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Small evergreen shrub from the Ranunculaceae family, 'Emerald Dream' belongs to the group of cartmanii clematis, hybrids resulting from crosses between several New Zealand species including Clematis marmoraria, C. paniculata, and C. forsteri. These plants are generally dioecious; the cultivars selected for horticulture bear male flowers, the most abundant and decorative. This hybrid has been recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society for its ornamental qualities.
Bushy and non-climbing, it forms a ground-covering dome of about 30 cm in height and 50 cm in width, with slow growth. The evergreen foliage is thick, deeply lobed with strongly incised lobes, a shiny dark green, curiously curly, sometimes reminiscent of parsley.
The flowers, star-shaped with six petals measuring 2 to 3 cm, bloom in clusters in spring: initially greenish-white at opening, they become cream-white, centered on a heart of light yellow stamens. In its natural habitat, the flowering of the parent species extends from August to October in the southern hemisphere; in cultivation in our latitudes, it extends from March to May depending on the climate.
It prefers rich, well-drained but still fresh soil, in a sunny to semi-shaded exposure. Its hardiness is limited, around -7°C. A light pruning after flowering, in June, helps maintain a compact shape. It is suitable for both rock gardens and walls, where it cascades down in a small waterfall, as well as for pot cultivation.