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Clematis orientalis - L.

Common Name Oriental virginsbower
Family Ranunculaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some if not all members of this genus are mildly poisonous. The toxic principle is dissipated by heat or by drying[65].
Habitats Hot dry valleys, especially on rocks by rivers, and in scrub to 3000 metres[184]. River banks, riparian forests, scrub gullies, slopes and sand depressions in semi-desert and desert zones[74].
Range W. Asia - Turkey and westwards.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Clematis orientalis Oriental virginsbower


L.L. Berry, , Bugwood.org
Clematis orientalis Oriental virginsbower

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of climber
Clematis orientalis is a deciduous Climber growing to 4 m (13ft 1in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiseptic  Refrigerant

The plant is antiseptic and refrigerant. It is used as a gargle for ulcerated throats and also to treat dog bites[178].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Plants can be used as ground cover[208]. They grow rapidly to give a tangled mass of growth in sun or moderate shade[197].

Special Uses

Ground cover  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade[11, 200]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[11, 200]. Dislikes light sandy soils[11]. Does well on chalk[1]. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils[200]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[184]. A twining plant[182]. The leafstalks wrap themselves around twigs and branches for support. When a side of the stalk touches an object, the growth on that side slows down whilst the other side grows at its normal rate - this causes the leaf stalk to entwine the object it is touching[212]. When planting out, in order to avoid the disease 'clematis wilt', it is best to plant the rootball about 8cm deeper in the soil. This will also serve to build up a good root crown of growth buds[200]. Flowers are produced on the current season's growth, any pruning is best carried out in spring[219]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54]. The flowers have a delicate perfume similar to cowslips[245].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[164, 200]. Sow stored seed as soon as it is obtained in a cold frame. Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and remove as much of the tail and outer coat as possible[164]. A period of cold stratification is beneficial[164]. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c[164]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Internodal cuttings of soft to semi-ripe wood, late spring in sandy soil in a frame[200]. Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring[200]. Layering of current seasons growth in early summer[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Chinese clematis, Oriental virginsbower, orange peel, and orange peel clematis.

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

This plant can be weedy or invasive. A noxious weed in Colorado, USA.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Clematis alternata Climber4.0 -  LMHSNM01 
Clematis apiifolia Climber5.0 6-9 FLMHSNM12 
Clematis barbellata Climber4.0 -  LMHSNM02 
Clematis brachyura Climber1.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Clematis buchananiana Climber6.0 6-9 FLMHSNM12 
Clematis chinensisWei Ling XianClimber5.0 5-9  LMHSNM12 
Clematis columbianaRock ClematisClimber3.0 4-8  LMHSNM011
Clematis connata Climber7.0 5-9 FLMHSNM01 
Clematis douglasiiHairy ClematisPerennial0.6 5-9  LMHSNM011
Clematis flammulaFragrant Virgin's Bower, Fragrant clematisClimber4.0 5-9 FLMHSNM103
Clematis ianthina Climber4.0 4-8  LMHSNM10 
Clematis ligusticifoliaWhite Clematis, Western white clematis, California clematis,Climber5.0 4-8  LMHSNM021
Clematis mandschurica Perennial1.2 6-9  LMHSNM02 
Clematis microphyllaHeadachevineClimber3.0 8-11  LMHSNM01 
Clematis patens Climber4.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Clematis pierotii Climber3.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Clematis rectaGround virginsbowerPerennial Climber1.5 3-7  LMHNM11 
Clematis serratifolia Climber3.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Clematis ternifloraSennin-So, Sweet autumn virginsbower, Sweet Autumn Clematis, Fall ClematisPerennial Climber5.0 5-9 FLMHSNM111
Clematis tibetana Climber4.0 5-9  LMHSNM02 
Clematis trichotoma Climber5.0 -  LMHSNM10 
Clematis vitalbaTraveller's Joy, Evergreen clematisClimber15.0 4-8 FLMHSNM121

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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