Swamp Leather Flower Info: Learn About Swamp Leather Clematis

Swamp leather flowers are climbing vines native to the southeastern U.S. They have unique, fragrant flowers and simple, green foliage that comes back reliably every spring. In the warm climates of the U.S., they make a great climbing native plant alternative to other invasive fragrant vines. Keep reading to learn more about swamp leather flower care and growing swamp leather flowers in the garden.

Swamp Leather Flower Info

The swamp leather flower (Clematis crispa) is a type of clematis that goes by many names, including blue jasmine, curly clematis, curly flower, and southern leather flower. It is a climbing vine, usually growing between 6 and 10 feet (2-3 m.) in length. Native to the southeastern United States, it grows as a perennial in USDA zones 6 to 9. The plant dies down to the ground in the winter and comes back with new growth in the spring. In midspring, it produces unique flowers that bloom throughout the growing season until the autumn frost. The flowers are actually petal-less and are instead made up of four large, fused sepals that split and curve back at the ends (a little like a half-peeled banana). These flowers come in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white, and they are slightly fragrant.

How to Grow Swamp Leather Flowers

Swamp leather flowers like moist soil, and they grow best in woods, ditches, and along streams and ponds. As well as moist conditions, the vines prefer their soil to be rich and somewhat acidic. They also like partial to full sun. The vine itself is thin and delicate, which is very good at climbing. Swamp leather flowers do very well scaling walls and fences, but they can also be grown in containers, as long as they receive enough water. The vines will die down with the first frost of autumn, but new growth will appear in the spring. No pruning is necessary other than to remove any leftover dead growth.