Description

A fine-textured vine with profuse clusters of small, sweetly fragrant, white flowers followed by plume-like, feathery seedpods. Bright-green leaves. The vine supports itself by means of twisted stems, or petioles, that wrap around other plants or structures. A “happy spreader” – it proliferates by suckering and self-seeding. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. How do you differentiate our native Clematis from the non-native and invasive sweet autumn clematis (C. ternifolia)? The native Clematis has teeth on its leaves, while the leaves of the non-native Clematis have no teeth. Prefers average, well-drained but moist soil. Keep the roots cool. Clematis prefer their “feet in the shade, head in the sun.” (Shade with other plants, mulch or rocks.) Blooms on new wood and benefits from a hard pruning in late winter. Leave at least two pairs of buds on each stem. Don’t forget to buy a trellis! Height: 12-20 ft. Spread: 3-6 ft. Family: Ranunculaceae Bloom time: August to October Sun: full sun to part shade Water: medium to wet According to Rutgers University, Clematis are “occasionally severely damaged” by deer. But Missouri Botanical Garden says Clematis tolerate deer. Let us know about your experience! photo credit: SB_Johnny This vine is native to North America.