CLEMATIS

Clematis (Clematis)

Beloved Clematis, "Queen of the Climbers" create a vertical element in the garden and are ideal to cover fences, trellises, posts, pergolas or any vertical structure.

We offer both the finest new varieties and the cherished classics.

Many varieties are excellent for planting in containers.

Spectacular growing through shrubs and large roses.

We ship healthy, 2-year-old, well-rooted, trellised plants in 2.06 quart/1.95 liter pots to ensure rapid establishment and success.

Recommended to be hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, except where stated.

Pruning groups are listed at the end of each description.

Container Planting
When space is limited, Clematis can be enjoyed as container plants, ideal for growing on patios or in a cool conservatory. Combined with colorful annuals, especially those with a trailing habit, they add height and extended ornamental appeal to container combinations. A wide range of Clematis thrive in containers. The large, early flowering, compact growing varieties are among the preferred choices. For ultimate success, use a pot 2' deep x 1½'-2' wide with appropriate drainage. Container should be raised above the ground to prevent water saturation around the base. Plant in early spring with the top of the soil ball about 2" below the soil level in the container, and water thoroughly. Most well-draining potting mixes are suitable. New growth should be trained on a wooden framework or up bamboo canes tied at the tops to create a wigwam effect. Water regularly, never allowing the potting soil to dry out. A liquid fertilizer can be incorporated from late spring through midsummer. Such treatment is important with the reblooming varieties and is necessary for the ongoing success of companion plants in the container. Remember that Clematis ideally require cool conditions for their roots and warm sunny conditions for their top growth. In areas with harsh winter weather, containers should be allowed to dry out as fall advances and stored over winter in a dry, frost-free location, such as a garage.

Polish Hybrids

Some of the world's most outstanding new hybrid Clematis originated in Poland, especially those created by master hybridizer Brother Stefan Franczak SJ. In our trial garden, they have consistently rated as outstanding performers displaying ongoing vigor and extremely heavy flower production annually. Long lasting, well-shaped blossoms are available in a wide color spectrum. In addition to their outdoor display, flowers can be enjoyed in indoor decorations.

Best Sellers 2013

Most popular with our customers! It is always interesting to see what plants other enthusiastic gardeners choose most frequently. Some best sellers are new this year, some are returning favorites, but each has something special to offer in your garden.

Good for Cut Flowers

Cut Flower tips

Cut blooms in the cool of the day. Do not cut more than one third of a plant's stems and foliage, leave plenty to nourish the plant for future growth. Re-cut stems at an angle just before putting in a vase. Make the fresh cuts under water for best water uptake. Change water in the vase frequently.

Experiment and have fun: store-bought blooms need to withstand shipping, but home gardeners can snip even delicate blooms for bouquets!

New in 2013

We are happy to offer our customers new plant varieties including many that are exclusive to our company or extremely difficult to locate. Our selections are based upon many outstanding features including extended seasonal interest of flowers, foliage and overall form combined with ease of culture. We hope you enjoy these selections!

Bush Clematis

Non climbing, small stature herbaceous perennials that die down to the ground level in late fall. Generally produce a short, tight mounded specimen profusely covered with single, bell-shaped flowers which often display delicately twisted petals from midsummer into fall on the current season's growth. Flowers are frequently followed by attractive silky seedheads. Clematis make excellent additions to a mixed or herbaceous border in combination with lower growing shrubs and sun loving perennials.

Clematis Prune 1

This group of Clematis produce their flowers directly from old stems and therefore pruning must not be done until right after all the flowering has been completed. Prune this group by removing all dead and weak stems immediately after flowering.

Clematis Prune 2

In this group all first flowering comes from last season's ripened stems. In early spring, watch for swelling leaf buds beginning to show. Cut all dead material off above these swelling buds.

Clematis Prune 3

This group blooms later and from new growth. This group should be pruned in February or March as new leaf buds begin to show low on the plant. All dead material above these buds should be removed at this time.