Clematis cirrhosa 'Wisley Cream' (C)

RHS Plant Profile
clematis 'Wisley Cream'
clematis 'Wisley Cream' R.J. Evison
Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Climber Wall Shrub

A large evergreen climber to about 4m in height, with rounded-toothed, leathery dark green leaves composed of 1-3 leaflets, which are bronze tinted in winter, and nodding single, pale creamy-white flowers to 8cm across, in late autumn, winter and early spring followed by silky seedheads

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (rabbits): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Clematis can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or herbaceous perennials, mostly climbing by twining leaf-stalks, and often with showy flowers. Some have attractive fluffy seedheads in autumn
Name Status
Accepted
Horticultural Group
Cirrhosa Group clematis are evergreen woody climbers with bell to bowl-shaped single flowers, produced from late autumn to early spring on the previous year's growth

How to Grow

Cultivation

A cultivar for a warm, sheltered position, it thrives in any fertile, well-drained soil and plant with the crown at soil level. Keep the base shaded and cool by the careful positioning of plants. In cold areas, grow in a container and overwinter in a greenhouse or conservatory. See clematis cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring, semi-ripe cuttings in early summer or propagate by layering in late winter or early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Wall side borders

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, snails and caterpillars; petals may be eaten by earwigs

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), clematis wilt and clematis slime flux