Clematis flammula

Common Name:
Fragrant Virgin's Bower

Description:
Clematis flammula, known as Fragrant Virgin's Bower, is a vigorous deciduous climber native to southern Europe and northern Africa. This plant is celebrated for its profusion of small, star-shaped white flowers that emit a sweet, hawthorn-like fragrance, blooming from late summer into autumn. The blossoms are followed by silky, plume-like seed heads that add ornamental interest into winter. In Melbourne's climate, Clematis flammula thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring moist, well-drained soils. It is ideal for training over trellises, fences, or through shrubs, providing a lush, flowering screen. Regular pruning in early spring encourages healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Form:

• Climber

• Shrub – Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:

• Height: 4–5 m

• Width: 1–2 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Late Summer

• Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:

• White

Key Attributes:

• Bee Attracting

• Bird Attracting

• Perennial

• Suitable for Trellises and Pergolas

• Fast Growing

• Fragrant Flowers

• Decorative Seed Heads

Toxicity:

• Toxic to humans and animals if ingested; may cause skin irritation upon contact.

Companion Plants:

• Rosa spp. (Climbing Roses)

• Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle)

• Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria)

• Jasminum officinale (Common Jasmine)

• Passiflora caerulea (Blue Passionflower)