clematis rubens
This lovely Clematis montana var. rubens is currently my favorite plant. I planted it last year in a rather remote area of the garden-it was hard to find an unfilled spot-and today I discovered it blooming its little heart out. It is delicate, soft and beautiful.
Clematis have added adventure to my gardening life. They are unpredictable in a somewhat charming fashion. We have one clematis that grew magnificently, set blossoms, and then reliably grew black and died back every year. If I were more vigilant I would have pulled it out, but my procrastination paid off because, after about five years of the die back, it decided to bloom.
Last year I planted two clematis ‘Rebecca’ (couldn’t resist the name) side by side. One is thriving and ready to bloom, the other looks anorexic. Once I transplanted a longwood blue caryopteris and the next thing I knew a beautiful clematis was gracing my dining room window. Other more carefully tended clematis, of course, have died.
Last year I decided to attempt to grow a clematis up a tree. So far, it seems to be working. I have placed hostas at its “feet” to keep it happy. It has decided to bloom but who knows….the adventure continues.
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Is that why it dies down late in it’s growth? Most of my clematis are great, but this one just seems to struggle. Thanks for your advice.