Clematis virginiana

Common Name
Virgin's bower
Virgin's-bower
Plant Form
Vines
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
20.0
Growth Rate
Fast
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8

Photographer: sbrockway
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: sbrockway
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: sbrockway
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Rosemarie Nielsen
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Julia Beach
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

In eastern North American* lowlands, this vigorous native vine quickly climbs by twining or trails along the ground in twisted fashion. A prolific bloomer, its white flowers attract pollinators late summer into fall followed by showy seed heads reminiscent of an “old man’s beard,” another of its common names.

*It is native to DC and to areas in Maryland. In DE, it is common in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. It is native to all but one county in PA. In VA, it is common in the mountains, frequent in the Piedmont, and infrequent in the Coastal Plain.

Although small in size, the flowers of Clematis virginiana are large in number and attract a variety of pollinators – bees, wasps, butterflies and moths. Spreads rapidly by self-seeding and root suckers

Attracts bees, wasps, Lepidoptera, and birds

Flower Color
Cream/White
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Fragrant
Yes
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Deer Resitant
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Hummingbirds
Carniola Farms Nursery

Nursery operates Arlington Native Plants & Edibles located at 925 N. Madison St. Arlington Virginia 22205. Plants can be purchased at any time by making an email appointment at carniolafarms@gmail.com. Also, during the during the planting season, they are open some Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. Check their website for datesThis plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

In Stock? Notes
Yes View My Wishlist