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Climber Wall Shrub

Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

fern-leaved clematis

A vigorous, evergreen climber about 3-4m in height, with small, very finely cut, dark green leaves tinged bronze-purple in winter. Slightly fragrant, single, cup-shaped pale yellow flowers to 5cm wide, spotted reddish-purple within, produced through winter into early spring followed by fluffy seedheads

Other common names
evergreen clematis
Minorca clematis
see morewinter-flowering clematis
Synonyms
Clematis calycina
Clematis cirrhosa var. calycina
see moreClematis balearica
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Yellow Green Bronze
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
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

Correct

Plant range
S Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Requires a warm, sheltered position to flower well, though it thrives in any fertile, well-drained soil. Plant with the crown at soil level. 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
Pruning

Pruning (Clematis) Group 1

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

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