Clematis, Virgin's Bower

Clematis, Virginia’s Bower (Clematis virginiana)
Also known as Devil’s Darning Needles or Woodbine

Virginia’s Bower is a vigorous, native climbing vine known for its clouds of small, white, fragrant flowers that bloom in late summer and attract a flurry of pollinator activity. Found throughout eastern and central North America, this fast-growing species scrambles over fences, shrubs, and trees, making it ideal for covering trellises, naturalizing along woodland edges, or integrating into native hedgerows and streambanks. In fall, its blooms give way to showy, silky seed heads, extending its seasonal interest and providing food and shelter for wildlife.

Key Characteristics

• Late-Summer Nectar Source for Pollinators
  Virginia’s Bower blooms from July through September, providing abundant nectar and pollen during a time when other vines are fading. The flowers are especially attractive to native bees, small butterflies, beetles, and wasps, contributing to late-season insect diversity.

• Showy Seed Heads for Birds and Winter Texture
  After flowering, feathery, silver-gray seed plumes form, persisting well into winter. These add ornamental value and also provide nesting material and food for small birds and overwintering insects.

• Fast-Growing and Excellent for Naturalistic Screens
  This vine can grow 12–20 feet in a single season, quickly covering arbors, fences, and open woodland edges. Its adaptability to sun or shade makes it especially useful in streambank restoration, hedgerow establishment, and permaculture designs where fast cover and wildlife value are needed.

• Native Alternative to Invasive Sweet Autumn Clematis
  Often mistaken for the invasive non-native Clematis terniflora, C. virginiana is a better ecological choice with similar appearance but a more restrained and wildlife-friendly habit.

• Dioecious – Both Male and Female Plants Enhance Impact
  Virginia’s Bower is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate plants. While both bloom prolifically, only female plants produce the showy seed heads, so planting several vines enhances both flower and seed display.

Product Details

• Native Range: Eastern and central North America
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial, deciduous vine
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Medium to medium-wet, well-drained soils
• Mature Height: 12–20 feet (climbing or sprawling)
• Bloom Time: July–September
• Bloom Color: White
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8

Virginia’s Bower is a beautiful, wildlife-friendly native vine that brings fragrance, pollinator support, and seasonal texture to naturalized gardens and restoration plantings. A strong choice for ecological design and layered landscapes.