Clematis Vitalba

Description

This beautiful British native climber is attractive to birds (for seeds and shelter), bees and butterflies (nectar). It has huge trusses of fragrant, greenish-white flowers from July-August which are followed by most attractive fluffy white seed heads. It is best planted at the base of an established hedge and allowed to scramble through it. Birds such as Goldfinch and Greenfinch feed on the seed heads at Plant World but many more birds use it when they take the fluffy seed heads for nesting material, whilst Small Emerald and Chalk Carpet Moth caterpillars may feed on the foliage.

Sowing Advice

Sow seeds at any time onto a good soil-based compost covering seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. We recommend germinating at 15 to 20 degrees C. Germination may be very slow, perhaps 2-3 months, or sometimes much longer, and these seeds may sometimes wait for spring before emerging. Grow on individual seedlings in 3 inch pots before finally planting with climbing support in a well-drained spot or very large pot.

Key Facts