The Clematis is the aristocrat of climbing vines. One has only to stumble upon a trellis or fence laden with the beauty and splendor of these rich coloured flowers to understand why such a title seems appropriate. It is
estimated that there are over 400 native varieties throughout the world. Those growing in the wild often have small single flowers. In the 19th century, the Japanese and the Chinese started hybridizing and created the large blossom flowers that we know today. At that time, the Clematis was very popular in the gardens of the Victorians and many favorites have survived popularity throughout the centuries.
The first of the Clematis to make an appearance is the Spring blooming Evergreen Clematis ‘armandii Snowdrift.’ This stunning Clematis has a different leaf than most Clematis. It has a long slender dark green glossy leaf that remains throughout the year. It produces a mass of stunning white flowers that have a sweet intoxicating fragrance that is most welcomed after our gray winter. You will see it blooming now in many gardens. Put it next to the house as it needs a bit of protection from frost and wind.
The most striking Clematises are the large flowering ones such as ‘The Vagabond’ which has huge rich violet blue flowers of 6-8” and is very hardy. It is just unfurling now and it is incredible, as is the Japanese large rosy
pink flowers of ‘Asao. ‘ The truly huge blossoms at 8-10” belong to the amazing soft violet colored ‘Blue Ravine.’ They all bloom prolifically from May to June and then again from August to September. Their
compact habit is great for containers.
The Vancouver series is new and encompasses all the best traits of a Clematis: outstanding color, large flowers, repeat bloomer, vigorous growth, disease-resistance and compact. Try ‘Danielle’ which has
brilliant violet blue with outstanding form or ‘Fragrant Star’ which has large 6-8” white flowers with red stamens and an amazing vanilla fragrance. Talk about having it all.
Another fragrant Clematis is the ‘Fair Rosamond’ with its showy bluish white with pale pink bars flowers; It is an older lesser known variety that is a long bloomer from June to September.
Most Clematis growers are familiar with the Montana variety, although most people assume it originated from Montana but it is in fact from the Himalayas and is very easy to grow. It is very vigorous and can reach up to 30’
or more. Although the blooms are smaller, the sheer numbers of them make for a spectacular show. Great to grow through a tree and make an evergreen tree look like its blooming.
Two beauties are Montana ‘Fragrant Spring’ which has masses of sweetly scented clear pink flowers with striking golden yellow centers and reddish-bronze new foliage; and Montana ‘grandiflora’ which has 4” pure white flowers. It was the ‘Award of Garden Merit’ winner and grows 20-40 feet.
For the ‘Wow’ factor try Clematises with the double Blossoms: ‘Mrs. P.T. James’ which was hybridized on
Salt spring Island and has 6-8” blossoms which blooms double in June and then single blooms throughout most of the Summer. Outstanding! Another favourite is the lovely ‘Belle of Woking ’ which has large double silver blue with flowers of 4-6” across.
For something a little more subtle, the macropetala variety has lovely dainty heading of nodding flowers like the Clematis ‘Lagoon.’ These plants are charming and look great on a patio or in a woodland setting.
estimated that there are over 400 native varieties throughout the world. Those growing in the wild often have small single flowers. In the 19th century, the Japanese and the Chinese started hybridizing and created the large blossom flowers that we know today. At that time, the Clematis was very popular in the gardens of the Victorians and many favorites have survived popularity throughout the centuries.
The first of the Clematis to make an appearance is the Spring blooming Evergreen Clematis ‘armandii Snowdrift.’ This stunning Clematis has a different leaf than most Clematis. It has a long slender dark green glossy leaf that remains throughout the year. It produces a mass of stunning white flowers that have a sweet intoxicating fragrance that is most welcomed after our gray winter. You will see it blooming now in many gardens. Put it next to the house as it needs a bit of protection from frost and wind.
The most striking Clematises are the large flowering ones such as ‘The Vagabond’ which has huge rich violet blue flowers of 6-8” and is very hardy. It is just unfurling now and it is incredible, as is the Japanese large rosy
pink flowers of ‘Asao. ‘ The truly huge blossoms at 8-10” belong to the amazing soft violet colored ‘Blue Ravine.’ They all bloom prolifically from May to June and then again from August to September. Their
compact habit is great for containers.
The Vancouver series is new and encompasses all the best traits of a Clematis: outstanding color, large flowers, repeat bloomer, vigorous growth, disease-resistance and compact. Try ‘Danielle’ which has
brilliant violet blue with outstanding form or ‘Fragrant Star’ which has large 6-8” white flowers with red stamens and an amazing vanilla fragrance. Talk about having it all.
Another fragrant Clematis is the ‘Fair Rosamond’ with its showy bluish white with pale pink bars flowers; It is an older lesser known variety that is a long bloomer from June to September.
Most Clematis growers are familiar with the Montana variety, although most people assume it originated from Montana but it is in fact from the Himalayas and is very easy to grow. It is very vigorous and can reach up to 30’
or more. Although the blooms are smaller, the sheer numbers of them make for a spectacular show. Great to grow through a tree and make an evergreen tree look like its blooming.
Two beauties are Montana ‘Fragrant Spring’ which has masses of sweetly scented clear pink flowers with striking golden yellow centers and reddish-bronze new foliage; and Montana ‘grandiflora’ which has 4” pure white flowers. It was the ‘Award of Garden Merit’ winner and grows 20-40 feet.
For the ‘Wow’ factor try Clematises with the double Blossoms: ‘Mrs. P.T. James’ which was hybridized on
Salt spring Island and has 6-8” blossoms which blooms double in June and then single blooms throughout most of the Summer. Outstanding! Another favourite is the lovely ‘Belle of Woking ’ which has large double silver blue with flowers of 4-6” across.
For something a little more subtle, the macropetala variety has lovely dainty heading of nodding flowers like the Clematis ‘Lagoon.’ These plants are charming and look great on a patio or in a woodland setting.
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