Clematis 'Christmas Surprise'
clematis (group 1)
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, well-drained, neutral
- Rate of growth: average to fast
- Flowering period: December to February
- Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
This new winter-flowering clematis produces its creamy bell-shaped flowers against the backdrop of green foliage. Ideal for sheltered gardens, it looks great scrambling through a large, well-established deciduous shrub, or smothering a south-facing wall, where it will offer interest throughout the darker months. In spring or summer, it may lose some (if not all) of its leaves, giving neighbouring plants their time in the spotlight. - Garden care: No routine pruning is necessary. If the spread of the plant needs to be restricted prune immediately after flowering, cutting back overlong shoots to healthy buds. Apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser and a mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the base of the plant in early spring.
- Humans: Skin irritant; Pets: Harmful if eaten