Clematis, with its beautiful flowers and lightweight climbing vines, is an irresistible plant. Dan Long, the owner of Brushwood Nursery in Athens, Ga., has an impressive collection of over 400 kinds of Clematis. He is always on the lookout for new additions to his collection, such as native species or varieties with unique fragrances.
According to Mr. Long, achieving a season-long display of Clematis is within reach for every garden. It requires strategic selection of varieties based on staggered bloom times, as well as mastering “refreshing techniques” to maximize flowering.
Even if you already have Clematis in your garden, there is potential for them to offer more than they currently do with some well-timed advice. Brushwood Nursery, which started as a small project 25 years ago, now ships over 6,000 orders a year.
To have an earlier display of Clematis, it is recommended to explore early, midseason, and late varieties. Varieties such as Clematis alpina, C. macropetala, and Clematis montana bloom earlier than large-flowered hybrids like Henryi and Niobe. If you want early flowers with a distinctive fragrance, consider Sugar-Sweet Lilac and Sugar-Sweet Blue, both offspring of Clematis cadmia.
Proper watering and feeding are essential for successful growth. Large-flowered hybrids require frequent and deep watering. After they bloom, it is recommended to cut the vines back to a third of their height, followed by the application of an all-natural organic fertilizer. Pruning guidelines vary based on the blooming time of each Clematis variety.
Late-flowering Clematis are ideal for growing up and over early flowering shrubs. Varieties like Comtesse de Bouchaud, Madame Julia Correvon, and Venosa Violacea can all produce several flower flushes. For a touch of yellow, try C. tangutica. However, it is important to avoid planting the invasive Clematis terniflora and consider native alternatives like C. virginiana.
Some small-flowered native Clematis species to consider are members of the Viorna group, including Clematis crispa and C. texensis. Clematis integrifolia hybrids, which are non-vining “blooming machines,” like Hudson River and Arabella, are also worth exploring.
In summary, cultivating a season-long Clematis display is possible with the right selection of varieties and proper care. Explore different bloom times, master refreshing techniques, and pay attention to pruning guidelines based on when each Clematis variety blooms. With these strategies in mind, you can create a stunning display of Clematis in your garden.
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