In the winter this flowering vine earns the nickname Old Man’s Beard for its hairy, beardlike seeds.
In August it bears white frothy flowers that drape other plants like a Virgin’s Bower.
Clematis virginiana is blooming now in western Pennsylvania.
(photo by Dianne Machesney)
I am looking for plants of these….I used to have them at our old place and loved them. Do they transplant very easy? I know where they would get cut down so I didn’t know if they would grow easily by seed or if transplanting is the best.
Good question… but I don’t know the answer. I hope another reader knows & leaves a comment.
According to “Handbook of Wildflower Cultivation” by Kathryn Taylor
Propagation can be done three ways: by seeds sown in the spring or fall, first removing the plumes; by layering the long stems; by transplanting in spring.
It prefers a moderately acidic soil.
I planted the seeds that were attached to the dandylion like fluff, as soon as I saw others floating around (September). Plant the seeds directly where you wish them to grow…
The first year they were small 8 inch tall plants…the second year (this year) they grew like crazy! It is a huge vine, so give it something big to grow on, or a big arbor!! It is very similar to sweet autumn clematis..(it’s relative), but the leaves and flowers are much larger. It is a great plant!…Chad