Fairy Hats (Clematis crispa) is a semi-woody twining vine that grows to 10 feet in length. Native to swamps and flood plains of the southeast US, this plant is known for its fragrance and showy lavender-pink-white flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and numerous other insects. Spring and fall blooms give way to attractive, spider-like seed heads with a silky tail.
Although heat tolerant, the plant cannot tolerate dry conditions and drought can be fatal. Use it as a trailing ground cover in your rain garden or along a stream or plant it on a trellis where you can regularly water it. Fairy hats pair well with swamp twinflower (Dyschoriste humistrata) and marsh rattlesnake (Eryngium aquaticum).
Please note: fairy hats have high severity poison characteristics with the potential to cause convulsions and confusion. It is toxic to dogs, cats, horses. Contact dermatitis is a problem for some people, so please use garden gloves when handling and be sure to plant only in areas where it won’t be a problem for your family or pets.
/djs