Old Man's Beard
Clematis vitalba
Also listed as Anemone vitalba, Clematis bannatica
Also known as Traveller's Joy, Traveler's Joy
Climate Match for your location
See how well Old Man's Beard grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A vigorous deciduous climbing vine with feathery seedheads that persist through winter, resembling an old man's beard. Produces small white flowers in late summer followed by silken seed plumes.
Why grow it
Clematis vitalba produces abundant late-season flowers when many other climbing vines have finished blooming, and its persistent seedheads extend ornamental interest well into winter. Unlike some hybrid clematis varieties, it requires minimal pruning and performs reliably in a range of soil conditions, making it a low-maintenance option for quick vertical coverage. Its vigor suits sites where a substantial screen is needed, though this same characteristic requires space distinct from more delicate companion plantings.
Watch out for
Young plants may take a season or two to establish before producing vigorous growth, so patience is needed during the early growth phase. In areas with hot, dry summers, consistent moisture during establishment and occasional watering thereafter will improve flowering and vigor compared to neglected plantings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A vigorous deciduous climbing vine with feathery seedheads that persist through winter, resembling an old man's beard. Produces small white flowers in late summer followed by silken seed plumes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Old Man's Beard grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Clematis vitalba produces abundant late-season flowers when many other climbing vines have finished blooming, and its persistent seedheads extend ornamental interest well into winter. Unlike some hybrid clematis varieties, it requires minimal pruning and performs reliably in a range of soil conditions, making it a low-maintenance option for quick vertical coverage. Its vigor suits sites where a substantial screen is needed, though this same characteristic requires space distinct from more delicate companion plantings.
Watch out for
Young plants may take a season or two to establish before producing vigorous growth, so patience is needed during the early growth phase. In areas with hot, dry summers, consistent moisture during establishment and occasional watering thereafter will improve flowering and vigor compared to neglected plantings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar climbers you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.