Identification:

Virgin's bower is a rarity on Prince Edward Island - a native vine. The vines can grow up to 6m (20 ft) long and where conditions are right, make very dense growth. During the first half of August, the lush, light green leaves provide a backdrop to lovely white flowers. Though not as large or showy as domesticated clematis, these flowers have a beauty all their own.

Habitat:

Our native clematis is a woodland plant, making best growth in dappled shade along some river valleys in the western part of the province. It can also be found in alder thickets and amongst younger hardwoods in cutovers.

Propagation:

Like all vines, clematis is very easy to propagate by either hardwood or greenwood cuttings. Once established, they grow quickly, so will need other plants they can climb upon. A trellis will be overrun without regular pruning.

Conservation:

Virgin's bower is another plant that can be used in native landscaping around homes, or to increase the diversity and structural complexity in younger forests. This is one of the plants that helped convince me of the beauty that is present in so much of our Island plant community. Instead of reaching for a non native "showier" plant, you can often use native plants that are at least as attractive and well suited to this climate.

Written by Gary Schneider.