Clematis apiifolia, commonly known as Devil’s Darning Needles, is a deciduous perennial vine native to forest margins and stream banks in Southeastern China, Korea and Japan. It can grow to a height of 15-20 feet (5-6 meters) and a width of up to 3 feet (0.9 meters). The vine is characterized by its climbing habit and compound leaves that give it a delicate, fern-like appearance. During the summer, it produces small, greenish-white flowers that are subtle rather than showy. The flowers are followed by ornamental, plume-like seed heads that persist into winter, adding interest to the garden landscape.

Devil’s Darning Needles is valued for its ability to cover structures quickly, providing a lush green backdrop in the garden. It is often used to adorn fences, trellises, and arbors. This clematis species is relatively low maintenance, requiring pruning only to shape or control its size. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil, although it is adaptable to various soil conditions. Regular watering is important, especially during dry spells. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to clematis wilt, a fungal disease that causes sudden wilting and death of stems.CC BY-SA 4.0