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CLEMATIS montana

Image of Clematis montana

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

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    3b, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

  • Plant Type

    Vine/Liana

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    15'-46' / 4.6m - 14.0m (20)

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    China

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Vining/Climbing

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Vine

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No