Clematis pubescens
common clematis
Overview
Clematis pubescens is a woody climbing vine in the family Ranunculaceae, native to southwestern Australia, scrambling 10-16 feet (3-5 m) over shrubs and small trees using twining leaf stalks. The leaves are divided into three leaflets, each 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long, with toothed margins and a covering of soft hairs, particularly when young. Plants are dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate vines. Creamy-white flowers about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across appear in spring, with four to six narrow tepals; male flowers are larger and more numerous. After flowering, female plants form clusters of seeds tipped with long, silky, feathery plumes that give the common name old man beard. The vine grows in jarrah and wandoo forest, woodland, and coastal scrub on sandy and gravelly soils. It dies back in dry summers and reshoots from the base and rootstock with autumn rains. In cultivation it requires a support, free-draining soil, and a position with shaded roots and sun on the foliage. Growth can be vigorous, and the vine may smother small shrubs if left unmanaged. Flowering is reduced in deep shade, and sap contains protoanemonin that can irritate skin on contact.
Native Range
Clematis pubescens is native to southwestern Australia, in Western Australia. It grows in jarrah and wandoo forest, woodland, and coastal scrub on sandy and gravelly soils, scrambling over surrounding shrubs and trees.Suggested Uses
Planted on trellises, fences, pergolas, and host shrubs in native and water-wise gardens. Suited to informal screening and scrambling cover over banks. The feathery seed heads add interest after the spring flowers fade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 16'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, from August to November in its native range. Creamy-white flowers with four to six narrow tepals open along the climbing stems, the male flowers larger and more numerous. Female plants follow with feathery, silver-grey seed heads.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight