Overview
Clematis cirrhosa is an evergreen climbing vine in the Ranunculaceae family, growing 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) tall by twining leaf petioles around support structures. Leaves are variable — simple to ternate, dark glossy green, 1–3 inches (2.5–8 cm) long, often developing bronze to purple tints in cold weather. In the variety balearica (sometimes sold as 'Freckles'), leaves are deeply divided into fern-like segments with heavy reddish-purple speckling on the inner tepals. Flowers are bell-shaped to nodding, 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) across, with four tepals, cream to pale yellow-green, often speckled or flushed reddish-purple on the interior. Flowering occurs from November through February in the Pacific Northwest — a period when few other climbers bloom. Flowers are mildly fragrant with a lemon-like scent, most noticeable on warm winter days. Silky, feathery seed heads (achenes with persistent styles) develop after flowering and persist into spring. The species is native to the Mediterranean basin and tolerates mild winter conditions but can suffer foliage damage below 15°F (-9°C) and stem dieback below 5°F (-15°C). In the Pacific Northwest, it performs best in sheltered, south- or west-facing positions west of the Cascades. Goes semi-dormant in summer heat, sometimes dropping older leaves. Susceptible to clematis wilt (Phoma clematidina) though less affected than large-flowered hybrids.
Native Range
Clematis cirrhosa is native to the Mediterranean basin, from Portugal and Morocco east through southern France, Corsica, Sardinia, the Balearic Islands, mainland Italy, Greece, Crete, Turkey, and into the Levant. It grows in maquis scrubland, rocky hillsides, and woodland margins from near sea level to approximately 3,300 feet (1,000 m).Suggested Uses
Trained on south- or west-facing walls, fences, pergolas, and through established evergreen shrubs and trees where the winter flowers are visible. Effective on a sheltered porch or arbour near entrances where the winter blooms and lemon scent can be appreciated. In the Pacific Northwest, combine with a summer-flowering clematis (Group 3) on the same support for year-round interest. The feathery seed heads extend ornamental value into spring.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 15'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Nodding bell-shaped flowers open from November through February in the Pacific Northwest, with peak bloom in December–January during mild spells. Individual flowers last 2–3 weeks. Bloom may pause during hard frost and resume when temperatures rise above 40°F (4°C). Feathery seed heads develop from February through April. Pollinated by early-season bumblebees and honeybees foraging during warm winter spells.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Cream to pale yellow-green, often speckled reddish-purple insideFoliage Description
Dark glossy green, bronze-purple in cold weatherGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade, against a south- or west-facing wall, fence, or pergola. Soil should be fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.5–7.5), with the root zone shaded or mulched to keep it cool. Space 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) from other climbers. Plant with the top of the rootball 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) below the soil surface to encourage basal bud regeneration if stems are damaged. Water regularly during the first two growing seasons; once established, the species tolerates moderate summer drought. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring after flowering. Provide a sturdy support — trellis, wires, or an established tree or shrub to climb through.Pruning
Pruning Group 1: flowers on the previous year's growth. Prune lightly immediately after flowering in late February–March, removing only dead, damaged, or congested growth. Do not hard-prune in spring, as this removes the flowering wood for the following winter. If renovation is needed, cut back hard after flowering — the plant will regrow but may not flower the following winter.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons