Virgin’s Bower Facts – How To Grow Virgin’s Bower Clematis

If you're looking for a native flowering vine which thrives in a variety of light conditions, Virgin's Bower clematis (Clematis virginiana) may be the answer. Although the Virgin's Bower vine doesn't produce the large, showy flowers of other clematis varieties, like Nelly Moser or Jackmanii, it's one of the few vines which blooms proficiently in the shade.

Virgin's Bower Facts

Virgin's Bower clematis is native to eastern United States and Canada. This perennial, deciduous vine can be found growing in moist lowlands, thickets, and woodlands, especially those bordering streams and ponds. Virgin's Bower vine readily climbs natural elements like trees and shrubs. It can also spread along the surface of the ground, forming a dense foliage cover.

The Virgin's Bower vine has several common names including Italian clematis, woodbine, and devil's darning needle. Like other types of clematis, it climbs by wrapping its leaf petioles around an upright support. Here are some additional Virgin's Bower facts:

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
• Light Requirements: Full sun to shade
• Water Requirements: Moist soil
• Bloom time: Late summer or early fall
• Flower color: Pure white
• Height: Climbs to 20 feet (6 m.) 

How to Grow Virgin's Bower

Virgin's Bower clematis is perfect for naturalizing those woody or wilder areas of the garden. It's fairly deer resistant and will readily grow along manmade structures like fences and trellises. The fragrant white flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees while the dense green foliage serves as nesting sites for birds. All parts of the plant are toxic to mammals. 

The Virgin's Bower vine prefers a rich, fertile loamy or silty soil with average to above average moisture levels. It grows best in partial shade. Virgin's Bower care is much easier than with other types of clematis and it has no reported insect or disease problems.

Is Virgin’s Bower Clematis Invasive?

Virgin's Bower is a fast-growing clematis which can aggressively spread across the garden. It propagates easily from wind-dispersed seeds and by the asexual formation of suckers. Luckily, these can be easily controlled in the garden setting:

Unlike other types of clematis, Virgin's bower is dioecious. Seed production requires both a male and female plant. To prevent seed formation, choose only male plants or purchase one Virgin's Bower vine and propagate through asexual means.

Virgin's Bower is a species of clematis that blooms only on new wood, so radical pruning won't affect flower production. It can be lightly pruned to control its shape anytime during the growing season or trimmed back to 8 to 12 inches (20-31 cm.) above the soil line in late fall or early spring.

Despite the need to control its vigorous growth, this clematis is not considered harmful to trees. With control measures, they can be a wonderful addition to a naturalized garden. Their profuse delicate white blossoms add an innocent charm to any fall-flowering garden bed.