Also known as Clematis · Curpen · Evergreen Clematis
Old man's beard (Clematis vitalba) is a vigorous, deciduous climber forming dense, leafy screens with masses of creamy-white flowers followed by fluffy seedheads.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Well-drained, moist
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, hardy to -15°C.
Low
25% intensity
Does not require heavy feeding; a spring feed is usually adequate.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Leaves and stems may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Skin contact may cause irritation.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Clematis vitalba prefers consistent moisture, especially when young. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering in winter, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Prune Clematis vitalba in late winter or early spring. This vigorous climber benefits from hard pruning to manage its size and encourage flowering on new growth. Cut back all stems to about 15-30 cm above the ground.
Remove any dead, damaged, or weak shoots.
Propagate Clematis vitalba from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or from seed sown in autumn. For cuttings, select healthy shoots, take 10-15 cm sections, and insert into a well-draining potting mix.
Seeds can be sown in a cold frame and will germinate the following spring.
Repotting is rarely necessary for established Clematis vitalba plants as they are vigorous and prefer to remain undisturbed.
If container-grown, repot every 2-3 years in early spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining compost. Ensure good drainage holes are present.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Old Man's Beard (Clematis vitalba)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Clematis |
| Species | Clematis vitalba |
Similar in genus Clematis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
