Clematis rehderiana
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NODDING VIRGIN'S BOWER
Family: Ranunculaceae
Pronounced: KLEM-uh-tiss ray-da-ree-AH-nuh
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Western China.
Plant Group:
Vines.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All (western).
USDA zones: 6-9.
Heat zones: 9-6.
Mature size:
Height: 20-22 feet (6-7 m).
Width: 6-10 feet (2-3 m).
Flowering period:
Spring to early summer.
Flowering attributes:
Fragrant, tubular, pale cream to creamy yellow flowers in short panicles with recurved sepals at the apex.
Leaf attributes:
Deciduous, green leaves.
Light:
Tops in full sun, feet in shade; partial shade.
Soil:
Fertile, humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Mulch well with composted manure or compost. Fertilize once a month with a complete organic fertilizer during the growing season.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed at 68°F (20°C) for 3 months, then place 39°F (4°C) for 3 months. Seed tails may inhibit germination so remove them before planting. Use fresh seed soon after harvesting.| Layer branches in early summer with current season's growth. | Basal and softwood cuttings in spring. | Division in spring. | Semi-ripe cuttings in late spring to early summer.
Pruning Methods:
Pruning group 3 or C.
Rainy Side Notes
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In 1993, Clematis rehderiana won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit and rightly deserving. However, it is a rambunctious species. The vine quickly covers anything you give it to climb and then some! Beautiful, and fragrant with the scent of primroses, the vine is vigorous, yet not invasive. This does better climbing up something rather than growing horizontally, such as along a fence. After pruning hard in late winter, it quickly grows and covers whatever it is climbing on. In late summer, it begins to bloom and continues flowering into fall. This clematis is a great choice for late season interest.
It is very important while the plant is young to keep the soil moist. Plant in a warm, sunny area to get the best fragrance. Shadier positions will sacrifice its scent.
C. rehderiana is named after the German botanist Alfred Rehder. Père George Aubert introduced the species to France.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Additional Reading
Planting and Care of Clematis.
Book Recommendation: Gardening with Clematis : Design & Cultivation
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