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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Old Man's Beard does best with regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
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
Combine Old Man's Beard with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. 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. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
