Golden bell clematis is a deciduous, climbing, perennial vine with delicate yellow flowers that point downward and produce a mass of feathery seed heads that look a bit like an old man's beard, hence another common name, old man’s beard clematis. It is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and is native to the temperate region of central Asia. The epithet indicates this species is from the region of central China that was the ancient kingdom of Tangut. Golden bell clematis is a rapid grower and can reach 12 to 15 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide when planted in full sun. Provide the root area with mulch or ground cover plants to provide shade. It will also grow in partial shade. It is not particular about soil texture but does require the soil to have a neutral to alkaline pH and good drainage. It is drought tolerant. Propagate by seed. Prune hard in late winter (Type 2); cut back to a pair of strong buds above 1 foot. Prune less severely if early spring flowers are desired. As a vine, clematis is recommended for vertical spaces such as a fence or a rock wall. It can be used to create a seasonal privacy screen. Its showy, fragrant, tubular flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a good addition to a butterfly or pollinator garden. Consider it as a specimen or mass planting in an Asian or cottage garden. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for " Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers " a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Clematis .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
3 feet-6 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 12 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in. | Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
6 - Vine (vertical)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Climbing
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Cordate; Cuneate; Lanceolate; Oblong
Leaf margin
Denticulate; Serrate
Leaf feel
Glossy; Leathery; Smooth
Leaf size
1-3 inches long
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Leaves are pinnate to bipinnate and medium green. Lanceolate to oblong leaflets (to 2 1/3” long) have acute tips, tiny toothed margins, and cuneate to subcordate bases.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow
Flower value
Fragrant; Long Bloom Season; Showy
Flower shape
Bell; Trumpet; Tubular
Flower size
3-6 inches
Flower detail
Yellow flowers point downward resembling small bells. Its flowers have 4 to 8 petal-like sepals and many stamens, usually solitary on long stalks (3 to 6" long)
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit value
Good Dried; Showy
Fruit size
< 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
This plant has many small, dry fruits (each with a silky-plumose tail). Seedheads are fluffy, silvery, and highly ornamental.
Poisonous to Humans; Problem for Cats; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses
Resistant to
Black Walnut; Deer; Drought; Poor Soil; Rabbits
Propagation
Seed
Poison severity
High
Poison parts
Leaves; Sap/Juice
Poison symptoms
Clematis can cause severe mouth pain and ulcers if eaten. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses. Clinical signs are salivation, vomiting, diarrhea. In humans, symptoms may include dizziness, confusion, fainting, and convulsions. Fatalities are rare, due to the rapid and intense bitter taste and mouth irritation from eating. Gastric lavage is recommended and anti-inflammatory to soothe irritated tissue. Contact dermatitis results in skin redness and burning sensation for some people, gardening gloves are recommended.
Toxic principle
protoanemonin
Contact dermatitis
Yes
Toxicity summary
High severity poison; parts: Leaves; Sap/Juice; contact dermatitis