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CLEMATIS 'Southern Cross'

Image of Clematis 'Southern Cross'

Family

Ranunculaceae

Botanical Name

CLEMATIS 'Southern Cross'

Plant Common Name

Clematis, Southern Cross Clematis

General Description

This is a truly unusual clematis. The spidery white flowers of ‘Southern Cross’ appear very early in the season. They are fragrant, prolific and similar to those of many fall-flowered white-flowered clematis. This cultivar is a cross between Clematis gentianoides and C. aristata.

Overall, ‘Southern Cross’ has a stouter and shrubbier habit than other clematis, but it will still ramble. Its twining stems are lined with dark green compound leaves that are divided into three leaflets. These cover the plants from spring to frost. Its fragrant white star-shaped flowers bloom from spring to the beginning of summer.

Clematis grows best in sites with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. ‘Southern Cross’ looks best trained along a trellis or fence.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    A2, A3, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Vine/Liana

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Cushion/Mound-forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Vine

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No