SafePlants

Clematis cirrhosa: The Winter-Flowering Wonder

Clematis cirrhosa, also known as fern-leaved clematis or winter clematis, is a delightful evergreen climber that brings beauty to the garden when many other plants are dormant. Several cultivars are popular, including 'Jingle Bells', 'Wisley Cream', 'Freckles', and 'Advent Bells'.

Its ability to flower in the depths of winter makes it a particularly valuable addition to any garden.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Clematis cirrhosa
• Family: Ranunculaceae
• Synonym: Clematis calycina (mentioned in reference to *Clematis cirrhosa* var. *balearica*)

Considerations for Pets

• Seedheads are produced after the flowering period.

Considerations for Children

• Seedheads are produced after the flowering period.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Mediterranean areas of Southern Europe and parts of North Africa.
• Clematis cirrhosa var. *balearica* is noted as the Majorcan version of the species.
• Found growing in most parts of Andaluca.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Evergreen climber with woody stems.
• Finely cut, dark green leaves that may turn bronze in winter.
• Produces bell to bowl-shaped, often nodding, single flowers from late autumn to early spring.
• The flowers of many cultivars are creamy white or yellowish and are often heavily spotted with red or maroon.
• Twining growth habit allows it to provide dense cover.

Cultivars

• 'Freckles': Creamy bells freckled with reddish-brown spots.
• 'Jingle Bells': Evergreen cultivar with nodding, bell-like flowers.
• 'Wisley Cream': Winter-flowering evergreen with small, glossy dark green leaves that turn bronze in winter.
• 'Advent Bells': Maroon-spotted flowers that hang in clusters.

Quirky Facts

• The word "cirrhosa" means "yellowish," referring to the pale creamy-yellow shade of some flowers.

Ecological Role

• Valuable for providing flowers during the winter months when few other plants are in bloom.
• Provides dense cover due to its twining growth habit.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Attracts attention with its subtly scented flowers.

Further Information

• Information on pruning and varieties can be found online.
• Plants are available for sale from various nurseries.