Clematis virginiana (Virgin’s Bower)

Clematis virginiana (Virgin’s Bower) is a large deciduous climber with masses of sweetly fragrant, pure white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), from late summer to fall. The blossoms are so profuse that they generally cover the foliage of trifoliate bright-green leaves. Even after flowering is over, this vine remains attractive, thanks to the plume-like seedheads left by the passing female flowers, therefore providing winter interest. Lacking tendrils, the vine supports itself by means of twisted stems, or petioles, that wrap around other plants. Without support, it will sprawl along the ground as a dense ground cover. Adding charm, fragrance and color in the late season garden, this vigorous and extremely floriferous vine is perfect for covering a wall, fence or arbor.

• Quickly grows up to 10-20 ft. long (3-6 m). Can spread aggressively by self-seeding and suckering.
• Thrives in medium to wet, well-drained soils, in full sun or part shade. Ideally, Clematis prefer having their ‘heads in the sun and their feet in the shade’. Unlike most clematis, Virgin’s Bower is tolerant of considerable shade. Prefers moist, rich soils, but will also thrive in dry shade.
• This Clematis belongs to the third group of Clematis – a group including Clematis which flower in late summer on growth made in that season. They should be pruned in late winter or early spring and require ‘hard pruning’: simply cut back the stems to a pair of strong buds about 1ft. (30 cm) above ground level before growth begins in early spring. Cut back immediately after bloom where self-sown seedlings are a problem. 
• Keep an eye out for clematis wilt, powdery mildew, leaf spots, rust, aphids, vine weevils, scale, earwigs and spider mites. 
• Native to Eastern North America.
• The leaves of this species are poisonous to humans.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

As climbers, Clematis are unsurpassed in their long flowering presence, their rich diversity of flower shapes, their wide array of colors and tolerances in terms of exposure and climate. It is no wonder they are so popular! From tree huggers to container varieties, there is a Clematis for every garden and flowers for almost every month of the year! Members of the Ranunculaceae family, they include more than 300 species and hundreds of hybrids. They create year after year a ravishing colorful show in the garden whether solely trained on walls, arbors or trellises, or grown in association with other climbers. They are divided into 3 groups which determine how they should be pruned. Regular pruning of Clematis is important as it promotes strong growth and flowering as well as a harmonious plant. If left unpruned, Clematis can turn into a mass of tangled stems with a bare base and flowers well above eye level.