Winter flowering clematis bring cheer to the garden in the dullest months. There are several varieties, with the most common and easy to grow being varieties of Mediterranean native Clematis cirrhosa, including popular cultivars ‘Freckles’, ‘Wisley Cream’ and ‘Jingle Bells. These are hardy enough to grow outside in the UK in winter, and flower from November to February. Evergreen, they can be grown through other climbers, such as climbing or rambling roses, where they extend the season of colour and interest, flowering when the rose is dormant.
Other winter clematis include Clematis napaulensis and Clematis ‘Lunar Lass’. These are tender and are best suited to growing in a conservatory or greenhouse.
How to grow winter flowering clematis
Grow Clematis cirrhosa in moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered spot in full sun. Its roots should be kept as dry as possible in winter, so plant it in the rain shadow of a wall where it will not succumb to winter wet. Tie stems into their support initially, after which they will twine themselves. Cut back after flowering.
Tender winter clematis should be grown in rich, moisture-retentive peat-free compost in pots in the conservatory or greenhouse. Prune after flowering.
Browse our pick of the best winter clematis to grow, below.
Clematis cirrhosa ‘Wisley Cream’
One of the first Clematis cirrhosa cultivars, ‘Wisley Cream’ bears greenish flowers that mature to a creamy white, from November to March.
Height x Spread: 4m x 1.5m
Clematis cirrhosa ‘Jingle Bells’
This Christmas-flowering variety blooms from December through to March, bearing large, creamy white flowers.
H x S: 5m x 2m.
Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica
Creamy white flowers with delicate pink freckles, this variety has a more subtle effect than more heavily speckled ‘Freckles’. Only frost hardy, Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica may bnot survive harsh winters.
H x S: 2.5m x 1.5m
Clematis x cartmanii ‘Avalanche’
Flowering from February to April, Clematis ‘Avalanche’ bears masses of white flowers, against a backdrop of dark green leaves. Unlike varieties of Clematis cirrhosa, it thrives in partial shade. Although hardy to -7º, it may suffer leaf damage in cold winters.
H x S: 4m x 2m
- Buy Clematis x cartmanii ‘Avalanche’from Crocus
- Buy Clematis x cartmanii ‘Avalanche’ from Thompson & Morgan
Clematis napaulensis
Native to Nepal, Clematis napaulensis flowers from November to March. Green buds open to flowers with large purple stamens. This species is frost hardy and will probably need some protection in winter, or grow it in a cold greenhouse or conservatory.
H x S: 3m x 1.5m
