How to choose clematis for your garden

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CHOOSING CLEMATIS

Space should be your first consideration, making allowances for the height it can achieve as well as the amount of top growth which will need support. Often you can combine 2 clematis together for contrast, or stagger flowering times by planting a hybrid with a species type. Clematis will climb trees nicely, the viticellas in particular are suitable for this purpose.

Color is a personal choice, but here are some things to consider when planning your garden:

White flowers look incredibly showy against the dark green of a conifer or hedge.Pale pink and lavender blooms are most attractive away from the sunniest part of the garden, place them against a shady wall or the dark green of shrubs.Red is the hardest to place for effect, they are best suited to a light colored background.Blue is as restful outdoors as it is indoors, and lends itself well to combining with all other colors. Flower size is important to some people, and in clematis there is a wide range of flower sizes and shapes. The smaller flowered species types are often perceived as being less showy than the large flowered hybrids, but they bloom in such utter profusion they are really quite dramatic once established.

PURCHASING CLEMATIS

All clematis should be pot grown, bareroot offers through mail order are mostly unsuccessful as clematis resent root disturbance.
Look for a bushy plant as much as possible, but be aware that some types by nature, only send out a single stem from the soil, then branch out as they grow up.
Dark green, healthy foliage is desired, do not pick up plants with sickly yellow leaves.
Roots should be at least starting to come out the bottom of the pot, and plants should be at least 2 years old for success in your garden.
As they are in pots, clematis can be purchased and planted from spring through fall, provided you water well when needed through the summer.

CLEMATIS TYPES BY SPECIES

C. alpina - One of the hardiest and easiest types to grow, the flowers have a delicate charm that is hard to beat and leads one to believe these are delicate plants, but they are truly tough beyond belief. These varieties are suited to north facing, shady or cool spots and are the first to start the flower display. Single flowers are formed on long stalks directly from the leaf axils on previous year's growth. On average, flower size is 1 to 2 inches long and wide with a nodding bell shape. Seed heads are prominent and remain through winter. Often they will rebloom in fall, this can vary from year to year, and you might be surprised by how much it will bloom at this time of year. This type belongs to prune category A and should only be pruned for shape, training and to remove dead growth after leafing out in early spring.

C. integrifolia - This is a herbacious perennial that forms a gradually expanding clump with each stem producing a solitary nodding flower. These types do not climb nor do they wrap their stems around supports, instead they grow as groundcovers or can be forced upward with ties to a low growing shrub. Flower form is bell shaped and of a thick and fleshy texture, on average 1 inch wide and long. Colors are commonly in the range of blues with creamy white stamens and 3 to 6 inch long leaves. Prune category is C, meaning cut them back to the ground in late fall or early spring before growth begins. Named varieties such as Blue Boy have more rewarding qualities than the species itself.

C. macropetala - If you asked me which was my favourite clematis type, my answer would be from this group. These types will come through the most severe winters unscathed, and never fails to put on a flower show for all to enjoy. This type is sometimes classed as a seperate group, the atragenes. They are all known by their double, nodding open flowers about 2-3 inches across. Foliage is vigorous, neat and attractive with serrated edges. This species prefer a cooler, shadier site but will do equally well in full, direct sun. Flowering times are early spring, with vines reaching an average 8-10 feet tall. Prune category A, cut back only to shape, train and to remove dead growth after leafing out in early spring. These are always the lushest and fastest growing on our benches!

C. tangutica - Originating in China, this is the most commonly grown species and the most recognizable. Coloring is mostly in shades of yellow, flowers are 1 to 1.5 inches long and wide, forming nodding bells. Seed heads are spectacular, with a shining intense silver sheen and lasts well into winter. Leaf color is noted for its sea green color and should not be mistaken for a sickly foliage color. this species will tolerate more shade than any other. Bloom period is from July to October, vines reach up to 15 feet and belong to prune category C.

C. viticella - These varieties are so prolific in bloom that having smaller flowers is certainly no disadvantage, especially since they bloom for a full 3 months on average! It is only the lack of color range that makes them less appreciated. They are virtually free from wilt, the fungal problem which most affects the gardeners success with clematis in general. Some flower forms are quite ugly and twisted, most are open bell shapes. They are often a rich purple, red or burgundy shade. Leaf shape can vary, some being long and narrow, others quite rounded, but usually about 5 inches long. Because the colors are so dark, careful consideration must be given to placement as the dark colors don't always provide the show expected. Bloom period is from July to September, vines reaching up to 12 feet tall, belonging to prune category C, and should be cut to the ground each winter.

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