Legend has it that plant collector harry smith brought back this appealing clematis from china in 1924 it subsequently gained the nickname 39the robber39s clematis39 on account of the fact that mr smith was robbed during his expedition a compact self45twining climber clematis intricata 39harry smith39 is loved for its pale yellow nodding flowers which are coloured purple45brown on the outside with deep maroon stamens this 39old man39s beard39 flowers freely