Fragrant Virgin's Bower Clematis Flammula Plant

Fragrant Clematis

Family

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)

Origin

Southern Europe & Northern Africa

Description

Fragrant Virgin's Vower is a climber with opposite leaves primarily trifoliate, although some of them are simple. It is cultivated worldwide as an ornamental plant in gardens. The flowers are white, borne in fall. The blooms are nicely fragrant and visited by bees.. Leaflets are thick, sparsely hairy, entire (rarely 2-lobed). This woody vine bears fragrant white flowers, 2-3 cm across, and small green achene s. When the flowers are newly opened they have a strong sweet almond fragrance. The vine grows in a tangled mass that is heavily sprinkled with flowers throughout the warmer months. The stems are initially green or dull red, but they eventually turn brown and woody. If the vine has no other plants or structures to climb on, it will climb on itself, forming a large, densely tangled bush. The plant sends out many shoots and can reach over five meters in height. It is sweet-smelling but poisonous.

Environment

Clematis prefer loose, loamy soil with excellent drainage and a mildly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.5 .Try keeping them in bright sunlight but also where they get a little cover from the harsh afternoon sun. Some plants which are a little tender tend to burn due to the same. 

Ensure the trellis slats are small enough for leaf tendrils to wrap around – 3/4 inch max.  Help initial growth find support by gently attaching vines with plant clips, twine, or velcro. Provide shade for the roots with shallow-rooted ground covers or shrubs.

Starting in mid-spring and continuing to midsummer, fertilize plants monthly using a balanced fertilizer. During their first growing season, all clematis benefit substantially if the tips of new shoots are pinched out regularly to encourage branching.

Landscape Use

Specimen decoration along fences and trellises, or as ground cover. Also does well in containers.