Northwest Blooms · Vines
Clematis 'Etoile Violette'
Etoile Violette Clematis
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Height
- 10 to 12 feet
- Width
- Varies with support structure
- Flower color
- Deep purple with yellow stamens
- Foliage color
- Green, ovate leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid-summer to early fall
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Moderate; prune in late winter or early spring, needs support
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and butterflies
About this plant
Clematis 'Etoile Violette' is a lovely, vigorous, and floriferous climber known for its deep violet-purple blooms. Each flower has four to six broad, velvety petals with a subtle crinkled texture and contrasting yellow stamens at the center, which create a vibrant focal point. It blooms abundantly from mid-summer through early fall, providing a long-lasting display that adds a dramatic touch to gardens, fences, or arbors.
'Etoile Violette' originates from France, where it was bred by Morel in 1885. It has since become a favorite in gardens due to its rich color and easy adaptability to various garden settings. The name translates to "Violet Star," perfectly reflecting the star-like shape and intense color of its flowers.
Works well in
Arbors & Trellises · Fences & Walls · Vertical Screening · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hydrangeas · Astilbes · Foxgloves · Bergenias
Design tip
Fall bloom is its strength, and it earns a place near a path or seating area used late in the year. Train the main stems early on a trellis or fence so the growth spreads sideways rather than bunching at the top.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
