A graceful native clematis climbing through shrubs and trees, covered in starry white flowers in spring followed by fluffy silvery seed heads. A delicate cover for shaded fences and woodland gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 5 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun, shade and low-light positions and full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Old Man's Beard
Botanically, Clematis aristata is a fast-growing climber in the Ranunculaceae family, native to New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland. It reaches around 5 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. White and cream green flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Old Man's Beard
Old Man's Beard suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun, shade and low-light positions and full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Old Man's Beard does best in free-draining and clay soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Old Man's Beard is regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Old Man's Beard after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Old Man's Beard in the garden
Old Man's Beard earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Old Man's Beard with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Old Man's Beard
Plant Sale lists Old Man's Beard as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.