Forsteri
Clematis from the group forsteri are often referred to as New Zealand clematis.
These clematis originate from species native to New Zealand and have attractive evergreen foliage. They are well suited to growing in free-draining soil or pots with free draining or alpine compost and may prefer the more sheltered places in your garden. 'Early Sensation' produces amazing seed-heads when grown alongside 'Joe'. These clematis are dioecious (producing either male or female flowers).
Tips for Forsteri Clematis.
We recommend that you grow all the clematis in this group in free-draining soil or containers for the smaller cultivars and give them the benefit of a sheltered aspect. They do not cling as freely as other clematis so are often used as scramblers or if used as a climber may need occasional tying in to their support. The compost for containers should ideally be very free draining and mixing in a few handfuls of horticultural grit or perlite will help. Make sure the pot can drain freely and reduce watering in the autumn because they over-winter better if slightly dry, rather than too wet.