Clematis potaninii

Clematis potaninii is a wild species of clematis from southwest China, where it climbs over shrubs on slopes and at woodland edges; it reached Europe around 1911. Its pure white, fragrant flowers with striking yellow stamens reach 4-5 cm across and usually appear in generous clusters - a hallmark of this vigorous wild species.

'potaninii' opens its flowers from July to August. Growing to around 300 cm, it makes a vigorous climber for trellises, fences and larger wall areas, where it forms dense cover. A sunny position brings out the richest flowering, though the species is considered robust and undemanding about aspect overall.

'potaninii' is reliably hardy (zone 5, -28.8 to -23.4 °C). Cut it back to about 25 cm in March; as a vigorous clematis it reliably resprouts strongly in spring. We supply it in a 2-litre pot with strong shoots.