Clematis cirrhosa
You can see a range of beautiful specimens of C. cirrhosa and its cultivars at Wisley this month. An easy to find example of the species grows up the oak tree at the bottom of the Monocot Borders (or top of the Rock Garden) where you get a fine view over the Wild Garden and over to the Glasshouse.
On the outer wall of the Walled Garden you can find a number of clematis including C. cirrhosa var. balearica, and on the wall of the Laboratory building are the cultivars ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘Wisley Cream’ AGM. Look out for them in the Wisley Plant Centre this month.
Vital statistics
- Common name
- Evergreen clematis, Spanish traveller's joy
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Height & spread
- 3-4m (10-13ft) x 1.8m (6ft)
- Form
- Evergreen climber
- Soil
- Well-drained, gritty
- Aspect
- Sunny, warm position
- Hardiness
- Half hardy to hardy
Clematis
There are around 300 species of deciduous or evergreen semi-woody to woody, sprawling climbers or woody-based perennials in this genus, and more than 400 cultivars currently in cultivation.
Clematis occur in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres including Europe, China, Australasia, North America and Central America. They have been long cultivated in Japan, and have been cultivated in Europe since the 16th century.
The name is derived from the Greek klema meaning a twig, reflecting the brittle, woody nature of the clambering stems. The genus is quite diverse ranging from low-growing herbaceous perennials, scandent or trailing shrubs, and climbers reaching 10-15m (30-50ft) in height.
The leaves are opposite, sometimes alternate, hairy to hairless, simple, three-palamate or pinnate with irregularly cut margins. Climbing species attach to host plants or supporting structures by use of their leaf stalks.
Clematis are grown for their abundant flowers which are mostly bisexual, rarely unisexual, and are borne singly or in cymes or panicles, which are often followed by pretty grey seed heads.
Use climbing species to clothe a wall, arbour, trellis or pergola. They can also be grown over large shrubs or small trees.
Clematis cirrhosa
This species is an early-flowering, evergreen climber from southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It has leaves in groups of three with small lobed leaflets.
The flowers are open, cup-shaped, cream, often red-flecked and 2-7.5cm (0.75-3in) across. They are borne singly or in clusters, in late winter or early spring, followed by attractive seed heads.
Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica has fragrant, pale cream flowers, speckled reddish brown, and is from the Balearic Islands off the Spanish coast.
Clematis cirrhosa var. 'Wisley Cream' AGM has cream flowers 6-8cm (2-3in) across.
Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, with the roots and base of the plant in shade.
- This cultivar prefers a warm sunny position. Mulch all clematis in late winter with garden compost or well-rotted manure avoiding the crown.
- Plant with the top of the rootball about 7.5cm (3in) below the soil surface to reduce risk of clematis wilt. After planting, cut back top growth of deciduous climbers to a strong pair of buds about 30cm (12in) above soil level. Provide strong support and tie-in initially. Once established, prune only if the plant outgrows its allotted space, by cutting back to 1m (3.25ft) from the ground immediately after flowering.
- Clematis are generally free from pests, but a build-up of aphids in spring could harm new growth.
Propagation
- All clematis species can be successfully propagated from seed, which should be sown soon after harvesting to ensure good germination.
- Cultivars such as ‘Wisley Cream’ should be reproduced from layering or cuttings.