Clematis is a popular flowering plant that grows in USDA hardiness zones 6-9, and come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Purple clematis can range across the color spectrum from pink-purple, to red-purple to blue-purple.
Native clematis can be found in most regions of North America. While the majority of species are clustered found in the East and Northwest, clematis can also be found from northwest Canada to Southern California, and along the Eastern seaboard from Florida to Nova Scotia.
Here we present seven of the most popular purple clematis varieties in North America, many of which are also available in abroad.
7 Most Popular Purple Clematis of North America
As you read through this, keep in mind that while you can grow all clematis in the ground or in containers, most will need some sort of trellis, in either location. However, there are many pots and planters with trellises attached or adaptable, making it easy to find the best one for your setting.
Here’s the short list which we expand below this with more information and images.
- Etoile Violette – Clematis Etoile violette
- Jackmanii – Clematis jackmanii
- Niobe – Clematis niobe
- Prince Charles – Clematis ‘Prince Charles
- Rhapsody – Clematis rhapsody
- Romantika – Clematis romantika
- Ville de Lyon – Clematis Ville de Lyon
1. Etoile Violette – Clematis Etoile violette
This stunning cultivar is also known as ‘Violet Star’ clematis. Its scientific name is Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’, and it is a vigorous vine that produces masses of small, deep purple flowers with bright yellow stamens from late spring to early autumn.
The flowers are about 2-4 inches in diameter, and have a lovely, spicy fragrance. This variety is perfect for growing on trellises, walls, or pergolas.
Clematis Etoile violette is in pruning group 3. See Clematis Pruning Groups.
2. Jackmanii – Clematis jackmanii
This vigorous large-flower purple clematis blooms from midsummer to early autum, and is perhaps the most well-known purple clematis cultivar. Its rich, velvety purple flowers are about 4-6 inches in diameter and are borne on long stems that can reach up to 12 feet in length.
C. jackmanii is perfect for training up trellises or along fences, and it can also be grown in containers.
Clematis Jackmanii is in pruning group 3. See Clematis Pruning Groups.
3. Niobe – Clematis niobe
This cultivar is a popular choice for its vibrant, magenta-purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early autumn. Its scientific name is C. ‘Niobe’, and it is a medium-sized vine that grows to about 6-8 feet tall.
The flowers are about 3-4 inches in diameter and have a satiny texture. This variety is perfect for growing on a trellis or along a fence, and it also looks great in a container.
Clematis niobe is in pruning group 2. See Clematis Pruning Groups.
4. Prince Charles – Clematis ‘Prince Charles‘
This is another popular cultivar that is known for its deep, royal purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early autumn. The C. ‘Prince Charles’ is a medium-sized vine that can grow up to 6-8 feet tall.
The flowers are about 3-4 inches in diameter and have a slightly ruffled texture. This variety is perfect for growing on a trellis or along a fence, and it also makes a great cut flower.
Clematis ‘Prince Charles’ is typically in pruning group 3. See Clematis Pruning Groups.
5. Rhapsody – Clematis rhapsody
The C. rhapsody has rich, deep blue-purple flowers that bloom from mid to late summer. The flowers are about 3-5 inches in diameter, and it can reach up to 6-8 feet in length.
‘Rhapsody’ is perfect for growing on a trellis, fence, or in a container with an attached trellis, and it can also be used for cut flowers.[1]https://www.gardenia.net/plant/clematis-rhapsody
Clematis rhapsody is in pruning group 3. See Clematis Pruning Groups.
6. Romantika – Clematis romantika
This cultivar is known for its striking, deep purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early autumn. Its scientific name is Clematis ‘Romantika’, and it is a vigorous vine that can grow up to 8-10 feet tall.
The flowers are about 3-4 inches in diameter and have a velvety texture. This variety is ideal for growing on a trellis or along a fence, and it also makes a great cut flower.
Clematis romantika is in pruning group 3. See Clematis Pruning Groups.
7. Ville de Lyon – Clematis Ville de Lyon
Scientifically known as Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’, this cultivar features rich, velvety dark pink-purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early autumn. The flowers are about 4-6 inches in diameter, and it can grow up to 6-8 feet tall. ‘Ville de Lyon’ is perfect for growing on a trellis, fence, pergola or trellis container, and will attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden.
For more flowers to plant in spring here.
Clematis Ville de Lyon is in pruning group 3. See Clematis Pruning Groups.
For a deep pink clematis, you may enjoy perusing our article on Clematis ‘Princess Diana’.
If You Love Purple Flowers…
We’ve written about all kinds purple flowers here, and also tall purple flowers and small purple perennial flowers. But some of our favorites…? Weeds with purple flowers❣️ We’d love to hear about your favorite purple clematis.
Contributions from the Community
Lavender Clematis
Love mine! They look more lavender… [and I don’t know what kind but] I’ve had them for years and they keep coming back!
~Pamela Clayton
I’m LeAura Alderson, a garden, herb and plant enthusiast with a passion for discovering the many edible and medicinal benefits of the plants all around us, including the weeds! I’m a writer, editor and media publisher for our family of websites.
While I was certified in fitness and life coaching, I am NOT a health practitioner. However, I’m a lifelong health enthusiast, with a keen interest in healthy, organic foods and making home remedies and the content we share is from our own experience and usage as well as that extracted from scientific research so that you can explore further on your own.
Always seek the advice and guidance of your health practitioners first and foremost.
As a family we’re steadily expanding our gardening, experimentation and knowledge around all things gardening, edible landscaping, fresh organic foods and self sustainability with farming in our future. I also own and manage iCreateDaily.com, a site all about transformation through creation, and the power of positivity, optimism and mindset.
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