Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica (Evergreen Group)

A lovely winter-flowering clematis, Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica is an evergreen climber with fragrant, creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers, 2 in. across (6 cm), adorned with reddish-maroon freckles inside. Blooming from mid-late winter to early spring, the delicate flowers give way to fluffy seedheads. Equally attractive, the evergreen fern-like foliage of small, finely cut, dark green leaves turns bronze-purple in winter. This late flowering clematis is perfect for covering a wall, trellis, or fence. Plant it where you will be able to enjoy its winter flowers and scent: near a doorway, over a path, or on a sunny pergola.

• Thrives in moist, well-drained soils in full sun. This clematis variety requires a warm, sheltered position to flower well. Ideally, Clematis prefer having their ‘heads in the sun and their feet in the shade’. Keep the roots cool and shaded by other plants or add a layer of pebbles or flat stones at the base.
• Quickly grows up to 8 ft. long (240 cm) and 5 ft. wide (150 cm).
• This Clematis belongs to the first group of Clematis – a group including Early-flowering clematis that flower on shoots produced in the previous summer: No regular pruning is required. Just clean them up after flowering.
• Plant with the crown at the soil level.
• Propagation: Root softwood cuttings in spring, semi-ripe cuttings in early summer or propagate by layering in late winter or early spring
• Clematis cirrhosa is native to the Mediterranean and parts of North Africa.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

As climbers, Clematis are unsurpassed in their long flowering presence, their rich diversity of flower shapes, and their wide array of colors and tolerances in terms of exposure and climate. It is no wonder they are so popular! From tree huggers to container varieties, there is a Clematis for every garden and flowers for almost every month of the year! Members of the Ranunculaceae family, they include more than 300 species and hundreds of hybrids. They create year after year a ravishing colorful show in the garden, whether solely trained on walls, arbors, or trellises or grown in association with other climbers. They are divided into 3 groups which determine how they should be pruned. Regular pruning of Clematis is important as it promotes strong growth and flowering as well as a harmonious plant. If left unpruned, Clematis can turn into a mass of tangled stems with a bare base and flowers well above eye level.