Ground virginsbower
Clematis recta
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Pl. AA23 — Clematis recta
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IOverview
Overview
Ground virginsbower (Clematis recta) is a perennial vine native to Central and Eastern Europe, as well as parts of the Mediterranean region. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions. The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves and shoots, which are part of its culinary use. Found across a wide range including Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, and France, this vine is both ornamental and useful as an edible plant in native gardens and landscapes. One distinctive feature of ground virginsbower is its ability to climb and cover areas with its sprawling growth, adding a lush element to any garden setting.
Quick answers
What is Ground virginsbower?
Ground virginsbower (Clematis recta) is a perennial vine native to Central and Eastern Europe, as well as parts of the Mediterranean region. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Ground virginsbower thrives in moist, well-drained soils of light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) texture and prefers a slightly alkaline pH between 7.5 and 8. It is hardy in temperate regions with zones 3-7 and can grow up to 1.5 meters as a perennial vine. Provide it with full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. Harvest the edible leaves and shoots for culinary use.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Vine
Mature size
1.5 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Ground virginsbower for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Ground virginsbower in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil; amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, or plant young vines 2-3 meters apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around the base.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide support for climbing; prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent overcrowding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting support structures.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of Ground virginsbower are edible. They can be prepared raw or cooked. Typically, they are used fresh in salads or lightly steamed as a vegetable. Skip the detailed preparation instructions here, but note that they should be harvested from plants growing in moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8 for optimal flavor.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 6 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 6 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 22 native· 6 introduced
Europe18 regions
native (14)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBulgariaFranceGermanyHungaryItalyPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
introduced (4)BelgiumFinlandNorwaySweden
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Transcaucasus, Yugoslavia
introduced:New York, Ontario
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · aa23dafa-d814-4e05-b5d5-a4eaeb763132
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