Clematis mandshurica

Clematis mandshurica comes from the dry scrub and forest margins of north-eastern China, Mongolia, North Korea and Siberia; it was first described in 1857 by Franz Josef Ruprecht. Botanically it belongs to Section Flammula – closely related to Clematis terniflora. Its small, star-shaped flowers appear in abundant panicles: white, with yellow stamens and an intense, honey-like scent that attracts bees and butterflies.

At around 200 cm, Clematis mandshurica flowers from July to August, occasionally into September. As a herbaceous perennial it doesn't climb on its own but leans against supports, fences or neighbouring shrubs – making it ideal for natural gardens, scented gardens, or as a transitional planting between garden areas. In a sunny spot the scent develops most strongly, though the plant also tolerates semi-shade.

Clematis mandshurica is very winter-hardy (zone 5, down to about -28 °C) and remarkably low-maintenance: according to grower reports, even slugs leave it alone. For vigorous growth and abundant flowering, cut the plant back to about 10 cm in March (pruning group 3). In autumn it also produces attractive, glossy seed heads – a garden highlight well into the cold season.