Clematis flammula Fragrant virgin's bower (Ranunculaceae) Deciduous climber

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Clematis flammula
Fragrant virgin's bower
Deciduous climber
(1 Page of 5)

The Clematis flammula plant species is found in S. Europe. An infrequent casual in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Fragrant virgin's bower.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Clematis flammula
Common Name:  Fragrant virgin's bower
Family:  Ranunculaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  All parts of the plant are poisonous, the toxic principle is dissipated by heat or by drying[65].

Mature Height:  4   Mature Width:  4

Habitat:  Hedges, thickets and waste places[89].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a deep moist well-drained soil with its roots in the shade[182, 200]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[11, 200]. Dislikes light sandy soils[11]. Does well on chalk[1]. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils[200]. Thrives in exposed positions[182]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[202]. A twining plant[182], it is fast growing[202]. The leafstalks wrap themselves around twigs and branches for support. When a side of the stalk touches an object, the growth on that side slows down whilst the other side grows at its normal rate - this causes the leaf stalk to entwine the object it is touching[212]. When planting out, in order to avoid the disease 'clematis wilt', it is best to plant the rootball about 8cm deeper in the soil. This will also serve to build up a good root crown of growth buds[200]. A very ornamental plant[1], the flowers are very fragrant[202]. They have a pronounced smell of meadowsweet, almost too powerful when inhaled close-up[245]. They are produced on the current season's growth and so any pruning of the plant is best carried out in the spring before new growth begins[219]. Plants rarely produce fertile seed in Britain[219]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[88, 200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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