Clematis vitalba, also known as Old Man’s Beard or Traveler’s Joy, is a flowering vine of the Ranunculaceae family. This shrub hails from parts of Europe, northern Africa, and southwest Asia, although it can be grown in many areas around the world. This vine is known as a “climber” because it spreads upwards on walls and other plants but also grows outwards. This plant does require quite a bit of control because it grows well and can quickly snuff out plants in the surrounding area. The clematis vitalba can also be difficult to get rid of, both of which are reasons that many states have listed this plant as a noxious or invasive weed. So, if you decide to plant it in your own garden, be sure that it is a plant which you will not be tired of.
Old man’s beard has medium-sized green leaves in groups or clusters of five leaflets. The flowers are soft white and start-shaped. They are adorned with wispy accents which bear a striking resemblance to…an old man’s beard! The “fruit” inside these flowers is food for moth larvae, which means that having this plant around could attract moths to the area. (source: gardeningcentral.org)
Genus - Clematis
Species - Vitalba
Common name - Old Man Beard
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 4 - 7
Height - 49' / 15 m
Spread - 3' / 1 m
Plant type - Climber / Vine
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Fertile
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Very rapidly growing flowering climber
Germination rate - 91%
Bloom season - Summer
Leaf / Flower color - Dark Green / White