Clematis napaulensis

Clematis 'napaulensis' is not a bred cultivar but a wild species from the eastern Himalaya and south-west China; its species name recalls its native home in the Nepal region. In 1912 the plant collector George Forrest brought it to England from the Chinese province of Yunnan, first under the name Clematis forrestii, before it was classified under its current name. The 3 cm, fragrant flowers appear in yellow and are adorned with long, purplish-red stamens that stand out clearly from the nodding, bell-shaped blooms.

The main flowering period runs from October to February, filling the quiet winter season when few other climbers are in bloom. At around 300 cm tall, 'napaulensis' suits trellises and warmer, south-facing wall areas; since its shoots barely climb on their own and lignify quickly, a support or tie-in is especially useful at first. It is happiest in a sunny, warm and sheltered spot, such as against a south-facing wall.

'napaulensis' is hardy to zone 9 (-6.6 to -1.2 °C) and therefore only borderline hardy outdoors in Germany – it does best in a sheltered spot in a mild climate or in a container with frost-free overwintering. For vigorous growth and abundant flowering, cut it back to about 100 cm in March. Unusually, the plant is evergreen yet withdraws from early summer to autumn, when the shoots appear bare and look as if dead – do not prune during this dormant period, as new growth only begins again in early autumn.