Clematis alternata

Clematis 'alternata' is a botanical wild species originally native to the Himalayan region – its natural home lies in Nepal and Tibet. It is the only known clematis species whose leaves are arranged alternately rather than opposite along the stem, which also gave it its name. From May to October it bears 3 cm bell- to urn-shaped flowers in bold red: they hang singly and nodding from the leaf axils, with four strongly recurved sepals and greenish stamens.

Growing to around 400 cm, 'alternata' climbs vigorously on trellises, trellis panels and larger supports, and suits sunny to partly shaded walls facing south, east or west. This undemanding wild species is drought-tolerant and thrives even on rather lean, well-drained soils – heavy, waterlogged clay soils, however, do not suit it. Thanks to its more compact habit, it is also suitable for container growing.

'alternata' is rated for zone 9 (down to about -6.6 to -1.2 °C) and therefore needs a mild, sheltered winter position; in harsher locations, winter protection or container cultivation with frost-free overwintering is recommended. For vigorous new growth and abundant flowering, cut the plant back to about 50 cm in March.