Ground clematis is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes delphinium, columbine, and anemone. It is native to eastern, central, and southern Europe where it grows in river valleys, hillsides, scrub and the edges of woodlands. Although it can be used as climber a if supported, it is usually allowed to crawl on the ground. Plants have pinnately compound leaves that are divided into 5-9 entire leaflets 1-3″ long.The leaflets are ovate, pointed, and short stalked. The starry white 3/4″ wide fragrant flowers are carried in large terminal and axillary panicles from late spring to early summer and are followed by silky silvery seedheads. Ground clematis can be used as a ground cover or allowed to trail over low shrubs. The genus name, Clematis, comes from the Greek word klemetis meaning climbing plant. The specific epithet, recta, is the Latin word for upright.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Starry white, fragrant, 3/4″ wide flowers in terminal and axillary panicles from late spring to early summer
Size: 2-5′ H x 2′ W
Light: Full sun
Soil: Fertile, consistently moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 3-9
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed, cuttings in spring and summer
Companion Plants:Low growing shrubs such as barberry, yaupon holly, and Otto Luyken laurel
Photo Credit: Kurt Stueber, Wikimedia Commons
Karen Meyers