Fragrant virginsbower Clematis stans
ABOUT
Clematis stans is a graceful plant known for its attractive features and ornamental value. The appearance of the plant is characterized by upright stems that support a lush growth of green leaves. These leaves are compound, with each leaflet taking on a nicely defined shape, usually oval to lance-shaped, with edges that can be toothed or sometimes entire. The foliage provides a pleasing textured backdrop for the flowers. The flowers of Clematis stans are particularly striking, often emerging in late summer to early autumn. They are nodding, shaped like bells or urns, and typically come in shades of pale to bright blue, which can sometimes appear to be tinged with purple. Each flower possesses a delicate, almost ethereal quality and is made up of four petal-like parts that are fused at the base. The fragrance of the flowers is also a noteworthy feature of Clematis stans, as they emit a sweet aroma that can be quite pleasant and inviting, attracting both people and pollinators alike. Following the floral display, the plant produces fuzzy, plume-like seed heads, which can be just as ornamental as the blossoms themselves. These seed heads add a textural contrast to the garden as they catch the light and provide interest well into the season. Overall, the appearance of Clematis stans exudes a sense of lightness and elegance, with its beautiful flowers and feathery seed heads swaying gently above the foliage, presenting a lovely scene in any garden or landscape where it's grown.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Fragrant Virgin's Bower, Kusa-botan.
Common names
Atragene stans, Clematis campaniflora, Clematis koreana, Clematis yedoensis.
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including Clematis stans, contains toxic compounds that can cause mild to severe symptoms if ingested. The main irritants are glycosides and anemonin. People who consume parts of the plant may experience symptoms like salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, symptoms may progress to trembling, convulsions, or neurological issues. Skin contact with the sap may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Clematis, which refers to Clematis stans in this case, has similar effects on pets as it does on humans. The plant contains irritant compounds like glycosides and anemonin, which can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially more severe symptoms like convulsions or neurological effects if ingested. It is important to keep pets away from this plant to prevent accidental ingestion and potential poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Clematis stans is known for its attractive foliage and unique, bell-shaped flowers that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers of Clematis stans can attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Erosion control: The dense growth habit of Clematis stans can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Privacy screen: When planted in groups, Clematis stans can form a thick, lush screen, providing privacy and reducing noise from surroundings.
- Versatility in landscaping: Due to its climbing nature, Clematis stans can be trained along fences, trellises, and arbors, offering various design options for gardeners.
- Seasonal interest: Clematis stans provides seasonal interest with its late summer to early autumn flowering period, a time when many other plants may not be in bloom.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Clematis stans has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation.
- Antirheumatic: Used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatism and related conditions.
- Diuretic: It has been said to promote the excretion of urine.
- Expectorant: Folk medicine use includes treating respiratory conditions by helping to expel phlegm.
- Anodyne: The herbage of the plant has been used to lessen pain in certain conditions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis stans can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, where parts of the plant can impart a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- In some cultures, the aromatic qualities of Clematis stans make it an ingredient in potpourris, contributing a refreshing fragrance to the mixture.
- The fibrous stems of Clematis stans can be woven into baskets or used as binding material in traditional crafts.
- Enthusiasts of bonsai may utilize Clematis stans due to its attractive flowers and the ability to shape it through pruning and wiring.
- Gardeners might use dried Clematis stans vines as natural supports for climbing plants, offering an organic alternative to plastic or metal stakes.
- The plant's rapid growth and dense foliage make Clematis stans a natural privacy screen or living fence in gardens and yards.
- Clematis stans can be incorporated into educational projects to teach principles of botany and plant growth cycles to students.
- Some artists may use pressed or dried flowers of Clematis stans in herbaria or to create intricate botanical compositions in art pieces.
- As a companion plant, Clematis stans can be used to create guilds in permaculture gardens, benefiting surrounding plants by attracting pollinators.
- The seed heads of Clematis stans, which are fluffy and ornamental, can be used in dried flower arrangements for texture and visual interest.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Artistic Inspiration: Clematis stans, also known as the Japanese virginsbower, is often associated with creativity and the muse due to its intricate and delicate flowers, inspiring artists and thinkers alike.
- Mental Agility: With its climbing nature and ability to reach for the sky, the plant symbolizes the quest for intellectual growth and the nimble-mindedness required to attain it.
- Foresight: The way clematis plants can strategically grow and support themselves on structures is seen as a symbol of the ability to plan and think ahead.
- Spiritual Ascension: The upward growth habit of the Japanese virginsbower signifies spiritual growth and the journey towards enlightenment or higher planes of consciousness.
WaterTo maintain a healthy Japanese clematis, or Clematis stans, it should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage deep root growth, approximately once a week. During hot or dry spells, water every 3-4 days. Each watering session should provide about 1 gallon of water to the soil surrounding the plant, ensuring the water penetrates the soil rather than running off. It's crucial to avoid overwatering, as Clematis stans are susceptible to root rot if the soil remains too wet. Adjust the watering frequency based on rainfall and check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid excess moisture.
LightThe ideal lighting conditions for Japanese clematis, or Clematis stans, involve placing the plant in a location where it can receive full sun to part shade. While it can tolerate some shade, too much will reduce the number of blooms it produces. The best spot for this plant is one where it receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureJapanese clematis, or Clematis stans, thrive best in a temperature range of 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, though they can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure the plant's robust growth and bloom, maintaining a consistent temperature around the ideal range is beneficial. These temperature conditions replicate the plant's native environment and contribute to its overall health and flowering capacity.
PruningPruning the Japanese clematis, or Clematis stans, is necessary to promote healthy growth and vigorous blooming. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth, which typically involves removing dead or weak stems and shaping the plant. Clematis stans should be pruned annually, and since it is a Group 3 clematis, it can be cut back hard to 1-2 feet above ground level, as it blooms on new wood.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Japanese virginsbower thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ideally between 6.5 and 7.5. An ideal soil mix would be a blend of loamy soil, compost, and a handful of lime to maintain alkalinity. Mulching with organic material helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool.
RepottingJapanese virginsbower should be repotted approximately every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. It's best to repot in the spring just before active growth begins.
Humidity & MistingJapanese virginsbower prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in most home gardens.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, fertile, well-draining soil, mulch base.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA.
Life cycleClematis stans, commonly known as Korean clematis, initiates its life as a seed, which requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops a root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it undergoes vegetative growth, producing stems that climb or sprawl according to the environment and available support. Once mature enough, it produces clusters of fragrant, nodding, bluish to white flowers typically in the late summer or fall. After pollination, often by insects, the flowers develop into feathery, plumed seed heads containing achenes that are wind-dispersed. The plant may enter a period of dormancy during the winter, especially in colder climates, and resumes growth with the return of favorable conditions in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
For Clematis stans, also commonly known as "Fragrant Virginsbower," the most popular method of propagation is by taking semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically begins in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Gardeners select a healthy stem that has not yet flowered and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 centimeters) section just below a leaf node. The leaves from the lower half of the cutting are stripped, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a moistened mix of peat and perlite, ensuring at least one node is buried where roots will form. The pot is then covered with plastic to maintain high humidity and placed in a warm, bright area without direct sunlight. Rooting typically takes a few weeks, after which the propagated Clematis stans can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted into the garden.
