Clematis serratifolia

Clematis serratifolia is part of the group of 'oriental' clematis, known for their hardiness and ease of cultivation, and characterized by small pendulous bell-shaped flowers in shades of yellow. This particular species, sometimes called Korean clematis, is a botanic species with a very natural charm, with a relatively late pale yellow flowering and a slight fragrance, as well as particularly abundant and decorative seed heads. It can be planted as ground cover or in a small informal hedge with decorative fruit-bearing or autumn foliage shrubs.

Clematis serratifolia (synonyms Clematis orientalis var. serrata, Clematis wilfordii) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is native to Korea and Manchuria and found in a few other regions of East Asia. This clematis was introduced to the West around 1918 by EH Wilson. It has produced excellent cultivars through hybridisation, such as Golden Harvest or Golden Tiara.

In our climates, this Korean clematis climbs up to 2-3m (7-10ft) high by clinging to its support using tendrils. Its foliage is composed of leaves divided into 5 small toothed, vibrant green leaflets. This foliage gives an air of lightness and delicacy, rather than volume. It is deciduous, absent in winter. Flowering occurs over a month, between August and September, earlier or later depending on the climate. The flowers appear alone or in groups of two or three on new wood, mainly in the axils of the upper leaves. They open in two stages: the four sepals with a leathery texture in pale yellow or cream colour first form a bell, then open widely to reveal a centre filled with numerous dark brown-violet stamens. When half open, the flowers measure from 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter. They give off a lemony fragrance, more noticeable when they are in the sun. This flowering is loved by bees and other pollinators. After flowering, decorative seed heads appear, ending with a silvery grey, feathery style.

Clematis serratifolia thrives in sunny spots with shade at the base. It is perfect for dressing up a fence, climbing in a shrub, or being left to grow free as ground cover. Its late flowering and beautiful silky seeds will go well with the fruits of ornamental apple trees, the purplish foliage of dyer's vine or the scarlet foliage of Red Cascade euonymus. This small vine will also be splendid in a large English rose with yellow or orange flowers (Graham Thomas, Malvern Hills). This clematis, left free without support, will form a thicket adorned with pale yellow bells next to the blue-violet bells of the Clematis diversifolia Rooguchi for example. It is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade, in fertile and well-draining soil.

Tips: Avoid excessive fertiliser that promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch, to avoid excessive moisture that promotes clematis wilt.