6 climbing plants for winter flowering

Clematis cirrhosa ‘Freckles’: graceful

If you are not yet familiar with the so-called wax clematis, or Clematis cirrhosa, we invite you to get to know one of its most beautiful representatives, the clematis ‘Freckles’. This stunning climbing plant flowers between December and January (or as early as November in mild climates), unfolding its small, pendulous flowers like bells, pink speckled with purple. These are numerous strong pink spots that splash across the four petals, resembling freckles (its name in English), while the edge and the exterior of the inflorescences remain cream-coloured. With a semi-evergreen foliage (which will drop in very hot summers), clematis ‘Freckles’ grows between 2 and 3 m in height, with a spread of 1.50 m. It can thus be planted at the base of a small deciduous tree, which it will enliven in winter, or on a trellis, or even in a large pot and trained on a structure beside a terrace. Very lightly scented, it will flower best in well-drained soil and full sun.

It is also known as Christmas clematis, but be careful, you will actually find several clematis cirrhosa under this name. Note that wax clematis are  native to the Mediterranean region and are therefore quite sensitive to cold. ‘Freckles’ is the hardiest of them, tolerating temperatures down to -12°C.

Clematis cirrhosa ‘Freckles’ (© Van Zoest), with a close-up of the flower on the right

→ Discover our range of wax clematis

Clematis armandii: spectacular

Winter-flowering clematis are generally best known for Clematis armandii, a group of evergreen clematis that blooms a little later in winter. The Father Armand clematis has given its name (armandii) to a beautiful range of white-flowered varieties, more or less pink, with magnificent veined evergreen foliage. Among the noteworthy cultivars, Clematis armandii remains a classic of the genus, fast-growing, and splendid for many weeks, offering a vigorous dense and glossy growth and a fragrant, prolific flowering. The flowers appearing in March are a delight, with immaculate white petals standing out against the dark, glossy leaves. When not in bloom, you benefit from a particularly ornamental green curtain, with its beautiful oblong foliage, the climbing plant reaching up to 4 m in height. Like all clematis, it prefers “feet in the shade, head in the sun” and thrives in well-drained soil. Tolerant of both drought and cold, this is one of the most beautiful winter climbers for your garden!

→ Discover our range of Clematis armandii and our 6 winter clematis

Winter Jasmine: a Golden Cascade

Among jasmines, there is one that we might sometimes tend to forget… Yet, the winter jasmine or Jasminum nudiflorum offers one of the most beautiful winter flowerings with its extraordinary yellow cascade! Although it is unscented and has deciduous foliage, the yellow jasmine possesses an incredible charm when it begins to flower from January. Its secret weapon? It’s this very long lemon-yellow flowering that often lasts until March, elegantly brightening up a large wall or a staircase railing, as well as a free-standing hedge or a large bank, as it can be trained in various ways. It must be planted in a very sunny position to flower well. Ultra hardy and resistant to intense drought episodes, it is a climbing plant not to be overlooked and should be reintroduced into natural gardens and even contemporary ones in large pots.

→ Learn more about winter jasmine with some inspiring association ideas

Primrose Jasmine: in mild climate

The primrose jasmine has several names: Jasminum primulinum or Jasminum mesneyi, or even jasmine with primrose flowers. It is an Asian jasmine, native to China, and still relatively unknown in our gardens. However, like winter jasmine, it offers a beautiful yellow flowering in the garden, slightly later in the second half of winter. Cold-resistant down to -5°C, it is best suited for gardens in mild regions. Its bright yellow flowers resemble those of Jasminum nudiflorum, but are larger, often semi-double, and may sometimes produce a second flowering in September. Climbing up to 3m high and as wide, with evergreen foliage, it has a rather diffuse habit that will require support, but you can also choose to maintain it in a bushy form through pruning. It also needs plenty of sunlight to reward you with its beautiful bright flowering, a ray of sunshine in the middle of winter!

Hardenbergia violacea: frost-sensitive yet stunning!

Belonging to the Fabaceae family and originating from Australia, Hardenbergia violacea is largely unknown to gardeners. It is true that it is suited to southern and coastal gardens as it is hardy only down to -4° C. In these conditions, it forms an admirable climbing plant with intense green, lanceolate, evergreen foliage that remains ornamental after flowering. This occurs at the end of winter, lasting for several months into spring, in the form of clusters of tiny mauve-violet, nectariferous flowers, which earn it the nickname Australian Wisteria. Growing between 2 and 3 m high, it thrives in full sun on a pergola or wall, in cool, preferably acidic soil (it does not like chalky conditions).

A white variant, Hardenbergia violacea ‘Alba’ (or ‘White Chrystal’), is also stunning with its long white clusters. In the south, pair the purple variety with another climbing plant that flowers beautifully in winter, Pyrostegia venusta, as their colours complement each other wonderfully.

→ Read Alexandra’s tips in How to Pair Hardenbergia?

Hardenbergia violacea (© Peganum)

Ercilla volubilis: original

To conclude this selection of climbing plants that bloom boldly in the heart of winter, here is an interesting botanical curiosity for more than one reason. Native to Chile, this climbing plant has the delightful feature of offering an unusual pink hue during the winter season. The shape of its flowers and its habit are two other intriguing aspects: the pink inflorescences appear as short, fluffy spikes that are astonishing, trailing, and slightly fragrant, while the evergreen green leaves are grouped on branches, creating a lovely trailing effect. Flowering occurs in mid-winter, typically around February-March. You should ideally plant this beautiful atypical liana in a semi-shaded position and in well-drained soil.

Growing up to 5 m, you can easily control it by pruning. It remains a frost-sensitive climber, suitable for mild or oceanic climates, as it is sensitive to cold below -9°C.

Ercilla volubilis (© Leonora Enking). On the right, the beginning of flowering in February (© Peganum)