Photo of Clematis virginiana flower by SB_Johnny

Photo by SB_Johnny

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Show all photos

Clematis virginiana

Also Known As

  • Devil's Darning Needles
  • Virgin's Bower
  • Woodbine

Plant type

perennial, vine

size

  • H: 10'-20'
  • W: 3'-6'

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

More Options

Clematis virginiana plant details

Clematis virginiana is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous perennial vine with green foliage. In fall and summer cream and white flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Clematis virginiana

Plant type: perennial vine
Plant family: ranunculaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT - 6 FT - wide, 10 FT - 20 FT - tall
Flowers: cream and white blooms in fall and summer
Uses: fragrant, native plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Clematis virginiana

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Clematis virginiana is a wonderfully fragrant vine that will astound you with its vigorous growth of 12-20' in a single season. Its pure white flowers have narrow petals giving it a lacy feminine appearance and the blooms are a favorite of the honeybee for nectar and pollen. Native to Eastern North America, Virgin's Bower should be grown in full sun to partial shade in medium to wet soil. The flowering season ranges from July to September and puffy white ornamental seed heads appear at the end of the flowering cycle.
This beautiful native clematis is a great grower and is spectacular in late-summer and fall when it is profusely covered with beatiful small white flowers that are fragrant.? Every bit as showy as sweet autumn clematis, but somewhat earlier flowering.? Attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Virgin's Bower is a native Clematis that lights up the fall landscape with its silky, feather-like silvery seedheads. The small white flowers of Clematis virginiana appear in mid-summer. Plant next to other tall sturdy flowers or shrubs, and it will use them as a natural trellis. Requires a rich moist soil. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9.
Clematis virginiana is an easy and generous native climber suitable for a larger space. It's a good native alternative to Sweet Autumn Clematis which we no longer offer due to its invasive nature in many parts of the United States. Virginiana is often found in moist conditions at the edge of the woods but will tolerate a wide range of conditions once established. It blooms at the end of summer in most locations and the seed heads persist well for fall interest or dried arrangements. Try growing it through a small tree.
Similar to and often confused with Sweet Autumn clematis but the key to identifying them is simple - Virgin's Bower has toothed leaves, Sweet Autumn clematis has un-toothed leaves. Wonderful 1" white flowers with fluffy white stamens from July thru September.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Gardening facts about Clematis virginiana plant

How to Grow Clematis virginiana

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • cream
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved