Clematis cirrhosa Balearica

Common Name:
Fernleaf Clematis

Description:
Clematis cirrhosa 'Balearica' is an elegant evergreen climbing plant admired for its delicate fern-like foliage and beautifully speckled winter flowers. This unique clematis produces nodding creamy-yellow blooms heavily freckled with deep maroon to burgundy spotting from late autumn through winter, bringing valuable colour and interest to the garden during the cooler months. The finely divided foliage has an attractive bronze tint in colder weather, adding year-round ornamental appeal. Well-suited to Melbourne’s climate, it thrives in a sunny to partly shaded position with well-drained soil and protection from harsh afternoon heat. Ideal for training over trellises, fences, archways, or through companion shrubs, 'Balearica' provides a relaxed Mediterranean feel and performs particularly well in sheltered courtyards and cottage-style gardens.

Form:
Climber

Mature Size:
Height: 3–4 m
Width: 1.5–2.5 m

Aspect:
Full Sun
Part Shade

Flowering:
Flowers in Winter
Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:
Cream
Pale yellow
Maroon speckled centres

Key Attributes:
Bee Attracting
Evergreen
Perennial
Suitable for Espalier
Suitable for Pots
Suitable for Screening
Winter flowering

Toxicity:
Toxic if ingested by humans and pets. Sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Companion Plants:
Hellebores
Camellias
Lavender
Sarcococca
Climbing roses
Daphne
Heuchera
Winter-flowering bulbs