Evergreen Clematis Clematis cirrhosa
ABOUT
Clematis cirrhosa, commonly known as 'winter clematis,' is a species that is noted for its ornamental features, which become particularly apparent during the colder months of the year. The plant is admired for its attractive foliage and delightful blossoms. The leaves of the winter clematis are evergreen, providing year-round interest. They are compound, with a delicate, fern-like appearance, which adds a soft, textured look to the plant. The foliage creates a dense canopy of greenery, making it an excellent plant for adding lushness to garden spaces. This clematis is especially beloved for its flowers, which bloom when many other plants are dormant. The flowers are bell-shaped and hang in an elegant, nodding fashion. They typically display a creamy-white hue, though they can exhibit a spectrum of colors from pale greenish-yellow to deeper tones, and are occasionally speckled with spots at the base of their petal-like tepals. The flowers exude a gentle, pleasing fragrance which can be quite noticeable, particularly on mild winter days when little else is in bloom. The flowering period of the winter clematis is one of its most remarkable traits, as it blooms during a season when the landscape tends to be more barren. The blossoms tend to appear in late autumn or early winter and can continue to provide color and interest well into early spring, depending on the climate and local growing conditions. Overall, Clematis cirrhosa is prized for its graceful, airy appearance conferred by its foliage and its season-defying, charming flowers that brighten up the garden during the colder months. It is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings to create visual appeal throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Virgin's Bower, Winter Clematis, Evergreen Clematis, Clematis cirrhosa.
Common names
Atragene cirrhosa, Cheiropsis cirrhosa, Clematis balearica.
ToxicityTo humans
The Clematis plant, commonly known as Clematis, can be harmful if ingested. All parts of Clematis contain glycosides which, when ingested, can be toxic to humans. The symptoms of Clematis poisoning may include mouth irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, symptoms may progress to include salivation, hypotension (low blood pressure), or blurred vision. Contact with the sap of the plant may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It is important to seek medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
To pets
Clematis, commonly referred to as Clematis, is also toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains irritant glycosides which can cause similar symptoms in pets as in humans. If a pet consumes any part of a Clematis plant, they may experience drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible mouth and gastrointestinal irritation. In severe cases, ingesting the plant may result in weakness or lethargy. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian if their pet has consumed any part of a Clematis plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cream
Height
8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Clematis cirrhosa, commonly known as clematis, adds aesthetic value to gardens with its beautiful, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in winter.
- Winter Interest: Being a winter-blooming species, it provides color and interest in gardens at a time when few other plants flower.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of clematis can attract pollinators such as bees, providing a food source during colder months.
- Climbing Habit: Clematis can cover walls, trellises, or arbors, creating vertical interest and using space effectively in small gardens.
- Varied Cultivars: There is a wide range of cultivars available, offering various flower colors and forms, which adapt to different garden designs.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant can tolerate semi-shade conditions, making it versatile for planting in various light settings.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis cirrhosa can be used as a natural dye source, with parts of the plant providing various hues for textiles and materials.
- The plant's vigorous climbing habit makes it an excellent candidate for covering unsightly structures like old fences or sheds.
- Its dense foliage provides nesting opportunities for small birds, offering them shelter and a degree of protection from predators.
- Garden designers sometimes incorporate Clematis cirrhosa into living walls to create vertical green spaces in urban environments.
- The plant has been used in craft projects, such as the creation of natural wreaths or as a decorative addition to floral arrangements.
- It can serve as a privacy screen when grown on balconies or patios, helping to create a secluded outdoor area.
- The tendrils and vines of Clematis cirrhosa can be artistically trained to grow in specific patterns or shapes on trellises or garden frames.
- When dried, the vines of Clematis cirrhosa can be used in basket weaving and other traditional weaving crafts to add sturdiness and texture.
- During winter, when flowers are scarce, the early blossoms of Clematis cirrhosa provide a valuable food source for pollinators like bees.
- Its winter flowering characteristic is utilized for animated garden displays, especially in regions where most plants are dormant during colder months.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiClematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityClematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: Clematis cirrhosa, commonly known as "Virgin's Bower," often symbolizes intellectual agility due to its complex and intelligent vine growth pattern.
- Creative Inspiration: The intricate beauty of the Virgin's Bower flowers is thought to inspire creativity and artistic expression.
- Spiritual Ascension: The climbing nature of the plant signifies spiritual growth and the pursuit of higher states of consciousness.
- Ingenious Survival: Blooming in cooler months, it represents the ability to thrive and adapt in challenging conditions.
WaterThe Clematis cirrhosa, commonly known as "Winter Clematis," needs consistent moisture but does not like to be waterlogged. It should be watered deeply once a week, but frequency should be adjusted according to weather conditions; less often if it's raining regularly, and more often during dry spells. A thorough watering should involve approximately 1 gallon of water for each plant, ensuring that the soil is moistened well but not saturated. During the winter, when the Clematis cirrhosa is actively flowering, be mindful not to let the plant dry out completely.
LightThe Winter Clematis thrives in a location with full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, in particularly hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense heat. Ensure that the plant is positioned where it can receive bright, indirect light for the best flowering results.
TemperatureWinter Clematis prefers a moderate temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 40°F and 80°F. It is hardy and can survive short periods of colder weather down to around 20°F but should be protected from prolonged freezing temperatures. Ideal growing conditions involve consistent temperatures within the mid-range, avoiding extremes of heat or cold.
PruningPruning the Winter Clematis is essential for encouraging vigorous growth and enhancing flowering. It should be pruned lightly after flowering in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or weak stems. This type of Clematis falls into Pruning Group 1, which means minimal pruning is required; just tidy it up and maintain the desired shape. The best time for pruning is immediately after the blooming period to avoid cutting off any flower buds for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis cirrhosa, commonly known as winter clematis, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a pH of slightly alkaline to neutral, around 7.0 to 7.5. A recommended mix would consist of two parts loam, one part well-aged compost, and one part sharp sand or fine grit to ensure good drainage. The presence of organic matter will also support healthy growth.
RepottingWinter clematis should be repotted infrequently, about once every 3 to 4 years, since they prefer not to have their roots disturbed frequently. It is best to repot them in spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom or growth.
Humidity & MistingWinter clematis does not require very high humidity and can thrive in average garden conditions. Optimal humidity would be similar to that of its native Mediterranean environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, indirect light and cool temps for indoor winter clematis growth.
Outdoor
Place winter clematis in sun to part shade, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis cirrhosa, commonly known as winter-flowering clematis, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, often in well-draining soil and partial sunlight. The seedlings establish a root system and develop into juvenile vines with characteristic leaf growth before entering their first dormant winter phase. In subsequent years, as a perennial, Clematis cirrhosa resumes growth in spring, maturing and lengthening its vines; it climbs using leaf petioles that twist around support structures. From late autumn to early spring, mature plants produce creamy-white to pale pink, bell-shaped flowers that are among the few garden blossoms in winter and are often scented. Following pollination, usually by insects, the flowers give way to silky seed heads containing seeds that can disperse to propagate new plants. Each individual plant can survive for several years, but after flowering and seed set, older stems may die back to be replaced by new growth from the base, repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The best time to propagate the Clematis cirrhosa, commonly known as the winter clematis, is typically in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method for propagating the winter clematis is by taking semi-hardwood cuttings. This involves selecting a healthy piece of stem that is not too young or too mature, ideally with a few sets of leaves. The cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 cm). The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, with the lower half of the stem buried in the soil. The pot should be kept in a bright, indirect light location and maintained with consistent moisture until roots develop, after which it can be transplanted into the garden or a larger pot.
