Evergreen Clematis

Evergreen Clematis such as Clematis armandii and some Clematis montana cultivars can make a great screening plant for walls, sheds or fences. They also perform well when allowed to wind their way through trees and shrubs.

It is great to see the new cultivars coming onto the market that are not as vigorous as the species and have a greater range of flower colours than the traditional white of light pink. Pruning evergreen clematis is not difficult, especially the newer varieties.

If you are looking for an evergreen climbing plant with attractive flowers that will cover a wall, a fence or will happily grow up larger trees then evergreen clematis may be the climbing plant for you.

Evergreen Clematis Varieties

• Clematis armandii
  Clematis armandii with its large waxy leaves and fragrant flowers is a vigorous climber and will need to be kept under control. Pruning this one means not being afraid to cut it right back to new leaders every year or two, this prevents it forming a bare lower trunk as well as helps control its growth. The buds emerge a wonderful red color and burst open to those pure white flowers. A humus rich moist soil to provide a cool root run and a sunny aspect is about all it requires.
  
  
• Clematis cirrhosa
  With its ferny foliage and bell shaped flowers Clematis cirrhosa seems a little more refined as a plant. However it is still a vigorous grower. Flower color will vary according to cultivar with cream through to red freckled varieties available.
  
  
• Clematis fasciculiflora
  Another vigorous evergreen clematis is Clematis fasciculiflora, clusters of small creamy nodding fragrant flowers in spring. Handles dry conditions a little better than some.
  
  
• Clematis cartmanii
  These are from New Zealand and have fragrant white flowers in spring. They are more of a scrambling plant than a climber, variable in form and some with green tinged flowers.
• Clematis montana
  Clematis montana is the other evergreen clematis worth considering, and in fact we prefer it, especially the newer cultivars which are smaller growing and really a lot less vigourous.
  
  
• Clematis yunnanensis syn. anshunensis s yn. urophylla syn. clarkeana ?
  A plant that is often referred to as 'Winter Beauty', although we think the correct name of this one might be Clematis yunnanensis. Whatever the name this is an evergreen species with very attractive white flowers. The bell shaped flowers hang below the foliage and are heavily textured. It is a species that requires protection from cold and given good condition is vigorous

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