Clematis apiifolia

Clematis apiifolia is a deciduous vine in the buttercup family. It comes from China, Korea, and central and southern Japan. It grows in a temperate climate. Wild plants grow in thickets, woods, and grassy slopes. They also grow beside streams in China. Its common name is October clematis.

This strong climber sheds its leaves for winter. RHS gives a garden height of 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. Its listed spread is 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Other accounts give taller sizes. Chicago lists 16 feet [4.9 metres], while RHS describes 20 feet [6 metres]. The thin stems bear hairs. Bright green leaves have triangular leaflets. Plants reach their mature size in two to five years.

Small flowers grow in clusters above the leaves. Each flat, star-shaped bloom spans about 0.07 feet [0.02 metres]. Four cream or greenish-white tepals surround clear, cream-white stamens. RHS places flowering from late summer into autumn. Chicago gives a broader season, from May through October. Its account also notes that fruit follows the white blooms. The vine suits cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, and borders beside walls.

Give this plant full sun for good flowering. Keep its roots and base cool with shade. Nearby plants or a layer of pebbles can provide this. Soil should hold moisture but let excess water drain. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Chicago lists moderate water needs and USDA zones 3–7. RHS rates it H5 and recommends a sheltered site. Plant the crown 0.16–0.26 feet [0.05–0.08 metres] below ground. This helps new shoots grow from below the soil. RHS places it in pruning group 3. Take softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer. Layering offers another way to raise new plants.

Aphids, snails, and caterpillars may attack this vine. Earwigs may eat the flowers. Disease risks include clematis wilt and clematis slime flux. Honey fungus occurs less often. Wear gloves when handling it, as it can irritate skin. RHS also warns that eating it can harm rabbits. Plants For A Future records cooked young shoots as food. It also records dried or roasted leaves as tea substitutes. These records do not establish that eating it is safe. The same source urges caution about possible poison. It records stem infusions for digestive complaints and sweating. These are reported uses, not proof of medical benefit.