Clematis virginiana

Woodbine, a native of central and eastern United States and Canada, is a woody, perennial vine in the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family. It is a rapid grower and can reach 15 to 20 feet high, climbing by its clinging leaf stalks, and 3 to 6 feet wide. Its name derives from the Greek word klēmatis, meaning brushwood or broken branches, perhaps owing to its fragile stems. 

It prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial to some deep shade. It is one of the few vines that will flower in shade. It can be pruned any time during the growing season to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Pruning can be as low as 8 to 12 inches above ground if a couple of healthy leaf buds are on the remaining stalks. The best time to prune for the next year is late fall to early spring. Propagate by layering, seed, or stem cutting.

Woodbine has showy, fragrant blooms in the autumn. It attracts a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds. This plant may be less frequently damaged by deer and rabbits. Requiring less maintenance, the male plant is not adorned with seeds (versus the female which does produce seeds) but is showy (in comparison to the female version).

This easy to grow vine works well in a woodland, native, pollinator, or shade garden where it has room to twine up supports or fences, otherwise, it will scramble along the ground and it can grow over and overwhelm landscape shrubs. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:   Clematis wilt, powdery mildew, leaf spots, rust, and viruses can be problematic. Potential insect pests include aphids, vine weevils, slugs/snails, scale, and earwigs. Watch for spider mites. It self-seeds and can become weedy. 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.