American Bells

Clematis texensis Buckl.

SCARLET LEATHER-FLOWER

Native only to seven counties on the Edwards Plateau in Texas, this is the only true red flowered species. Flowers are ovoid to urn-shaped and rose-red to scarlet. In its native range, the vine is found on moist, humusy soils; in woodlands, and on stream banks and calcareous cliffs. The foliage is glaucous, and looks similar to C. versicolor.

In a garden setting in Pennsylvania, a mature vine begins flowering in June and continues through September. It grows about 10 feet (3 meters) tall. Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers, and the seed heads are highly ornamental. Although texensis has been used extensively in hybridizing, the hybrids should not be given the species epithet "texensis", since they usually have only 50% texensis genetics at best. Unfortunately somewhat susceptible to mildew, especially in late summer. Hardy in zones 5-9.

Images:

Clematis texensis (Tarpley River Form) © Maurice Horn, Joy Creek Nursery
Clematis texensis Clematis texensis  © Miguel E. Viso Clematis texensis
Clematis texensis © William Cullina
Clematis texensis  
Some pictures © Maurice Horn, Joy Creek Nursery
Some pictures © Miguel E. Viso
Some pictures © William Cullina

Identification:

Being the only true red species in the group, and having a limited distribution in Texas, this species is easily separated from the rest. See the Comparison Table for more details.

Distribution:

Clematis texensis - Distribution Clematis texensis - County Distribution in Texas

 

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Species:

addisonii
albicoma
baldwinii
carrizoensis
coactilis
crispa
fremontii
glaucophylla
morefieldii
ochroleuca
pitcheri
reticulata
socialis
texensis
versicolor
viorna
viticaulis






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