Golden clematis (orange-peel clematis) Clematis tangutica
Golden clematis (orange-peel clematis) (Clematis tangutica) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family, native to Central Asia, Mongolia, north-west China and Tibet. It grows 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Golden clematis (orange-peel clematis) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Mature height | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central Asia, Mongolia, north-west China and Tibet |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Golden clematis (orange-peel clematis) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: all parts, sap
Clematis contains protoanemonin: the sap blisters skin and the plant causes mouth pain, drooling and vomiting if eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Golden clematis (orange-peel clematis)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Golden clematis (orange-peel clematis)
- How far apart should I plant Golden clematis (orange-peel clematis)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Golden clematis (orange-peel clematis) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Golden clematis (orange-peel clematis) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Golden clematis (orange-peel clematis)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Golden clematis (orange-peel clematis) flower?
- From about July for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Golden clematis (orange-peel clematis) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people moderately toxic. Clematis contains protoanemonin: the sap blisters skin and the plant causes mouth pain, drooling and vomiting if eaten.
- What grows well with Golden clematis (orange-peel clematis)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Golden clematis (orange-peel clematis). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A very hardy late-flowering clematis with nodding yellow lantern flowers and thick, waxy sepals from midsummer to autumn, mixed with silky, silvery seed heads that last into winter. Cut it hard back in late winter.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Japanese anemone Anemone hupehensis
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- Love-in-a-mist Nigella damascena
- Globeflower Trollius europaeus
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