All flowers
Himalayan Clematis Wikimedia Commons
Ranunculaceae

Himalayan Clematis

Clematis napaulensis

Warmth in the coldest season and climbing ambition.

Family
Ranunculaceae
Genus
Clematis
Native to
Himalayas, Nepal, China
Bloom season
Winter, Early Spring
Type
semi-evergreen vine
Height
300–900 cm (climbing)
Sunlight
full sun to part shade
Soil
moist, well-drained, humus-rich
Water
moderate
Hardiness
7–9
Lifespan
perennial; long-lived vine

Did you know

  • It is one of the rare clematis that blooms in the middle of winter, producing nodding bell-shaped cream flowers.
  • The purple stamens dangling from the cream bells create a striking two-tone effect unlike any other clematis.
  • It goes summer-dormant, losing its leaves in the heat and regrowing them in autumn — the reverse of most vines.
  • The silky seed heads that follow the flowers are as ornamental as the blooms, catching winter light beautifully.
  • Despite its delicate appearance, it survives Himalayan winters at moderate elevations up to 2,500 meters.

Color meanings

0

ingenuity

1

aspiration

2

winter beauty

Uses

  • winter-interest climbing plant
  • trellises
  • conservatory walls
  • mild-climate gardens