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Value-for-money

Clematis vitalba - Old Man's Beard

Clematis vitalba
Old Man's Beard, Traveller's Joy

5,0/5
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Planted since the end of spring, it has taken root well, but no flowers yet...

claudine, 16/11/2023

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Value-for-money
This common botanical species is a large climbing, woody, deciduous plant that can reach 25m (82ft) long. It spreads its long leafy branches on trees and along hedges, covering itself in countless small, white-greenish flowers with a dishevelled centre which are very fragrant in the evening. Its round and silky, silvery seed heads remain on the plant for a long time. This vigorous climbing plant will fit well in a garden that embraces nature and protects biodiversity.
Flower size
1 cm
Height at maturity
5 m
Spread at maturity
1 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October
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Flowering time July to September
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Description

Clematis vitalba is also known as the Hedge Clematis, White Vine Clematis, or Beggar's Herb. This common botanical species, long known for its medicinal properties, is a massive, woody, climbing plant, which can reach 25m (82ft) long over time. It spreads its long leafy branches on trees and along hedges, covering itself in countless small, greenish-white flowers with a ruffled centre which are particularly fragrant in the evening. Its round and silky fruits remain on the plant for a long time like small, silvery flakes on its bare branches in the heart of winter. This vigorous clematis may sometimes make its way into your garden and will fit well in a garden that embraces nature and protects biodiversity.

 

The Clematis genus belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. The botanical species vitalba, also known as the wood clematis, is native to France. It is a perennial climbing vine that turns woody over time. It is very vigorous and floriferous, grows quickly and lives for many years to reach an impressive size. It is classified in the group of clematis that flower until autumn on the current year's growth. The main stem can measure up to 10cm (4in) in diameter on an old plant, while the sturdy secondary branches become as thick as a finger. Flowering begins in July and continues until September. The very fragrant and nectar-rich inflorescences are pale panicles of 4-petaled flowers, arranged around a centre of prominent and ruffled stamens, measuring 1 to 2cm (0 to 1in) in diameter. The flowers are followed by characteristic, feathery, silvery, and silky, very decorative seed heads. The deciduous foliage is opposite leaves, composed of 3 to 9 ovate and pointed leaflets. The twirling, evergreen petioles wrap around support, allowing the vegetation to anchor firmly, even when dry. The stems turn woody over time and their initially smooth bark takes on a yellowish-grey hue and peels off in thin strips.

 

Clematis vitalba is so vigorous that it competes with climbing vines to cover unsightly buildings, dead trees, or unsightly fences. Plant your clematis on either side of the support to be covered. Its pretty seed heads will blend well with the purplish foliage of dyer's vine, and its flowering will take over from fragrant clusters of climbing roses. This clematis, which will bloom in semi-shade, will smother weeds plants on the edge of undergrowth or near abandoned walls. It needs space but very little maintenance and it is easy to grow in the sun, in fertile and well-drained soil. It is a good plant for gardens and natural undergrowth, as it nourishes and protects numerous insects and animals, creating a habitat rich in biodiversity.

The plant was formerly used in natural, topical medicine. Its sap has analgesic and circulatory properties, but its toxicity should not be overlooked; the fresh sap can blister the skin, a trait that beggars used in ancient times, hence the nickname beggars' herb.

Clematis vitalba - Old Man's Beard in pictures

Clematis vitalba - Old Man's Beard (Flowering) Flowering
Clematis vitalba - Old Man's Beard (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 5 m
Spread at maturity 1 m
Growth rate fast

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time July to September
Inflorescence Panicle
Flower size 1 cm
Fragrance slightly scented
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Fruit colour grey

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Clematis

Species

vitalba

Family

Ranunculaceae

Other common names

Old Man's Beard, Traveller's Joy

Origin

Western Europe

Product reference8157111

Other Clematis Vitalba

30
From €20.50 2L/3L pot

Planting and care

Clematis vitalba should be planted in spring or autumn, 5cm (2in) deep, with the root ball laid flat on the ground and not vertically as usual, with its head in the sun and foot in the shade. Cover the base with a small mound of soil to encourage new shoots. After planting, prune the stems to 30cm (12in) from the base, above a pair of buds. Train them loosely to help the plant cling on its own later. Pruning is not essential, it will only be necessary to contain the vigorous growth of this plant in winter.

This species is adapted to all climates, tolerating cold, heat, and even drought if the soil is deep. It prefers nitrogen-rich, clayey, loamy and stony soil on a limestone subsoil. It is a nitrophilous plant, meaning it likes nitrogen. When it grows in the wild, it is an indicator of nitrogen-rich, therefore fertile, environments.

 

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October
Type of support Tree, Wall

Intended location

Suitable for Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Border, Climbing
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, fertile, deep and well-drained

Care

Pruning instructions As this clematis blooms on the current year's branches, its growth can be pruned to 20 cm (8in) from the soil, or the main stem, above a healthy pair of buds, in late winter (March), before the start of growth. This will also help to keep it smaller, otherwise it will reach an impressive size.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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