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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

1gal Staked
$30.63
  • Category:Vines
  • Hardiness Zone:4
  • Height:4-6 m
  • Spread:4-5 m
  • Bloom Color: White
Exposure
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate
Fast
Flowering Time
Summer
Lt. Sum-Fall
Habit
Climbing
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape uses
Screening (privacy)
Specimen
Planting instructions
Container Plants
Additional Information about Clematis virginiana

Native to Ontario

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.