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Oriental virginsbower

Clematis orientalis

Also called Chinese Clematis, Orange Peel Clematis, Oriental Virgin's Bower, Oriental Clematis

Oriental virginsbower
Photo: Georges Boucher & S. Mottet, Public domain

Oriental virginsbower is a deciduous climbing vine or scrambling shrub from Asia and Eastern Europe that attaches itself with tendril-like stems. It grows vigorously, often a meter or more a year, and is grown mainly as an ornamental.

Family
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
Grows as
Shrub, Climber
Light
Full sun, Part shade
Water
Water regularly while establishing, then moderately once established; avoid waterlogged soil.
Soil
Well-drained soil; tolerates alkaline, chalky or acidic soils.
Temperature
Hardy in temperate climates; native from Ukraine to northern China and the Himalaya.
How easy
Easy
Safety
Toxic: The sap and leaves contain irritant compounds (protoanemonin type) that can cause skin irritation and mouth or stomach upset if eaten.. Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA).
Native range
Ukraine to N. China and Himalaya
Climate
temperate

About

Clematis orientalis is a deciduous vine or scrambling shrub in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, that originates from Asia and Eastern Europe. It was brought to the United States as an ornamental plant but escaped cultivation leading to its classification as a noxious weed in some states. Common names for C. orientalis include Chinese clematis, Oriental virginsbower, orange peel, and orange peel clematis.

Where it grows

Clematis orientalis prefers well-drained soils. There is no preference of soil texture though does well on chalky soil. Can tolerate a range of alkaline or acidic soils.

Uses

Clematis orientalis is grown as an ornamental plant. It is also used as an antiseptic and refrigerant. This plant has been documented in Ancient Chinese medicine to treat dog bites and to treat ulcerated throats by gargling its infusion.

Other Clematis plants

Rush Stem Clematis · Clematis akebioides · Alpine clematis · Goat's Beard · Evergreen Clematis · Clematis aromatica · Pine hyacinth · Bigelow's leather flower · Traveler's-joy · Satincurls · Gold Wool Clematis · Early Virgin's Bower

Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Clematis orientalis by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts and the care summary drawn from them are shared under the same licence.

The care summary was written by AI (Claude, Anthropic) from the sources on this page, with general growing knowledge where they are silent. Check before relying on it.

Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.

Pet safety from the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant lists.

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