Virgins Bower

Virgin’s Bower

Clematis virginiana

A vigorous native climbing vine with delicate clusters of fragrant white flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. The blossoms attract many pollinators and are followed in fall by feathery, silvery seed heads that give the plant a soft, airy appearance.

These distinctive seed plumes persist into autumn and winter, creating beautiful texture in hedgerows and woodland edges.

A Fast-Growing Native Flowering Vine

Virgin’s Bower climbs by twisting its leaf stems around nearby shrubs, trees, and structures. It can quickly cover fences, thickets, and woodland edges, producing clouds of white flowers that are highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.

Female plants produce the showy feathery seed heads that resemble soft silver tassels.

A Vine of Riverbanks and Woodland Edges

This adaptable species naturally grows along forest edges, riverbanks, hedgerows, and moist thickets. It thrives where its roots are shaded but its vines can reach sunlight, often scrambling over shrubs and small trees.

Because of its fast growth and dense foliage, it provides shelter and nesting cover for birds and small wildlife.

Growing Information

Height: 10–20 ft (climbing)

Spread: 6–12 ft

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Average to moist, well-drained soils

Hardiness: Zone 3–8

Growth Rate: Fast

Best planted along fences, trellises, woodland edges, hedgerows, and naturalized garden spaces.

Ecological Importance

Virgin’s Bower:

Provides nectar for bees and other pollinators

Offers shelter and nesting sites for birds

Supports native insects and beneficial wildlife

Adds vertical structure to native plant communities

Associated Woodland Edge & Hedgerow Species

Common companions in natural plant communities include:

• American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)
• Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)
• Wild Grape (Vitis riparia)
• Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
• Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
• Tall Sunflower (Helianthus giganteus)
• New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

Planting these species together helps recreate resilient hedgerow and woodland edge ecosystems that support pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive 🌱
Origin Native Plants 🌱

3.5 inch pots 🌱