Nodding Virgin's Bower Clematis rehderiana

Water

The Clematis rehderiana, commonly known as the nodding virgin's bower, prefers consistent moisture and should be watered once a week with about one gallon of water, depending on weather conditions. During the hot summer months or in particularly dry climates, it may require watering twice a week to maintain evenly moist soil. It's essential to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, so allowing the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings is a good practice. If the nodding virgin's bower is in a container, check the soil moisture more frequently, as pots tend to dry out faster than ground soil.

Light

The nodding virgin's bower thrives best in a spot where it receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should be planted in a location that offers morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day, which helps promote abundant flowering while protecting the plant from the harsh midday sun.

Temperature

Clematis rehderiana, or nodding virgin's bower, can survive in a range of temperatures, from a minimum of about 30°F to a maximum of around 90°F. However, the ideal temperature range for this plant is between 55°F and 75°F. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8 and can tolerate a brief dip below the freezing point, but prolonged exposure to extreme cold or heat can be harmful to the plant.

Pruning

Pruning nodding virgin's bower is important to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and enhance flowering. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring, when the plant is dormant, by cutting back to a pair of strong buds about 1 to 2 feet from the ground. This plant blooms on the current year's growth, so regular pruning helps promote a healthy, vigorous display of flowers. Pruning should be done annually to keep the vine manageable and productive.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Clematis rehderiana, commonly known as Nodding Virgin's Bower, should be moist, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. A mix composed of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or well-rotted manure will provide a suitable growing medium. This plant prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH, from about 6.5 to 7.5.

Repotting

Nodding Virgin's Bower should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time for repotting this clematis, just before new growth begins. Ensure that you provide a structure for climbing immediately after repotting as this plant is a climber.

Humidity & Misting

Nodding Virgin's Bower thrives in moderate humidity conditions and does not require exceptionally high humidity levels. Average room humidity is typically adequate for this clematis, but it's important to protect the plant from very dry air, which could lead to leaf problems.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light and provide support for climbing.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun, semi-shade, provide support for climbing.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Clematis rehderiana, commonly known as the nodding virginsbower, begins with seed germination, which can be sporadic and may require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Following germination, the seedling establishes a root system and a vine stem that begins to grow and climb using leaf tendrils. As it matures, it develops compound leaves and in its second or third year, it will start to produce its first flowers, typically in late summer or autumn, which are small, nodding, yellowish-white, and fragrant. After pollination by insects, the plant develops fluffy seed heads that disperse in the wind. The nodding virginsbower is a perennial plant, so it may continue this cycle for several years, dying back to the ground each winter and re-sprouting in the spring. Over time, the vine can grow quite large and woody, with extensive climbing stems that require support.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Clematis rehderiana, commonly known as the Nodding Virgin's Bower, is through stem cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) from a healthy stem, ensuring that it includes at least two pairs of leaves or nodes. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development, and then plant the cutting into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and placed in indirect light until roots have developed, after which it can be transplanted outdoors or into a larger pot.