Clematis cirrhosa var. purpurascens ‘Freckles’ (Evergreen Group)

A lovely winter-flowering clematis, Clematis cirrhosa var. purpurascens ‘Freckles’ is an evergreen climber with fragrant, creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers, 2 in. across (6 cm), heavily speckled with bright to dark red streaks inside. Blooming from mid-late winter to early spring, the cheery flowers are the perfect source of food for winter-active bees. They are followed by attractive, fluffy seedheads. Equally attractive, the evergreen foliage of divided, lobed, and toothed glossy dark green leaves, turns bronze in winter. Plant this charming clematis where you will be able to enjoy its winter flowers and scent: near a doorway, over a path or on a sunny pergola. Use as drapery on walls or train up an arch.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its noteworthy qualities.
• Grows up to 9-12 ft. long (270-360 cm).
• 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. Needs protection from drying winter winds.
• 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.
• Propagate by layering.
• 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, the rich diversity of flower shapes, and a 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 a ravishing colorful show in the garden year after year, 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 and 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.