Clematis virginiana aka Devil's Darning Needles
Taxonomy
Clematis virginiana, also known by various names such as devil's darning needles, devil's hair, love vine, traveller's joy, virgin's bower, wild hops, and woodbine, is a large, vigorous, deciduous North American vine belonging to the Ranunculaceae (buttercup family). It is native to North America, spanning from Newfoundland to southern Manitoba down to the Gulf of Mexico. Despite some unclear rationale for certain common names, this vine is not related to twining parasites like Cuscuta, which are referred to as "devil's hair." Additionally, the name "Love Vine" is also used for alleged aphrodisiacs unrelated to Clematis.
This herbaceous perennial or sub-shrub can reach heights of about 3-5-6m and features palmate pale to mid-green leaves measuring 12cm long. Its single, fragrant, star-shaped flowers are initially pale green and grow to be 3cm across. As they mature, they turn creamy-white or white, blooming from midsummer to autumn.
Virgin's Bower, a super rare houseplant, is a member of the Clematis genus and is easy to grow. It thrives when regularly watered and placed in long-lasting, direct light, ideally within 1 foot of a window. The plant prefers soil that retains moisture well. Repotting it each time it doubles in size eliminates the need for added fertilizers. Native to Central and Eastern Canada and the United States, Virgin's Bower adds beauty to any space it graces.
Common names
Devil's Darning Needles, Virgin's Bower, White ClematisHow to care for Devil's Darning Needles
Difficulty
Caring for Devil's Darning Needles is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Devil's Darning Needles should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Devil's Darning Needles is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.
Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.
Lighting
Devil's Darning Needles 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 Virgin's Bower is always in the right place to thrive.
Toxicity
Devil's Darning Needles is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The Devil's Darning Needles is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any 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
