Family
Ranunculaceae
Botanical Name
CLEMATIS chrysocoma
Plant Common Name
Evergreen Chinese Clematis
General Description
Introduced to Western gardens from China in the late 19th century, this often shrubby deciduous vine is best known by the form commonly sold as C. spooneri. In late spring, C. chrysocoma produces masses of fragrant, four-"petaled" flowers that are white to light pink with yellow anthers. They recur intermittently through summer. The stems and three-parted leaves are covered with yellow down. Attractive feathery seedheads follow the flowers. The form sold as C. spooneri is a strongly climbing plant with blunt-"petaled" flowers that have earned it the nickname "dogwood clematis". Plants sold as C. spooneri in the United States often have down-free leaves that resemble those of C. montana.
C. chrysocoma does well in full or partial sun and a wide range of soils. It flowers on one-year-old wood and may be pruned soon after flowering to promote next year's blooms. It looks great trained on a fence, trellis, or pergola.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Plant Type
Vine/Liana
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
10'-15' / 3.0m - 4.6m
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Width
3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Vining/Climbing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Pink
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Fruit Color
Brown, Silver
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No