Species Fremont's leather flower Guide
white-purple flowers on purple petioles with green leaves and light-green stems

Fremont's leather flower

Clematis fremontii

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings,Hardwood Cuttings,Division

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Purple to white Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Fremont's leather flower plants should be watered deeply every 1-2 weeks, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Water the plant in the morning, so that the foliage has time to dry before nightfall. Make sure to water the soil thoroughly, until it is moist, as this will encourage deep root growth. After the plant is established, reduce watering to once per month or as needed based on how dry the soil is. Make sure to avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot and other problems.

sunlight

Fremont's leather flower (Clematis fremontii) thrives best in full sun, meaning it should be placed in a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. It can also tolerate partial shade, though it should not receive less than 3 hours of direct sunlight each day. During the warmer months, its best if the plant is receiving its full 8 hours — the afternoon light is generally the most intense. When temperatures drop in the winter, 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight is best as the light will not be as intense.

pruning

Fremont's leather flower (Clematis fremontii) should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before growth begins. Start pruning a few inches below the buds and shortening the stems by no more than 1-third the total length. Pruning any more than this can cause the flowering to be sparse or nonexistent in the coming year. Additionally, remove any dead or damaged stems as needed throughout the year. A light thinning can also be done mid-season to encourage additional blooms.