The flowers of these winter beauties may not be as big or blousy as their summer cousins, but the reserved pallete and delicate flower shapes are a delight amid the bleak days of winter, whilst also providing food for winter-active insects.
Flowering from late winter through to early spring on fine, evergreen, fern-like foliage, the pale-yellow to cream blooms grow up to 6cm (2in), often spotted with red on the inside of their bell-shaped flowers.
There are different varieties from which to choose like, Clematis cirrhosa ‘Freckles’ with dark, pink speckles on the inside of the petals that glow through to the outside from November onwards, or Clematis cirrhosa ‘Wisley Cream’ which blooms with a green tinge when it opens fading to a creamy-white. Clematis cirrhosa ‘Jingle Bells’ is the first winter-flowering clematis to bloom, flowering from December right through until March, climbing to an eventual height of 5m (16ft). The creamy-coloured, bell-shaped, nodding heads have a delicate citrus scent.
In flower from December to March, these dainty, creamy-white flowers hang downwards from pale green buds.
Choose one with at least three strong stems covered with healthy leaves.
Choose a sheltered, sunny spot, preferably in a south or west facing position so it can bask in whatever winter sun seeks it out.
It will prefer a deep, moisture-retentive soil which drains well in winter, but does not dry out in summer so dig in plenty of organic matter.
Water the plant well in spring and summer, especially when there is an extended dry spell.
Although routine pruning is unnecessary on this group 1 clematis, the plant shoots can be cut back immediately after flowering to a pair of healthy buds.