Clematis Napaulensis

Originating from Nepal and southern China, napaulensis is a fascinating and quite incredible Clematis. Everything about it is unusual, and wonderful!

Clematis napaulensis behaves as though it has somehow been able to reverse the growing season. Its foliage begins to appear in autumn instead of spring and remains lush, dark green throughout the winter and spring, before falling in summer, and the flowers perform the same trick too!

Between November and March, clusters of incredible bell shaped, greenish-white flowers appear, with petals curled at the ends and long dark purple stamens. They carry a lovely, delicate fragrance that lingers in the winter air beautifully, absolutely wonderful during the darkest, coldest time of year. As the flowers fade, large, fluffy seed heads develop and last for several months.

As napaulensis has no leaves or flowers during the summer, it works well growing through other climbers that will disguise its bare stems. Growing in the ground or in a large container, it prefers a sheltered location and even does well in a cool conservatory or greenhouse.

Easy to care for, needing nothing more than a light prune after flowering to keep it in shape, and regular watering and feeding – Clematis are hungry plants.

Supplied as 2 x established plants in 9cm pots, ready to plant growing to a height of 3m (10ft) and width of 1.5m (5ft).

Top Tips

• Plant with the crown of the plant 5-8cm deep to encourage new shoots to grow from below ground level.
• Clematis like a cool ?root run? so try and plant so that the roots are shaded. If you are planting in a sunny position, place some pieces of slate or flat stones on the soil after planting or use groundcover plants to keep the roots cool.

Care Guide

• Feed in spring with a general-purpose feed, avoiding the stems. Mulch immediately afterwards with organic matter such as well-rotted manure, leafmould or garden compost.
• Water regularly during periods of dry weather in the first few seasons after planting, especially for container plants.
• Clematis in pots should be given a liquid feed through the summer and early autumn.
• Clematis napaulensis flowers on the previous season?s growth and should be pruned in early spring, after flowering has finished, so that it can grow new shoot that will carry next season?s flowers.
• We recommend cutting your clematis back to 30cm (1ft) the first spring after planting to encourage multiple stems which can then be tied it to create the framework for future growth.