Clematis cirrhosa (December Clematis)

Clematis cirrhosa, also known as Virgin's Bower or December Clematis– native to the Mediterranean. It’s a part of the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), containing 4000 species, nine of which are found in Gibraltar.

Clematis is one of the most extensively cultivated genuses of plants in the world, popular for its long lasting, sweet-smelling, elegant flowers that grow in abundance. Its willingness to hybridize means that there are over 250 cultivars, making it a horticulturalists dream (but perhaps a taxonomist's nightmare).

The name Clematis stems from the Greek word “Klēma”, which means “vine" or “tendril”, referring to its vining tendency. Clematis cirrhosa is an evergreen perennial, meaning it keeps its leaves throughout the year and lasts for an indefinite duration of time. Its leaves are highly variable, 2.5-4cm long and its flowers are cream-coloured, sometimes with purple spots, densely pubescent (hairy) on the outside and are about 3-6cm across.

C. cirrhosa will be in flower from December up until February/March and can be found throughout the upper nature reserve– go for a walk in the Nature Reserve to see this plant for yourself and don’t forget to share your experience with us.

Clematis Cirrhosa (Flora of Gibraltar Database)