Clematis Freckles

• Variety: Freckles
• Latin name: Clematis cirrhosa var. purpurascens 'Freckles'
• Flower: Cream bells, heavily speckled with red-purple inside
• Scent: Lightly scented (lemon)
• Evergreen: Yes, finely divided fern-like foliage with a bronze tint in winter
• Climbing method: Leaf-stalk tendril climber
• Height: To 5m
• Flowering: November–February
• Pruning group: Group 1: tidy after flowering in spring if needed. No hard pruning
• Planting depth: Plant at pot level
• Soil: Well-drained. Add grit on heavy clay
• Hardiness: Hardy, but prefers a sheltered, sunny spot
• RHS AGM: Yes (confirmed December 2024)
• Sold as: P9 and 3L deep pots, grown from our own cuttings. Peat-free compost
• Plant outdoors: Year-round
• Delivered: March–November typically. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Clematis Freckles: Scented, Speckled Bells from November to February

Freckles is a winter-flowering clematis, which puts it in a category almost entirely its own. From November through to February, while just about every other climber in the garden is dormant, this one produces hanging cream bells that are heavily freckled with red-purple on the inside. You need to look up into them to see the markings properly, which is why it works so well trained over a porch, an arch, or a pergola where you walk underneath.

The foliage is evergreen, finely divided and fern-like, with a bronze tint through winter that sets off the pale flowers. RHS AGMs are only awarded to outstanding and reliable plants. Say no more.

Cirrhosa clematis are Mediterranean by origin. Clematis cirrhosa used to be known as Clematis balearica which is a pretty strong clue as to where it was originally found. It is happiest with shelter so a south or west-facing wall is helpful and good drainage is essential.

Heavy clay soil will need grit worked in at planting. Cold north or east winds can damage the buds, so shelter matters more than it does for most clematis. Get the position right and Freckles is no trouble at all. BTW - it can work very well climbing up the south side of a large, deciduous tree trunk.

The Summer Dormancy Question

Cirrhosa clematis follow a Mediterranean rhythm: they grow and flower through the cooler months, then siesta in summer. In a very hot, dry summer the foliage can turn brown. This is normal. The plant is doing what it evolved to do in the hills of the Balearic Islands. Fresh green growth reappears in autumn as temperatures drop and the rain returns. If you are growing Freckles on a wall shared with a summer-flowering climber, the browning is hidden. If it is on its own, be prepared for the odd summer when it looks less than its best.

What to Grow Alongside Freckles

You can pair Freckles with something that fills the summer gap. A reliable Group 2 clematis like The President flowers from May to September; its rich purple is a strong contrast to the cirrhosa's cream, and the two take turns on the same wall without competing. I have one at home growing into my favourite repeat flowering rambler Narrow Water. Scented honeysuckle (Serotina or Graham Thomas) gives evening fragrance from July to October on an adjacent wall. At the base, an evergreen wall shrub like Choisya or Ceanothus from our shrub collection provides year-round foliage at ground level.

About Your Plant

We propagate Freckles from cuttings here in Castle Cary. We are a peat free nursery and use biological pest controls. We are small and flexible enough for our growing staff to also pick, pack, and dispatch your order. Which? Gardening Best Buy and Feefo Platinum Partner, both earned through customer reviews. Every plant is guaranteed. See all our clematis varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does clematis Freckles flower?

November to February, with the peak in December and January. This makes it one of very few clematis to flower in winter. The blooms are produced on wood made the previous year, so don't prune in autumn or you will remove the buds. On a sheltered south-facing wall the first flowers can open as early as late October and last in February.

How deep should I plant Freckles clematis?

At pot level, no deeper. Cirrhosa clematis must not be planted deep; the crown can rot in damp soil if buried. For full planting instructions see our clematis growing guide.

Why has my clematis Freckles gone brown in summer?

This is normal for cirrhosa clematis and not a sign of disease as they are dormant in summer heat. In hot years the leaves may brown or partially drop in July and August before fresh growth appears in September.

Is clematis Freckles evergreen?

Sort of; the fern-like foliage is retained through autumn, winter, and spring. The same applies in most summers in the UK, but in hot dry summers some or all of the leaves may turn brown as the plant enters its natural rest period. So it is evergreen in the sense that it never deliberately drops its leaves as a deciduous plant would; the browning is a drought response, not a seasonal habit.

Will clematis Freckles survive a cold winter?

The plant itself is hardy to around minus 10°C with good drainage and shelter. The flower buds are more vulnerable: a sharp frost in December can damage open blooms, though the plant produces more to replace them. A south-facing or west-facing wall gives the best results. In colder parts of the UK, consider a fleece cover for the buds during really severe cold snaps. See our guide to climbers and walls for advice on choosing the right planting spot.

When should I prune clematis Freckles?

In spring, after the last flowers fade, but only if the plant is too big. If the plant has outgrown its space, cut the longest shoots back to a pair of healthy leaves in March or April. Try not to cut into bare old wood.