Clematis recta 

'Ground Virginsbower'

[Ex. Nanos 1120 m., Slovenia]

Ranunculaceae: a clump forming herbaceous perennial to 1.5m. Found among scrub, forest, river valleys and sunny hills. Panicles of fragrant small star-shaped white flowers 2cm across, are produced in profusion in summer and early autumn. The flowers are followed by silky seed heads. Native to Southern and Eastern Europe.

USES:

The young shoot tips can be cooked or pickled and eaten.

The flowers and leaves have diaphoretic, diuretic and rubefacient properties. They are taken both internally and externally in the treatment of syphilitic, cancerous and other foul ulcers. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism and skin eruptions.

GROWING INFORMATION:

To stop the germination inhibition, give seeds a warm compost (about +22°C) [about 72°F] with constant humidity for at least 6 weeks. Then keep cold (–4 to +4°C) [25 to 39°F] for 6–8 weeks. Usually, the germination starts at +4°C [39°F]. Raise temperatures gradually up to +10°C [50°F] until germination is completed. If the warm or cold period was not long enough the seeds will not germinate until the following year. They will then need another warm period (summer) and a cold period (winter).

Succeeds in any soil in full sun, but prefers a fertile sandy loam. Plants dislike poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage. Dislikes winter wet. Plants are hardy to about -25°C.

9CM POTS.