Also known as white Virgin’s bower and Traveler’s joy, this deciduous perennial vine is native to forests and woodlands of Eurasia and North Africa. It is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes anemone, monkshood and hellebore. The vines grow up to 90′ long and have branched, grooved stems that rapidly climb over structures and other plants. The pinnately compound leaves are 3-10″ long and have 3 or 5 leaflets with toothed margins. Loose clusters of cream-colored flowers appear in the axils of the upper leaves in the summer. Each flower is 3/4″ across and has 5 tepals and a large number of stamens and pistils. Seeds appear in the fall and have a long silky tail. Plants can smother the vegetation around it and is considered invasive in some areas of its range. The genus name Clematis, comes from the Greek word κλήμα (kléma) meaning vine. The specific epithet, vitalaba comes from the Latin words, vita, meaning vine, and alba meaning white, referring to the white flowers on the plant.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Type: Deciduous perennial vine
Bloom: Clusters of small white flowers in summer followed by long tailed seed heads in fall (shown on right.)
Size: Up to 90′ H
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Soil: Average, medium moist, well-drained; tolerates alkaline soil
USDA Hardiness: Zones 4-8
Care: Rapid growth and high seed protection allows plants to become invasive and need control
Pests and Diseases: Tomato spotted wilt virus
Propagation: Seed, stem cuttings, layering
Companion Plants: Vigorous growth of the vine limits companions
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Karen