Clematis virginiana is a vigorous native North American vine known for its frothy clusters of fragrant white flowers in late summer. It grows rapidly forming dense screens on fences or arbors and supports pollinators and wildlife.
Height & Spread: 12 - 20 ft x 6 - 10 ft
Bloom Time: Late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, rich soil; adaptable to clay and loam
Watering Needs: Moderate; tolerates occasional flooding
Deer Resistance: Low; often browsed by deer
Native Status
This species is native to the eastern United States and thrives in woodland edges, streambanks, and moist thickets.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Provides late season nectar for a variety of bees, including bumblebees and small native pollinators.
Birds
- The dense growth offers shelter and nesting cover for songbirds such as wrens and cardinals.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 6 - 10 ft apart or plant singly for fast screen coverage on vertical supports.
Landscape Placement
- Perfect for naturalistic plantings, native hedgerows, and wildlife corridors where quick coverage and habitat value are needed.
Companion Plants
- Solidago rugosa (Rough Goldenrod) - Offers bright contrast and pollinator support in similar habitats.
- Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset) - Thrives in moist soil and provides complementary white flower clusters.
- Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster) - Adds bold fall color to native plantings with Clematis virginiana.
- Silphium perfoliatum (Cup Plant) - Grows in wet soils and attracts birds and pollinators near clematis.
- Monarda didyma (Bee Balm) - Offers vibrant midsummer blooms and hummingbird appeal in layered native beds.