Clematis occidentalis var. grosseserrata
Clematis occidentalis, known as a blue virgin’s bower, is a climbing twiner with blue-purple single flowers and white centres.
Clematis occidentalis is a widespread North American clematis known as blue virgin’s bower. Our BC native variety is known as var. grosseserrata. It is a climbing woody twiner that can reach up to 12 feet with masses of delicate, nodding, violet-blue to pinkish-purple flowers up to two inches wide. The single flowers mature from bell to flat-shape revealing a white inner skirt followed by attractive fluffy, silvery seed heads. An early-flowering clematis with blooms produced on old wood, therefore no pruning is required other than a light clean-up and certainly not in early spring. Use in informal, cottage, native, and rock gardens or as a ground cover. Attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. Deer and rabbit resistant. Photo: Wikipedia.
Common Name: Blue Virgin's Bower
Family: Ranunculaceae (The Buttercup Family)
Zone Hardiness: 4-8
Light: Part Sun, Part Shade, Full Sun
Height: 6-10'
Width: 8-12"
Primary Bloom Colour: Blue
Secondary Bloom Colour: White/Cream
Bloom Time: Late Spring - Summer
Foliage Colour: Green
Class: Deciduous
Type: Vine
Soil Moisture: Average, Dry
Stem Colour:
Fragrance: No
Berries:
Benefits: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Bees
Deer Resistant: Yes
BC Native: No
Native Habitat: Rich, rocky, deciduous forests, ledges, slopes and river banks across southern Canada and the northern US. Var. grosseserrata is the form present from BC to Saskatchewan and south into the US.
Award:
Geographical Origin: North America
