Clematis x indivisa Emerald Dream®

The Clematis Emerald Dream is the most unique of the New Zealand evergreen clematis, it doesn't really climb but forms an adorable ground cover cushion that works wonders in flower beds, borders, and even in flower pots. This variety also charms with its cream-white flowering, which covers the plant in early spring. They bloom in clusters on a heavily incised, shiny, and curiously curled foliage that remains decorative in winter. In the ground in our not too cold regions, or in pots, place it in full sun or partial shade, in rich, well-drained but moist soil.

The Clematis Emerald Dream is part of a group of hybrids resulting from crosses between different species native to New Zealand (Clematis forsteri, paniculata, marmoraria), appreciated for their early and massive flowering and their heavily incised foliage, which persists in winter. These are the clematis of the cartmanii group, belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. Generally dioecious, these plants bear male flowers and female flowers on separate subjects. The male flowers are the most spectacular, they are the ones that bloom on the branches of male cultivars selected for horticulture. For its ornamental qualities and performance in the garden, this variety has been distinguished by the Royal Horticultural Society in England.

It is a semi-woody plant, weakly climbing, rather bushy, with slow growth. It will form a vegetation dome reaching about 30 cm (12in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in width if pruned every year in June, after flowering. Its short branches bear thick, deeply lobed leaves, dark green and shiny, reminiscent of parsley leaves. The flowering takes place in spring, usually in March-April, until May depending on the climate, for several weeks. Clusters of star-shaped flowers, 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter, with 6 petals, centered on a light yellow stamen heart, open on the stems. Initially greenish-white, the petals gradually become cream-white.

The Clematis Emerald Dream thrives in the ground in our mild regions but also grows very well in pots, which can be easily overwintered away from heavy frosts elsewhere. It can be used as a ground cover along pathways or in flower beds, as well as in containers or on top of walls, where it cascades down like a small waterfall. On a well-exposed slope, for example, it can accompany herbaceous clematis or a Sollya heterophylla, or ground cover roses for instance. In a flower pot, it forms a beautiful combination with a variegated Carex Everlite and bright blue lobelias.