Common Name:

General Information

Clematis orientalis is a deciduous climbing or scrambling plant often only growing around 2 - 3 metres tall, though sometimes reaching up to 8 metres. The plant scrambles over the ground, climbing into the surrounding vegetation where it ataches itself by means of twining leafstems[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is often grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to make an efective ground cover.

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some if not all members of this genus are mildly poisonous. The toxic principle is dissipated by heat or by drying[].

Botanical References

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Range

Eurasia - Turkey and Ukraine east to northwest China, Pakistan and western Himalayas

Habitat

Hot dry valleys, especially on rocks by rivers, and in scrub to 3000 metres[]. River banks, riparian forests, scrub gullies, slopes and sand depressions in semi-desert and desert zones[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Climber
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Clematis orientalis is native to an often semi-arid temperate to continental climate. A very cold-tolerant plant, when fully dormant it can withstand temperatures down to about 15 to -20°c[, ].
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[].
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[].
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[].
Flowers are produced on the current season's growth, any pruning is best carried out in spring[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].
The flowers have a delicate perfume similar to cowslips[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is antiseptic and refrigerant. It is used as a gargle for treating ulcerated throats and also to treat dog bites[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be used as ground cover[]. They grow rapidly to give a tangled mass of growth in sun or moderate shade[].

Other Uses

None known

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[].