Old man's beard (Clematis cartmanii)

Old man's beard

Old man's beard is a hybrid of two New Zealand native evergreen plants. Its abundant white flowers and dwarf size make it a popular garden ornamental available in many cultivars. It is toxic to pets and humans and can irritate the skin. The species name "cartmanii" honors the hybridizer Joe Cartman, who developed this cross between Clematis paniculata and Clematis marmoraria.

Scientific classification

Species

Old man's beard (Clematis cartmanii)

Buttercups, poppies and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Vine

Plant Type

0 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Old man's beard

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Old man's beard, including the following common varieties :

Clematis 'Joe'

Care Guide for Old man's beard

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Old man's beard thrives in well-drained soil and exhibits moderate drought tolerance, needing watering every three weeks. It prefers a balance of moisture and dry periods, and as a deciduous climber, it benefits from careful watering during its active growing season for optimal growth and flowering.

Fertilize: Fertilizer application for old man's beard depends on its size. Use nitrogen during growth and phosphate from bud appearance to bloom. Potassium should be consistently applied. Fertilize with diluted solutions. In dormancy, add organic fertilizer and compost to enhance nutrients and protect roots from frost.

Pruning: Old man's beard should be pruned before flowering or between late winter and early spring to improve growth and flower appearance. For late bloomers, heavy pruning (up to one-third height) encourages healthy branches, while early bloomers require more care. Pruning half of the branches promotes longer blooms.

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Learn More About Old man's beard

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