James H. Schutte
Family
Ranunculaceae
Botanical Name
CLEMATIS montana
Plant Common Name
Virgin's Bower
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
An early-blooming clematis from China and the Himalayas, this large, vigorous, woody vine bears masses of elegant flowers from mid to late spring. The long-stemmed, white or pink, often fragrant blooms have four segments and a central starburst of pale yellow stamens. Attractive plumed fruits follow the flowers. The three-parted, dark green, deciduous leaves have clasping stalks which enable the vine to cling to supports. This long-lived plant is capable of reaching mammoth proportions over time, enveloping trees or garden structures.
This lovely vine thrives in full to part sun and fertile, well-drained, mildly acidic to alkaline soil. It grows and flowers best if its roots remain shaded and cool. Prune spent flowering stems immediately after bloom, before next year's flower buds form. Use this vine where it has room to ramble. A garden highlight when it bloom, it is also a valuable foliage plant, providing shade and screening when in leaf. Several selections with large, sweetly perfumed flowers are available, including 'Alexander' (white) and 'Elizabeth' (pale pink).
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Sunset Zone
3b, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
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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
15'-46' / 4.6m - 14.0m (20)
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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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
Average Water
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Habit
Vining/Climbing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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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
No
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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
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Vine
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No