Clematis 39yukikomachi39 is an unusual elegant japanese variety of old man39s beard the hardy climber39s most notable features are its pale lilac 45 almost white 45 flowers with petals tinted with a wash of feint purple these blooms can be seen in their full glory in the early summer although there is also a late flush in september the cultivar39s compact foliage is equally impressive for it is ideally suited both to shady flowerbeds and to tricky north facing walls