Clematis 'White Swan'

Clematis macropetala 'White Swan' was raised in 1961 by Canadian breeder Dr. Frank L. Skinner from a cross of Clematis macropetala and Clematis sibirica. Its double, nodding flowers appear white on a pink ground, with strikingly long, twisted sepals, reaching 5-6 cm across. After flowering, decorative silky seed heads form, turning fluffy grey over time and adding extra ornamental value.

'White Swan' flowers from April to May and reaches a height of around 300 cm. This makes it ideal for covering low fences, walls and trellises, though it is equally happy climbing into shrubs and conifers or serving as an attractive ground cover. It thrives in both sunny and partial-shade positions – the only requirement is a cool, shaded root zone, which you can create with low underplanting or a layer of gravel.

Thanks to its Canadian origin, 'White Swan' is exceptionally hardy (zone 5, down to about -23 to -29°C) and copes with harsh winters without trouble. Cut the plant back to about 100 cm in June to encourage vigorous new growth and abundant flowering the following year.