Description
CLEMATIS cirrhosa var. purpurascens ‘Freckles‘ is a rare gem among CLEMATIS: an evergreen climber that flowers in the coldest months. Its nodding, bell-shaped blooms appear from late autumn through winter into early spring, offering pale yellow petals heavily speckled with deep red. These distinctive flowers are followed by silky seed-heads that add further seasonal interest. This variety is best grown against a south or west-facing wall, where its evergreen foliage and winter blooms can be protected and appreciated. It’s especially valuable in wildlife-friendly gardens, offering nectar and pollen when few other plants are in flower.
Key Features:
Propagation method: Vegetative soft-wood cuttings.
Substrate: Jiffy peat-free propagation Mix.
Plug Size: 3.5cm.
Production system: Grown without artificial light or heating for hardened plants.
Flowers: Pale yellow with heavy red speckling; nodding, bell-shaped flowers up to 10cm wide.
Foliage: Evergreen, divided, lobed and toothed glossy dark green leaves tinged bronze in winter.
Flowering period: November to March.
Height: Up-to 350cm at maturity.
Spread: Up-to 200cm at maturity.
Hardiness: Hardy in most UK regions.
Pollinator value: Highly attractive to bees and beneficial insects.
Sensory value: Ideal for SEND gardens and therapeutic planting schemes.
Ecological impact: Grown in peat-free substrate with no artificial inputs, pollinator and wildlife-friendly.
Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit for reliability, ornamental value, and strong garden performance.
Planting & Care:
Prefers full sun or light shade & moist but well-drained alkaline to neutral soils.
Mulch in autumn to protect roots in colder climates.
Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushiness as per RHS’s Group 1 pruning guide.
Ideal for containers, covering fences, pergolas, arches, and Pollinator/Wildlife-friendly planting schemes.
Commercial Notes:
CLEMATIS ‘Freckles’ are supplied as strong, well-rooted, hardy plug plants ready for potting into pots up-to 2lt formats.
Ideal for nursery, and wholesale formats and performs well in peat-free and organic programs.
Suitable for wildlife-friendly, and sustainable product ranges.
