CyberSalad: Garden Pursuits: Perennials: Clematis

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Clematis

Mention climbing plants, and the name that springs to most people's minds is clematis, an extremely varied genus numbering about 150 species of almost world-wide distribution. Most of the species are climbers, some being high fliers that will scale quite tall trees, others low scramblers. There are also herbaceous perennial clematis that make free-standing border plants. Some species are deciduous, others evergreen. Although clematis is commonly associated with large, flat, circular flowers, some species in fact have quite small blooms that are shaped like urns, bells, or stars. The color range runs through shades of blue, purple, red, yellow, and white.
Clematis scale their supports in an intriguing way. Whereas most climbers either twine or have tendrils or special sucker roots, the clematis hangs on by its foliage. Each leaf is composed of several leaflets, the long stalks of which rapidly encircle any likely support and thus act as tendrils. After the leaflets fall, the stalks thicken and become woody. Clematis will climb almost anything, but look especially fine in trees or tall shrubs. Care and growing of clematis depends on the species.

'Polish Spirit' Clematis viticella, Deciduous climbing vine. Deep purple 2-3" wide flowers appear summer to fall. Very hardy. Plant near a trellis or other support in well-drained soil. Keep roots cool and shaded by mulching. Keep moist and fertilize monthly.

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Site launched January 1, 2000.
Site updated September 1, 2007.