Our 'family run' nursery specialises in clematis. We grow the well-known cultivars, many of the new introductions from around the world, evergreen and herbaceous clematis as well as some of the less common species. We also now stock a few other popular climbers.
What began as a hobby many years ago, has gradually grown into a business. Over those years, our passion and knowledge of clematis has also grown. With the help of Ruth's parents, Geoffrey and Dorothy Tolver, Thorncroft Clematis Nursery opened to the public at Easter 1989.
Our nursery team consists of us, Ruth and Jon Gooch and our son Peter, who manages the production of the plants.
Our garden, beside the nursery, is home to many clematis. We have used it to demonstrate the many different ways clematis can be grown, proving that you do not need a wall or fence to grow these versatile 'climbers'. The garden is open, free of charge, when the nursery is open.
Whilst some clematis nurseries compete to have the longest list of cultivars in their catalogue, we prefer to list only those which are in general production on our nursery, rather than all the cultivars we hold in our collection. The cultivars we have listed in our catalogue have been selected for their special merits - e.g. length of flowering period, colour, form and quantity of blooms, strength of growth and generally because they are 'good doers' and worthy of space in anyone's garden. For details of how to request our printed catalogue, click here - Catalogue Request
Our nursery, like plants and gardens, continues to grow and develop. This Web site is intended to reflect this and will also be developed and updated regularly.
Our full catalogue is now available On-Line (launched on 17th October 2002) and this includes On-Line Ordering. For details click here - On-Line Catalogue
As well as stocking the 'normal' climbing clematis, we also stock a wide range of herbaceous 'non-climbing' cultivars and these can be seen scrambling in our garden. This group of clematis is easy to grow, can be planted almost anywhere within the garden, and can add a new dimension to your flower beds. The photograph (left) shows a cultivar in the Integrifolia Group with a long flowering period called 'Arabella' scrambling over the edge of the garden drive.
We also have some 'Classic Roses' from Peter Beales Roses at Attleborough, Norfolk. Roses make excellent hosts for clematis, they compliment one another, adding extra colour and extending the flowering period. Clematis and roses require the same growing conditions and therefore make perfect companions. We will be pleased to help you select suitable 'clematis companions' for your roses. For more ideas see 