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Clematis virginiana
Virgin's Bower (Devil's Darning Needles, Devil's Hair, Love Vine)
After a year or two of slow growth, it spreads rapidly with sweet-smelling, white blooms, making it one of the most useful, drought tolerant, native plants.
- » Flower Colour: Small, white
- » Flower Size: 3 cm
- » Bloom Time: All summer
- » Pruning Group: 3
- » Profuse clusters at leaf axils
- » Leaves are bright green, 10 cm long, with three sharply-toothed, ovate leaflets
- » Feathery seed heads
Additional Information about Clematis virginiana
Clematis are grouped into three different categories for pruning and maintenance:
Group 3: Late Flowering - Flowers form on the terminal 60-90 cm of the current season's growth. Some bloom as early as midsummer and continue into the fall. In early spring, prune each stem, leaving the lowest 2-3 buds. The new growth can be tipped back when it reaches about 30 cm, to induce better branching and flowering.
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Clematis virginiana
Clematis virginiana is known to be a prolific self-seeder. Clematis grow best in a rich, moist to average, well-drained soil, in full sun. Protection from intense afternoon sun is beneficial. Large, flowering bi-colours, reds, and blues may fade quickly if planted in direct sun. Roots need a cool environment to thrive; it is recommended planting a ground cover or shallow rooted perennial to shade the roots; mulching is suggested. Plant the crown 3-5 cm below the soil's surface. Clematis are slow to establish and initially need to be tied to a trellis or fence to begin climbing.