Clematis x 'Hythe Egret'

Small evergreen shrub of the Ranunculaceae family, 'Hythe Egret' belongs to the Forsteri group, hybrids derived from New Zealand species. It was obtained by Mike Smith in the United Kingdom and introduced in 1997. Its parentage is x cartmanii 'Joe' x marmoraria. It is listed in the RHS International Clematis Register and Checklist of 2002, without a detailed description of the flowers.

It is one of the most compact cultivars of the group, not exceeding 10 cm in height. It forms a very tight cushion, with finely cut and glossy evergreen foliage.

The flowers are white to slightly cream, with broad and rounded tepals, with a heart formed by the mass of stamens. They are borne in dense clusters at the foliage level in spring.

It requires very well-drained soil, sunny exposure, and protection against stagnant moisture in winter. Its miniature size makes it a choice subject for troughs and carefully tended rock gardens.