How much light does Clematis viorna need?

It grows best in part sun but tolerates conditions from full sun to part shade, especially at woodland edges where it can climb toward light.

How much water does leather-flower need?

It prefers medium, evenly moist soil but can handle drier spells once established, particularly in shadier spots.

When does Clematis viorna bloom?

Leather-flower produces its drooping, urn-shaped blooms from May through August.

What pollinators visit leather-flower?

Bees, hummingbirds, and beetles are commonly seen visiting the flowers of Clematis viorna.

Does leather-flower need support to grow?

Yes, as a vine it climbs by twining its leaf stalks around nearby shrubs, fences, or trellises rather than using tendrils or suckers.

Is Leather-flower toxic to dogs?

Yes. Leather-flower is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Leather-flower toxic to cats?

Yes. Leather-flower is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Leather-flower HOA-friendly?

Leather-flower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Leather-flower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Clematis viorna

Last reviewed: August 2026

Leather-flower is a climbing vine with nodding, bell-shaped purple flowers blooming from May through August. It grows well in part sun with medium moisture, often scrambling over shrubs along woodland edges and fence rows.

Leather-flower (Clematis viorna) — Photo: Mary Vaux Walcott / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Leather-flower is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

36"–120" H × 24"–72" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, DE, GA and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds, beetles

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Eastern Corn Belt Plains Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau

Leather-flower is a native vine that produces small, nodding purple bell-shaped flowers from late spring through summer. This deciduous climber grows 3-10 feet tall and works well on trellises, arbors, or climbing through shrubs in partial sun locations.

Growing Leather-flower

Grow Leather-flower in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 120 inches tall and spread 24 to 72 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Leather-flower is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

Requires sturdy support structure
Can look bare in winter when dormant
Needs annual pruning to maintain neat appearance

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees, beetles, and hummingbirds during the long blooming season. The seed heads provide winter interest and food for birds.

Common questions

How much light does Clematis viorna need?: It grows best in part sun but tolerates conditions from full sun to part shade, especially at woodland edges where it can climb toward light.
How much water does leather-flower need?: It prefers medium, evenly moist soil but can handle drier spells once established, particularly in shadier spots.
When does Clematis viorna bloom?: Leather-flower produces its drooping, urn-shaped blooms from May through August.
What pollinators visit leather-flower?: Bees, hummingbirds, and beetles are commonly seen visiting the flowers of Clematis viorna.
Does leather-flower need support to grow?: Yes, as a vine it climbs by twining its leaf stalks around nearby shrubs, fences, or trellises rather than using tendrils or suckers.
Is Leather-flower toxic to dogs?: Yes. Leather-flower is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Leather-flower toxic to cats?: Yes. Leather-flower is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Leather-flower HOA-friendly?: Leather-flower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

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