Clematis  'Viola'

Raised by Uno Kivistik ~1986.  A very strong growing plant, obviously crossed with vitacella.  Flowers are 4" deep velvety purple with a small tuft of yellow stamens.  Would make a good companion to roses.

Flowering period: Early to mid summer through late fall.

Habit: Hardy, vigorous, deciduous climbing vine.

Height: 6-9'

Exposure:  Full sun to part shade.

Site: Tolerates most garden soils. 

Recommended use:  Grow on a trellis, arbor, obelisk, wall or fence, separately or in combination with other plants.

Pruning:  (Group 3) This is perhaps the easiest group to prune.  It will bloom on the current season's growth every year.  Pruning is quite simple, cut every winter down to 12-18 inches above the soil. 

Watering:  Likes regular water. Soil should be moist but not wet.  Water deeply and then allow to dry some to encourage deep rooting.

Zones: 3-9.