Clematis 'Betty Corning'

betty corning clematis

Ranunculaceae

Natural hybrid discovered Albany, New York (C. viticella × C. crispa)

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Clematis 'Betty Corning' is a vigorous, deciduous, climbing vine reaching 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) per season with a spread of 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m). This hybrid (C. viticella × C. crispa) carries abundant, nodding, bell-shaped flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) long with four recurved, slightly twisted tepals in pale lavender-blue to lilac, carrying a subtle sweet fragrance. Flowers appear continuously from June through September on current-season growth. Leaves are compound and pinnate with 5–7 ovate leaflets. The plant climbs by twining leaf petioles. All top growth dies back in winter or is cut to near ground level (Pruning Group 3). Annual regrowth is vigorous and reaches 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) from the base by mid-summer. The cultivar was found growing wild along a fence in Albany, New York, in the 1930s by Betty Corning—a chance discovery rather than an intentional breeding program. The C. viticella parentage confers resistance to clematis wilt (Calophoma clematidina), the most damaging disease of the genus. The small flower size is matched by flower numbers, producing a lace-like effect of dozens of bells simultaneously through the peak season. All parts contain protoanemonin, an irritant that causes skin and mucous membrane contact dermatitis; sap contact during pruning should be rinsed off promptly and ingestion causes mouth burning and GI upset.

Native Range

Clematis 'Betty Corning' is a natural hybrid (C. viticella × C. crispa) discovered growing on a fence in Albany, New York, in the 1930s. C. viticella is native to southern Europe; C. crispa is native to the southeastern United States, so the parent species do not co-occur in the wild and the cross arose in garden cultivation.

Suggested Uses

Planted on trellises, arbors, fences, and pergolas at 3–5 foot (0.9–1.5 m) spacing. The vigorous annual growth covers structures within a single season. Functions scrambling through large shrubs and small trees, threading among the host branches without strangling them. The subtle fragrance suits siting near seating areas and along paths where the scent reaches people at close range. Grows in large containers of at least 7 gallons (26 L) with a support. The June through September bloom and the wilt resistance make this cultivar suitable for less experienced clematis growers. Paired with climbing roses, the small bells weave through and between the rose flowers in a combined display.

How to Identify

Separated from 'Alionushka' by the true climbing (versus non-climbing scrambling) habit and the smaller, thinner-textured, more numerous flowers. Separated from large-flowered clematis hybrids by the small, nodding, bell-shaped (versus large, flat, upward-facing) flowers. Separated from C. viticella by the pale lavender-blue (versus deep purple) color and the subtle fragrance. The abundant, nodding, pale lavender-blue, fragrant bells on a vigorous climbing vine identify this cultivar.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 10'

Width/Spread3' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

purple

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~14 weeks

Summer Fall

Nodding, bell-shaped, pale lavender-blue to lilac flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) long open continuously from June through September on current-season growth. Bloom duration runs 12–16 weeks—a prolonged flowering season for the genus. Silky seed heads develop after flowering and persist into fall.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pale lavender-blue to lilac

Foliage Description

Medium green, compound pinnate with 5-7 leaflets

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant with the crown 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) below the soil surface in moist, well-drained soil. Full sun to partial shade; shading the root zone with low companion plants or mulch reduces summer stress. A trellis, fence, or arbor supplies climbing support. The vigorous annual regrowth covers 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) per season. Consistent moisture through the growing season supports sustained bloom. The C. viticella parentage confers strong resistance to clematis wilt. Cutting all stems to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) in late winter (Pruning Group 3) renews the flowering framework. All parts contain protoanemonin, an irritant; gloves during pruning reduce skin contact.

Pruning

Pruning Group 3: all stems are cut to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) above ground in late February to March, just above a pair of strong buds. Flowers form on new wood. The vigorous annual regrowth reaches full height by mid-summer. No summer pruning is needed.

Pruning Schedule

winterearly spring