Clematis cirrhosa 'Freckles' flower (13/11/2011, London)
Position: Sun to Partial Shade
Flowering Period: Winter to Spring
Soil: Well drained
Eventual Height: 3m
Eventual Spread: 1.5m
Hardiness: 7a – 9b
Family: Ranunculaceae
Clematis cirrhosa ‘Freckles’ is a winter flowering evergreen climber. The leaves of the plant are finely cut, glossy and coloured dark to mid green, tinged to bronze in winter. The plant climbs by wrapping their leaf stalk around any suitable purchase. It’s flowers are bell shaped, creamy in colour, with brick red freckled insides. The flowers are 5cm in width and are scented. These are followed by attractive fluffy seed heads.
Clematis cirrhosa ‘Freckles’, commonly known as the Tendril Clematis, is correcctly known as Clematis cirrhosa var purpurascens ‘Freckles’. Clematis cirrhosa is from southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.
The etymological root of the binomial name Clematis is derived from the Greek klema ’vine shoot’, alluding to the climbing habit of the species. Cirrhosa is derived from the Greek Kirros ‘orange/ tawney’ referring to the flower color of the species.
Clematis cirrhosa 'Freckles' (13/11/2011, London)
The landscape architect may find Clematis cirrhosa ‘Freckles’ useful as an evergreen winter flowering climber. It is suitable for planting against a wall, pergola or trellis. To perform best this plant requires a mild climate and a sheltered position. The roots of this pant, as with all Clematis, should be planted in the shade.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given C. cirrhosa var purpurascens ‘Freckles’ their it prestigious award of Garden Merit in 1993.
C. cirrhosa ‘Freckles’ prefers most well drained fertile soils. It can tolerate most pH of soil. It will not tolerate wet soils.
Maintenance: This plant requires little to no maintenance. This plant may be pruned after flowering to encourage new growth for the next seasons flowers.