Clematis vitalba aka Old Man's Beard
Taxonomy
Clematis vitalba, also known as old man's beard and traveller's joy, is a wild European species within the Ranunculaceae family. This exceptionally robust and healthy plant blooms with small, white, star-shaped flowers and develops giant vine-lianas, making it a popular choice for building greening projects. Its leafy, vital, and drought-resistant nature makes it suitable for high greening projects, such as concrete facades, poles, or masts. Clematis vitalba can provide accents and interesting contrasts in a designed or engineered environment. On the other hand, Evergreen Clematis, belonging to the Clematis genus and native to Europe, is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering. It thrives best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than a foot away from a window. This plant prefers soil that is good at retaining moisture, and it doesn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.
Common names
Old Man's Beard, Traveler's JoyHow to care for Old Man's Beard
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Old Man's Beard is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Old Man's Beard should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
When growing Old Man's Beard, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Old Man's Beard with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Old Man's Beard from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Traveler's Joy regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Old Man's Beard will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Old Man's Beard prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Fertilizer
The growth of Old Man's Beard is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.
Region of origin
Old Man's Beard’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from the Netherlands south and east to N. Africa and the Caucasus.
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
