Clematis cirrhosa Freckles

Clematis cirrhosa 'Freckles' is the hardiest and most vigorous of all the varieties derived from C. cirrhosa. It is a unique climbing plant that is perfectly suited to Mediterranean-style climates rather than the large-flowered patens-type clematis. It stands out with its unusual and slightly fragrant winter flowering, consisting of pendulous bells heavily speckled with pink-purple on the inside. They are clearly visible against its strongly cut dark green foliage. Evergreen in mild climates, it disappears if the summer is dry to escape the heat. This Christmas clematis is ideal for bringing life to the garden or patio, which can be a little dull in winter. A great gift idea for the end-of-year celebrations, which enthusiasts will be eager to place in their garden!

Clematis 'Freckles' is a woody climbing plant from the Ranunculaceae family. It is of horticultural origin. It comes from C. cirrhosa, a Mediterranean species that requires no pruning or maintenance. 'Freckles' has thin voluble stems that easily cling to their support (in Latin, cirrhosa means that it curls like a tendril). It can climb up to 2 or 3m (7 or 10ft) in height, and spread just as much. Its flowering sometimes begins in November, on new foliage. However, it usually takes place in February-March. The flowering takes the form of numerous clusters of pendulous flowers, 6 to 8cm (2 to 3in) wide. They are slightly soft and thick, with 4 recurved petals widely open on a bouquet of short green-yellow stamens. The back of the petals is white-cream pink, slightly washed with yellow. The throat of the flower is heavily splashed and speckled with pink-purple. They exhale a pleasant lemony fragrance. This flowering occurs on the previous year's shoots. The dark green and glossy leaves are divided and lobed, with roughly toothed lanceolate leaflets. The cold often tinges them with dark bronze highlights. If they stay under a watered climate in summer, the leaves curl up and then disappear as soon as the summer heat and its drought arrive. After the flowers, plumeous and decorative achenes (fruits) appear.

Clematis 'Freckles' is ultimately a low-maintenance, graceful, and pleasant plant. Its only flaw is its hardiness, which can sometimes fail in wet soil during a severe winter. However, it can withstand temperatures of around -12°C (10.4°F) in well-drained soil, in the sun and sheltered from the wind. The sight of its speckled flowers standing out against a lead-blue winter sky remains a wonderful surprise, even under the shelter of a cool veranda. Due to its growth cycle, it will look wonderful in a dry garden climbing on a deciduous bush (vitex, lilac, cotinus), with a complementary growing pattern. Its garlands of flowers will decorate their bare branches in winter. In a scented garden, it can accompany fragrant honeysuckle, which blooms white in February, perfuming the surrounding air. In cool climates, it is beautiful all year round. It can climb up a trellis, a fence, or even on a small wrought-iron structure, placed in a large pot on a patio.