Clematis tangutica - Golden clematis

Clematis tangutica, sometimes called Tangut Clematis, is a vigorous clematis whose ancestors roamed the thickets from Mongolia to western China, up to 4,900m (16ft) above sea level, taking on the appearance of vigorous climbing plants or bushy shrubs in drier areas. It boasts a long spring to autumn flowering, bearing curious bright yellow trailing flowers that open to reveal a dark stamen heart. Its feathery and silvery fruits are extremely decorative. Like many clematis, it appreciates having its base in moist but well-drained soil, and its head in the sun. It is one of the hardiest and most generous clematis, both in the garden and in pots.

Clematis tangutica belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is a woody climbing plant with trailing roots that will cling to its support through petioles transformed into tendrils. Its stems will reach 3 to 5m (10 to 16ft) in length, with a ground coverage of 1 to 2m (3 to 7ft), so it will be necessary to provide a support that is well adapted to the volume and weight of the plant. It flowers on the current year's shoots. Flowering starts in May, reaches its peak in July-August, and then continues more sporadically until October. Its trailing flowers, 5 to 6cm (2in) wide, are composed of 4 large pointed tepals with rolled-up, thick, and waxy edges. They boast a slightly acidic yellow colour, surrounding a dark purple-brown stamen heart. They are solitary in the axils of the leaves. The flowers give way to fluffy and silky fruits, 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) wide, composed of seeds whose styles persist in the form of long silver filaments. The dark green foliage is composed of leaves divided into 3 dentate leaflets measuring 2 to 6cm (1 to 2in). The foliage turns yellow in autumn before drying up. 

This clematis can flower from the first year of cultivation. It will quickly cover a trellis or fence. It can also colonise a shrub with dark foliage ('Black Lace' elderberry, purple hazelnut), or with beautiful autumn colours (deciduous spindle tree, cotinus, or witch hazel). It can also dress up a slightly neglected bank, alongside a blue periwinkle, for example. The unique beauty of its flowers, the duration of flowering, and the appeal of its fruits make this clematis a star of the garden and patio. For example, it can be planted with a climbing rose, preferably a repeat-flowering one in yellow or orange, like 'Ghislaine de Féligonde', or cream to white like 'Iceberg'. It will also elegantly dress up a dead tree.