Oriental virginsbower
Clematis orientalis
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
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.
Height (m): 4
Where it is found
Hot dry valleys, especially on rocks by rivers, and in scrub to 3000 metres. River banks, riparian forests, scrub gullies, slopes and sand depressions in semi-desert and desert zones.
W. Asia - Turkey and westwards.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is antiseptic and refrigerant. It is used as a gargle for ulcerated throats and also to treat dog bites.
Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
Refrigerant: Cools the body.
Other
Rating: 1
Plants can be used as ground cover. They grow rapidly to give a tangled mass of growth in sun or moderate shade.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage. Dislikes light sandy soils. Does well on chalk. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. A twining plant. 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. 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. Flowers are produced on the current season's growth, any pruning is best carried out in spring. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. The flowers have a delicate perfume similar to cowslips.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. 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. A period of cold stratification is beneficial. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c. 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. Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring. Layering of current seasons growth in early summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
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.
This plant can be weedy or invasive. A noxious weed in Colorado, USA.
Its other names
Local names
Chinese clematis, Oriental virginsbower, orange peel, and orange peel clematis.