Clematis cirrhosa aka Early Virgin's Bower
Taxonomy
Clematis cirrhosa, also known as Early Virgin's-Bower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae. Native to the Mediterranean, this rare houseplant is easy to grow and requires regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot away from a window. With dark green leaves consisting of three irregularly-toothed leaflets, 'Jingle Bells', a cultivar of Clematis cirrhosa, is a vigorous evergreen climber. Its pale yellow to creamy white flowers have nodding and slightly recurved petals, blooming during winter and early spring. After flowering, attractive silky seedheads appear. 'Freckles' and 'Wisley Cream' are other cultivars of Clematis cirrhosa, both having received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Published in 2000, Clematis cirrhosa is one of the eight subdivisions in the Thorncroft Clematis catalogue. Overall, Clematis cirrhosa is a versatile plant that brings beauty and elegance to any Mediterranean garden or indoor space.
Common names
Early Virgin's Bower, Christmas Clematis, Vernal Clematis, Virgin's BowerHow to care for Early Virgin's Bower
Difficulty
Caring for Early Virgin's Bower is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Early Virgin's Bower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Early Virgin's Bower is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Christmas Clematis is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Virgin's Bower with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Early Virgin's Bower with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.
Lighting
Early Virgin's Bower requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Christmas Clematis is always in the right place to thrive.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
Fertilizer
The Early Virgin's Bower grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Clematis Genus
Clematis serratifolia Saw Toothed Clematis
Clematis brachyura
Clematis cirrhosa Early Virgin's Bower
Clematis terniflora Sweet Autumn Clematis
Clematis orientalis Oriental Virgin's Bower
Clematis paniculata Puawhananga
Clematis pitcheri Pitcher's Clematis
Clematis tibetana
Clematis afoliata Rush Stem Clematis
