We are following the treatment of Christopher Grey-Wilson in 'Clematis - the Genus'[], which treats Clematis mandshurica as a distinct species with a different growth habit and a more northerly distribution. However, some other treatments, including the Flora of China[] treat it as a variety of Clematis terniflora DC. (as Clematis terniflora var. mandshurica (Rupr.) Ohwi[],

Common Name:

General Information

Clematis mandshurica is a perennial plant with spreading to scrambling stems that can grow up to 1.20 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and as an ingredient in commercial cosmetics. The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Mongolia, Russian Far East, northeast China (Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol), Korea.

Habitat

Shrubberies and open wooded slopes; at elevations up to 800 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Perennial
Height	1.20 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Clematis mandshurica is a somewhat cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate short periods with temperatures down to around -15°c when fully dormant[].
Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade[, ]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[, ]. Dislikes light sandy soils[]. Does well on chalk[]. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils[].
When planting out, in order to avoid the disease 'clematis wilt', it is best to plant the rootball about 8cm deeper in the soil. This will also serve to build up a good root crown of growth buds[].
The plant flowers on the current season's growth, so any pruning is best carried out in late winter or early spring[].
A twining plant[]. The leafstalks wrap themselves around twigs and branches for support. When a side of the stalk touches an object, the growth on that side slows down whilst the other side grows at its normal rate - this causes the leaf stalk to entwine the object it is touching[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The root is analgesic, antibacterial, antidiuretic, antifungal, emmenagogue and hypotensive[]. It contains several medically active constituents including clematosides, hederagenin and anemonin[]. It is used in Korea in the treatment of leucorrhoea, dysentery, neuralgia, menostasis and delayed menstruation[].

Other Uses

An extract of the whole plant is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[, ]. Sow stored seed as soon as it is obtained in a cold frame. Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and remove as much of the tail and outer coat as possible[]. A period of cold stratification is beneficial[]. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Internodal cuttings of soft to semi-ripe wood, late spring in sandy soil in a frame[].
Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring[].
Layering of current seasons growth in early summer[].