Clematis flammula
Burning Clematis (Clematis flammula )
The Burning clematis or almond Clematis (Clematis flammula ) is a common in the Mediterranean type of clematis. It makes decorative and fragrant flowers that smell strongly of bitter almonds.
Description
The Burning Clematis is deciduous, climbing shrubs of three to five meters in height. The leaves are opposite and usually pinnately arranged twice. Usually 5 pinnae are formed, the lower leaflets are broadly oval and often ternate or multi-lobal, rounded at the base and usually serrated, the upper leaflets are mostly simple. The leaflets are long stalks and shiny above. The flowers are numerous in large up to 25 inches wide paniculate inflorescences in the upper leaf axils. The individual flowers are fragrant and have diameters 2 to 3 inches and have four narrow, white, outside on the edge hairy bracts. The Burning clematis blooms from May to August. The fruits form an up to two inches long, feathery tail.
Distribution and habitat requirements
The Burning Clematis lives in maquis and hedges in the Mediterranean region and Western Asia. It is not hardy in Central Europe.
Use
The type was from the 17th to the 19th century, a popular and common garden plant in Central Europe. It is, however, hardly be seen today in our gardens.