Best winter-flowering clematis

Winter-flowering clematis bring cheer to the garden in the dullest months. There are several varieties, with some of the most common and easy to grow being varieties of Mediterranean native Clematis cirrhosa, which includes 'Freckles', 'Wisley Cream' and 'Jingle Bells'. These are hardy enough to grow outside in the UK during winter and flower at some point between November and February. These evergreen climbers can be grown through other plants, such as climbing or rambling roses, where they extend the season of colour and interest, flowering when the rose is dormant.

Other winter clematis include Clematis napaulensis and Clematis urophylla 'Winter Beauty', which are only borderline hardy so need a reliably mild spot.

How to grow winter-flowering clematis

Grow Clematis cirrhosa in moist but free-draining soil in a sheltered spot in full sun. Its roots should be kept as dry as possible in winter, so make sure the soil does not hold water for too long, adding compost or grit if necessary, as this will help to avoid the roots rotting during long periods of cold, wet weather. Tie stems into their support initially, after which they will twine themselves. Cut back lightly after flowering.

Borderline-hardy winter clematis must be planted somewhere mild, and in colder parts of the country may only be viable in a conservatory or greenhouse. Prune lightly after flowering.

Browse our pick of the best winter-flowering clematis to grow, below.

Clematis cirrhosa ‘Wisley Cream’

One of the first Clematis cirrhosa cultivars, 'Wisley Cream' bears greenish flowers that mature to a creamy white, from November to March.

Height x Spread: 4m x 1.5m

• Buy Clematis cirrhosa 'Wisley Cream' from Crocus

Clematis cirrhosa ‘Jingle Bells’

This Christmas-flowering variety blooms from December through to March, bearing large, creamy-white flowers.

H x S: 5m x 2m

• Buy Clematis cirrhosa 'Jingle Bells' from Crocus
• Buy Clematis cirrhosa 'Jingle Bells' from Primrose

Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica

This variety has creamy-white flowers with delicate pink freckles from December to February, with a more subtle effect than the more heavily speckled 'Freckles' variety. Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica is only borderline hardy, so choose this variety only if you can give it a reliably mild spot, or are happy to apply protective fleece when very cold weather is predicted.

H x S: 2.5m x 1.5m

• Buy Clematis var. balearica from Crocus

Clematis x cartmanii ‘Avalanche’

Flowering in warmer parts of the country from February to April, Clematis 'Avalanche' bears masses of white flowers against a backdrop of dark-green leaves. Unlike varieties of Clematis cirrhosa, it thrives in partial shade. Although hardy to -7ºC, it may suffer leaf damage in cold winters.

H x S: 4m x 2m

• Buy Clematis x cartmanii 'Avalanche' from Crocus
• Buy Clematis x cartmanii 'Avalanche' from Thompson & Morgan

Clematis napaulensis

Native to Nepal, Clematis napaulensis flowers from November to March. Green buds open to flowers with large, purple stamens. This species needs a reliably mild spot, a greenhouse or well timed protection with fleece, as it is only borderline hardy.

H x S: 3m x 1.5m

• Buy Clematis napaulensis from Crocus
• Buy Clematis napaulensis from Thompson & Morgan