Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Clematis campaniflora Brot.

Frost hardy, vigorous, deciduous climber with pinnate leaves, the leaflets in groups of three, bearing small, fragrant, lilac flowers in great profusion in terminal cymes in mid to late summer.  To 6m.  [RHSD, Hortus, Hilliers’.]

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘A native of Portugal, first described by Brotero, who found it in hedges, by the road from Oporto to Coimbra.

It is a climbing plant, growing to the height of eight feet or more, with many branches, towards the extremities of which the flowers are produced; with us they come out in the latter part of the summer; they are very delicate, of a clear purplish white.’  [LBC no.987/1825]. 

Introduced to England in 1810.  [JD].  Originally described by Prof. Brotero in 1804 in the Flore du Portugal.  [IH p.78 Vol.2/1855].  The flower in Loddiges Botanical Cabinet appears almost pure white compared with the pale lilac of the Illustration Horticole figure used here.

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [T.320/1843].  A plant was presented to the Sydney Botanic Garden by William Macarthur on September 15th 1847 [RBGS AB].

Notes

Published Mar 05, 2010 - 09:49 AM | Last updated Jul 29, 2010 - 05:54 PM

Shown is a climber with 3-palmate leaves and single, pendant, bell-shaped lilac flowers. Illustration Horticole v.2, p.78, 1855.

Clematis campaniflora Brot. | IH vol.2, p.78/1855 | BHL

Family Ranunculaceae
Category
Region of origin

Portugal

Synonyms
  • Clematis parviflora DC.
  • Clematis viornoides Schrad.
Common Name

Bell-flowered clematis

Name in the Camden Park Record

Clematis campaniflora 

Confidence level high