Clematis vitalba
traveller's joy - clematis (group 3)
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This climber is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: Full sun, partial or full shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Fast
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
A robust climber for clothing shady walls and arches, this deciduous clematis displays lush green foliage and blooms with clusters of scented creamy-white flowers from mid-summer to early autumn. The flowers give way to long-lasting silky seedheads, resembling the captivating appearance of an old man's beard (another of its many common names). Known for nourishing moth larvae, this species prefers neutral to alkaline soils, offering both beauty and ecological significance in any garden setting.
Clematis need their roots to be kept cool and moist, so plant the base of these climbers in light shade or provide shading with other plants or a dressing of pebbles. In early spring cut back the previous year's stems to a pair of strong buds about 15-20cm (6-8in) above ground level and apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser and a mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the plant, avoiding the immediate crown.
- Humans: Skin allergen; Pets: Harmful if eaten