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Virgin's-bower

Clematis virginiana

Also listed as Clematis bracteata, Clematis canadensis

Also known as Virginia Virgin's-bower, Virginia Clematis, Wild Clematis

vine☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate water❄ Hardy: Zone 3a – Zone 8b

Climate Match for your location

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A vigorous native deciduous vine with fragrant, small white flowers in late summer followed by feathery seedheads. It climbs readily over structures and natural supports.

Why grow it

Virgin's-bower offers vigorous, self-supporting coverage for arbors and fences with minimal training, making it useful where other clematis cultivars require more careful pruning schedules. Its late-season bloom extends flowering interest into fall when many deciduous vines have finished, and the persistent seedheads provide winter ornament. As a native species, it supports local pollinator and bird populations better than many introduced ornamental vines.

Watch out for

This plant can spread vigorously in favorable conditions and may overtake nearby plantings if not managed; regular pruning helps contain it to intended areas. The foliage is relatively unpalatable to deer but may still suffer browsing pressure in areas with high deer populations. In dry sites, water stress during establishment can slow vigor, so consistent moisture during the first growing season improves success.

Overview

Form
Spreading
Growth Rate
fast
Size
6–15′ tall × 6–20′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Ranunculaceae
Erosion controlPollinators & beneficial insects

Native to the United States

Native Range

Eastern North America

Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SummerFall

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Companion Planting

Plants well with