The "scarlet leather flower," scientifically known as Clematis texensis, is a captivating and unique vine in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Here are some complete facts about it:
Botanical & General Characteristics:
Scientific Name: Clematis texensis (formerly Clematis coccinea).
Common Names: Scarlet Leather-flower, Scarlet Clematis, Texas Clematis.
Plant Type: Herbaceous to slightly woody, deciduous perennial vine.
Growth Habit: Twining vine, climbing to 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) in height and 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) in width. It can be trained to climb fences, arbors, trellises, or cover rock walls.
Native Range: Endemic to the southeastern Edwards Plateau region of Texas, USA, where it grows naturally on limestone cliffs, rocky slopes, and along stream beds.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Growth Rate: Rapid.
Flowers and Bloom:
Flower Appearance: Bell-shaped or urn-shaped flowers, typically 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long.
"Petals": What appear to be petals are actually thick, leather-like sepals. These petaloid sepals are usually scarlet-red on the outside, and can be creamy yellow or pink-red on the inside.
Bloom Time: Blooms profusely on new growth from spring through summer, and often continues until the first frost, especially under ideal sunny conditions.
Arrangement: Flowers are held in axillary clusters of one to seven.
Hybrids: Clematis texensis has been used to create various showier hybrid cultivars with a range of pink to dark scarlet red colors, such as 'Duchess of Albany', 'Princess Diana', 'Gravetye Beauty', and 'Sir Trevor Lawrence'. These hybrids often have four sepals and resemble lily-flowered tulips.
Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds.
Foliage and Fruit:
Leaves: Deciduous, grayish-green, pinnate to bi-pinnate, about 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) long, with ovate leaflets. The terminal leaflets are often twisted and act as tendrils.
Fruit: After flowering, a feathery ball of plumed seeds (achenes with silky-plumose tails) is displayed, which can be ornamental. Seeds are viable for up to two years without refrigeration.
Growing Conditions and Care:
Light: Thrives in full sun, ideally with some afternoon shade to keep the roots cool. Tolerates partial shade, though flowering may be less robust.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Tolerates loamy, sandy, or shallow rocky soils with a neutral to alkaline pH (6.0-8.0). Good drainage is crucial. If in clay soil, amend with peat moss and compost.
Water: Drought-tolerant once established due to deep roots, but benefits from consistent, moderate watering (about once a week) to maintain health, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Hardiness Zones: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.
Temperature Tolerance: Resilient to temperature fluctuations, enduring cold extremes down to -25°C (-13°F) and heat up to 38°C (100°F).
Pruning: As it blooms on new wood, prune in late winter or early spring (Type 3 pruning). Cut stems back to 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall. Remove dead or weak stems to promote healthy growth and enhance flowering.
Propagation: Can be propagated by seed (requires cold stratification for 4-6 weeks) or by single, internodal softwood cuttings taken in summer (though rooting can be challenging). Layering in late summer is also an option.
Fertilization: Add a mild fertilizer in March.
Pests & Diseases: Generally robust, but can be susceptible to powdery mildew, stem rot, and clematis wilt (a fungal infection that requires cutting back the infected plant material to the ground). Pests like snails, slugs, caterpillars, or earwigs can cause holes in leaves.
Deer Resistance: Moderate.
Other Facts:
Toxicity: Clematis texensis is considered poisonous to pets (dogs, cats, horses) and can cause skin irritation in humans.
Medicinal Uses (Traditional): Traditionally, a tea brewed from dried, chopped stems was reported as a treatment for headaches, especially migraines. A tincture was formerly used as a counter-irritant when applied topically to the skin.
Ornamental Value: Highly valued in gardens for its vibrant color, unique bell-shaped flowers, and ability to climb. Excellent for small spaces, cottage gardens, and rock gardens.
Symbolism: The bright red color can signify passion, energy, and a fervent desire for achievement.
