Western White Clematis (Clematis ligusticifolia) is a beautiful, deciduous climber with fragrant, showy white flowers from mid to late summer that turn into plume-like seedheads and provide continued interest throughout the fall and early winter. This Clematis is extremely tough, long-lived, and drought resistant once established, although it will still appreciate having its root area shaded. Although it can be used as a groundcover to smother weeds in a natural area or for erosion control on slopes or stream banks, we recommend Western White Clematis as a native growing plant on a trellis, arbor, or pergola. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring. The plant responds well to hard pruning and can be cut back to just a foot or so above the root system if necessary. This plant is a vigorous grower once established, so ensure it is placed appropriately. Western White Clematis can cause dermatitis for some. Wear gloves when pruning or handling. It is also toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Expected 2025 Availability- Late April
Western White Clematis
Irrigation Requirement: Very Low (Water to Establish), Low (1/2" every 10-14 days), or Moderate (1/2" every 7-10 days). Give supplemental water for 1-2 seasons during establishment before switching to natural percipitation only.
Mature Size: Up to 30' tall and 8' wide
Bloom Colors: White
Bloom Season: June - August
Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade ("heads in the sun, feet in the shade")
Deer Resistant: Deer do browse on the plant, but it tolerates it well.
Salt Tolerant: Unknown
Soils: Adaptable to well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Prefers more fertile soils.
Plants in the Clematis genus are host plants for 8 known pollinators in northern Utah. Western White Clematis also provides habitat for some bird species.