis

‘Étoile Violette’ is a vigorous, deciduous clematis with velvety deep-purple flowers and creamy stamens. The flowers open in mid to late summer, and the plant grows in full sun or partial shade ([RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/92936/clematis-%C3%A9toile-violette-vt/details)). ### Site and seasonal display This Viticella Group clematis climbs by twining leaf stalks and suits a wall, trellis, or shrub support. The Royal Horticultural Society gives a mature height of 2.5–4 m and spread of 1–1.5 m; its shop profile describes flowering from July through September ([RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/92936/clematis-%C3%A9toile-violette-vt/details), [RHS Plants listing](https://rhs.crocdn.co.uk/plants/_/clematis-toile-violette/classid.925/)). The flowers are single, up to about 10 cm wide, with four to six broad sepals. Plant in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil and keep the roots cool while allowing the foliage to receive sun or light shade. ## Maintenance As a Group 3 clematis, cut back the previous season’s stems in early spring to a strong pair of buds; it flowers on the current season’s growth. The RHS recommends pruning Group 3 plants hard in February, before new growth begins ([RHS pruning guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/clematis/pruning-guide)).