Clematis cirrhosa Winter Parasol

Clematis cirrhosa 'Winter Parasol' is a variety of fragrant winter-flowering clematis. It bears cascades of creamy-white bell-shaped flowers speckled with pink. Its finely-cut glossy green evergreen foliage displays a bronze tint on the underside, making it particularly ornamental. In warm climates, it disappears in summer to escape drought. This medium-sized variety is ideal for covering a trellis, a wall, or a bush. 'Winter Parasol' also does very well in pots with the support of a frame.

Clematis 'Winter Parasol' is a woody climbing plant of the Ranunculaceae family. It is of horticultural origin. It is derived from C. cirrhosa, a Mediterranean species. 'Winter Parasol' has slender voluble stems that easily cling to their support (in Latin, cirrhosa means coiling like a tendril). It can climb up to 2 or 3m (7 or 10ft) in height, with a similar width. Its flowering sometimes begins in November, on fresh foliage, but more often it takes place in February-March. It boasts numerous clusters of flowers, 3 to 6cm (1 to 2in) wide, which are slightly soft and thick. They are formed by 4 recurved petals widely open on a bouquet of short green-yellow stamens. The throat of the flower, as well as the reverse of the petals, is creamy-white, lightly speckled with pink. They have a pleasant fragrance. The dark green, glossy leaves are divided and lobed, with coarsely toothed lanceolate leaflets. The cold often gives them a bronze hue. If they persist under a watered climate in summer, the leaves curl up and disappear as soon as the summer heat and its dryness arrive.

Clematis 'Winter Parasol' is a relatively undemanding plant. Its only drawback is its hardiness, which can be compromised in wet soil during a severe winter. However, it can withstand temperatures around -12°C (10.4°F), or even -15°C (5°F), if planted in well-drained soil, in full sun and sheltered from the wind. The sight of its speckled flowers against a leaden winter sky remains a wonderful surprise. Due to its growth cycle, it will look wonderful in a dry garden climbing on a deciduous bush (vitex, lilac, cotinus). Its cascades of flowers decorate their bare branches in winter. In a scented garden, it can be paired with the fragrant Lonicera fragrantissima, which blooms white in February, filling the air with its fragrance. In cooler climates, it is beautiful all year round. It can be trained to climb on a trellis, a fence, or even a small wrought-iron structure placed near a large pot on a patio.