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Plant Detail

American Bells

Scientific name	Clematis viorna
Common name	American Bells
Type	Vines
Variety	Deciduous
USDA Zone hardiness	4a - 9a
Exposure	Partial sun
Height	10 to 15'
Spread	10 to 15'

Clematis viorna is a great understory vine prefers dappled light similar to its native environment gracefully hanging from trees along river banks in the American Southeast and Midwest. American Bells prefers partial shade and moist but well-drained humus rich soil and like all Clematis it does best when roots are shaded. Provide a trellis or other climbing structure for the tendrils to wrap around and climb. Each season while dormant prune back the vine to a set of healthy buds about one foot from the soil. Compost around the base without covering the crown each winter.