The MGS Forum

Plants for mediterranean gardens => Climbers => Topic started by: John on July 15, 2011, 05:35:00 PM

Title: Clematis
Post by: John on July 15, 2011, 05:35:00 PM
I have grown Clematis uncinata now for about 30 years and the seeds came from a plant on the front of Myddleton House. Enfield, Bowles' old garden. I was given seed by the then head gardener. It is a rampant evergreen from China and rather like something between C. armandii and C. vitalba. The leaves a attractive and even have marbling in then at their early juvenile stage but this is short lived. The fragrant flowers are very like C. vitalba which I suppose could be a bit of a disappointment except they are really quite fragrant and born in their masses. To my knowledge it grows to over 10 meters and is long-lived. It is still relatively rare in cultivation. I suspect that it would do well in the right place in the Med.
Title: Clematis campaniflora
Post by: Alisdair on July 15, 2011, 07:32:58 PM
Clematis campaniflora grows easily from seed. It is a southern European (from Portugal), much less showy than its more familiar relation Clematis viticella, but does have a modest charm. Its small very pale blue flowers are not so bell-like as its Latin name implies. Although it grows very strongly indeed in damp conditions and good soil, drought and poor soil keep it to a more manageable size.
Title: Clematis integrifolia
Post by: Alisdair on July 16, 2011, 07:57:30 AM
Clematis integrifolia is not strictly speaking a climber, more of a scrambler. It is herbaceous, and grows well as cover for a fence, growing to a maximum of two or three metres. It tolerates dry conditions but does need occasional deep watering and would probably not succeed in hot gardens, unless in a shady relatively moist spot. Its flowers are slightly fragrant. It comes easily from seed, and is quite variable. The picture shows one we grow, with wavier-edged flowers than usual; our seed was originally said to be of a form of Clematis crispa found in Texas, but in that species the sepals are joined together forming an urn, and in this they are entirely separate, so I believe it to be of a good form of C. integrifolia instead - I'd be very glad to hear from you if you disagree!
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: John on July 16, 2011, 09:01:12 AM
Yes it looks like a form of C. integrifolia to me.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: John on July 16, 2011, 09:08:02 AM
I crossed C. 'Jackmanii' with an form of C. viticella and grew on 4 seedlings all of which are similar. As C. 'Jackmanii' has C. viticella in it's blood it was not surprising that they look like C. viticella but are rather nice if nothing special.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: John on July 16, 2011, 09:42:21 AM
I forgot to mention that it was growing in a mixture of Itea ilicifolia and Vitis vinifera 'Purpurea'.
Title: Clematis
Post by: Daisy on October 12, 2011, 12:57:52 PM
I find my clematis behave very differently here than they did in England. This is to be expected of course. Whereas in England, my viticella clematis always started flowering around or after Midsummer Day, and continued into the autumn. Here  they start flowering very early in Spring and stop in July. Then they can start again in the autumn and continue until Christmas.
This year however, only Clematis Perle d'Azur had budded up again.
That is until dear Alkis, who is laying the paths and steps for me, broke the main stem with his wheelbarrow!!! :o :o :o
Here it is earlier this year, with climbing rose Colombian Climber.
Daisy

(http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss112/daisyincrete/032.jpg)

(http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss112/daisyincrete/023.jpg)
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: John on March 04, 2012, 11:41:22 AM
Clematis cirrhosa is at it's height of flowering in London just now.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Bolanthus on July 12, 2013, 05:37:00 PM
Clematis flammula from western Attica in flower now. There is some confusion distinguishing between C. flammula and C. vitalba. The former has fragrant flowers, smaller leaves and somehow more delicate flowers. The seeds are different too.
Those of C. flammula: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/Clematis_flammula_1.JPG
Those of C. vitalba: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c9/Clematis_vitalba_IP0602021.jpg

The latin word flammula is equivalent to "little flame" and indeed this marvelous plant produces masses of pure white fragrant flowers. As it can be found in excellent shape in hot Attica in Pinus halepensis clearings -maquis and edges of vineyards [together with other interesting plants like Acanthus spinosus], I believe that it could be an outstanding addition to the mediterranean garden!

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-diqbitjGqoM/UeApli1f2LI/AAAAAAAACmw/XVgNCnZ9uoQ/w502-h670-no/flammula_.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lXHr4pOlQPE/UeApg7GZerI/AAAAAAAACmo/2dfmKYR1JNI/w502-h671-no/flammula.jpg)
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Umbrian on July 13, 2013, 06:01:09 AM
Wonderful photos Bolanthus - how easy it is to fail to appreciate flowers such as these that grow in the countryside around us and are really garden worthy. I often recommend Spartium junceum to people seeking advice as to what to put in their Mediterranean gardens and often receive a thumbs down because it is so prolific in the wild. Interestingly I noticed the other year the stunning effect of Spartiums intertwined with one of the clematis you discussed (not sure exactly which one but will try to learn now!) I have copied this planting in my garden and am well pleased with the result.White Valerian underplanting adds to the effect.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: David Bracey on July 13, 2013, 09:03:33 AM
Two other plants which are overlooked in the garden are Jasminum  fruticans and Aphyllanthes monspeliensis which occurs in stunning blue drifts on the garrigue.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Fermi on December 01, 2013, 07:29:31 AM
We have clematis scattered around the garden but mostly where they can be watered during dry weather. This year Clematis 'Hagley Hybrid' has grown through to intermingle with the darker 'Gypsy Queen',
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: John on December 01, 2013, 10:42:54 AM
Bolanthus saw Clematis flammula in flower in July and a couple of weeks ago (in November) I saw it between Kalamata and Stoupa in the Peloponnese just going past its best. Flowering time may depend on a variety of circumstances.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: John on December 01, 2013, 10:45:43 AM
Just to confirm this variation in flowering time at least of the species C. flammula and C. cirrhosa this is the same C. cirrhosa I posted last year flowering in the spring and here it is flowering at its peak last week!
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Alisdair on December 01, 2013, 11:05:01 AM
In the Peloponnese C. cirrhosa was just starting last week.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: John on December 01, 2013, 11:26:11 AM
Yes I saw it in full flower in Pigi too.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Trevor Australis on December 01, 2013, 11:12:38 PM
 I grow Clematis flammula too.  but wish I didn't have it. My seed came years ago from the Hardy Plant Society seed exchange. It grew marvellously well and soon covered a large holly tree. It flowered brilliantly and filled the air with a glorious sweet perfume. And the fluffy seed heads looked wonderful in Autumn. Then the seed heads shattered and the seeds were carried away on the breezes. Oh Dear! The seedlings came up everywhere, hundreds and hundreds of them. After several years applying ivy & blackberry killer to the main plant it is finally dead but the seedlings still appear and I am still swabbing them. It is one very tough plant and having no natural enemies here it tends to become rampant and too willing. In my experience it should be regarded as having weed potential outside its natural habitats.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Fermi on December 03, 2013, 10:58:43 AM
We have a couple of these "medium" sized flowering clematis - this is 'Polish Spirit', which I presume was one of the series of hybrids raised in Poland - it rather overpowers the 'Abraham Darby' rose on the wrought iron rose-pillar,
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Trevor Australis on December 04, 2013, 08:25:24 AM
I should have added that Clematis campaniflora has a strong tendency to run amok too, given the chance. Clematis viticella the species that is, is somewhat better behaved but still seeds about and show a little variation.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Fermi on December 30, 2013, 07:49:30 AM
This Clematis texensis is a gentle climber and no self sown seedlings!
It's possibly 'Etoile Rose' or something similar,
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: gertrude on March 31, 2014, 09:51:03 PM
Talking of clematis, does anyone who lives in Italy have any idea where I would be able to buy clematis.  The only variety I have seen around our area is clematis armandii.  Dont mention seeds, lifes to short.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: David Dickinson on April 01, 2014, 02:58:26 AM
Hi Gertrude

There is a selection of clematis available from http://www.vivaipriola.it/arbusti?specie=Clematis.

I can vouch for them, having received plants via post a couple of times from them. You will need to contact them to obtain their bank details, pay for your agreed order through your bank (post office?), email them to send them the transaction details and your plants will arrive within 24hrs of the date they give you as the postal date.

Failing this, depending on where you are in Italy, there are plant shows coming up where you can find a wide selection of clematis. If you are in or around Rome try  25th - 27th April http://www.aldobrandini.it/sito/giardi/piantine.php or, it seems the same weekend???!, http://www.floracult.com/home.aspx. Later in the year there is the annual event in Villa Borghese 16th -18th May http://www.laconservadellaneve.it/

On the following blog page there is a fairly extensive list of what is going on Italy wide http://fioriefoglie.tgcom24.it/wpmu/fiere-e-manifestazioni-di-giardinaggio/.

Hope this helps :-)
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: gertrude on April 01, 2014, 07:09:16 AM
Thank you David, I should be able to find something from all this info.  Much appreciated.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: David Dickinson on April 01, 2014, 11:04:11 AM
Hi Gertrude,

A correction to what I wrote earlier.

The dates in May refer to an event at the Parco della Musica in Rome http://www.festivaldelverdeedelpaesaggio.it/ not http://www.laconservadellaneve.it/ which really is later in the year in September. Got my wires crossed, sorry :-)

Hope you find what you are looking for.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Daisy on July 01, 2014, 02:36:10 PM
Here is my Clematis Perle d'Azur a couple of weeks ago.
The heat wave we have had since then, has put paid to this seasons flowering, but I know that it will flower for a second time in the autumn.
Daisy :)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3907/14263855348_5d3fcc1b09_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nJrZfu) (https://flic.kr/p/nJrZfu)   (https://www.flickr.com/people//)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5564/14263807649_bcd98c920a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nJrK56) (https://flic.kr/p/nJrK56)  (https://www.flickr.com/people//)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5191/14263849800_af29ec465d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nJrXAQ) (https://flic.kr/p/nJrXAQ)  (https://www.flickr.com/people//)

Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Daisy on June 17, 2015, 08:04:12 AM
A year later and here is my Perle d'Azur now.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5338/18798996416_df3c78e125_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uDcLFS) (https://flic.kr/p/uDcLFS)   (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93752583@N02/)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5476/18798941766_1d181b45c9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uDcurC) (https://flic.kr/p/uDcurC)  (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93752583@N02/)

The Mandevilla laxa which was flowering with it last year, is only just starting to form the first buds this year. All the tender plants are later his year. We have had a long and cool spring.
Daisy :)
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Fermi on December 05, 2015, 12:19:07 PM
Clematis campaniflora is flowering now on the cool side of the house
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Umbrian on December 06, 2015, 08:05:11 AM
Beautiful Fermi, I love the " nodding" flowered Clematis and this one is a stunner.
I have had great success with Clematis rehderiana also planted on the cooler side of the house and as well as beautiful bunches of flowers the perfume fills the small area where it is planted.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Fermi on February 26, 2016, 12:28:23 PM
We got this Clematis hybrid, 'Golden Tiara' a few years ago and this season seems to be its best,
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Umbrian on February 26, 2016, 01:49:56 PM
Lovely Fermi, do you know it's parentage? I'm a sucker for Clematis - obviously it withstands hot dry conditions reasonably well....
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Fermi on February 29, 2016, 12:13:26 PM
Lovely Fermi, do you know it's parentage? I'm a sucker for Clematis - obviously it withstands hot dry conditions reasonably well....
I think it's a seedling from Clematis tangutica
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Fermi on January 19, 2018, 01:03:29 PM
An update on Clematis 'Golden Tiara' this year - this time including seedheads from an earlier flowering
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Clematis 'Golden Tiara'
Post by: Fermi on April 18, 2018, 12:21:35 PM
Clematis 'Golden Tiara' now in seed
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: David Dickinson on September 02, 2018, 10:37:43 AM
Just to confirm earlier points made on this topic, Clematis are worth growing in mediterranean climates. You might need something to cover the bare patches left in summer, however. My Clematis are springing back to life after summer. Clematis 'Piilu' died back to ground level but within the last 2 weeks new shoots have appeared, about 1.5m in length and it has started flowering. Clematis 'The President' and Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' didn't die back but stopped growing and looked a little tatty. They are starting to show new growth now and should give some autumn flowers.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Charithea on September 02, 2018, 04:16:17 PM
David your clematis are lovely.  I saw some Cematis growing in a garden in Malia village which is situated below the foothills of Mount  Troodos. They were splendid. I won't give in to this new temptation. Hope others will and post their photos.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Hilary on April 13, 2020, 07:20:47 AM
Clematis armandi

Seen in the Royal Botanic Garden, Madrid in April 2018

This Clematis is mentioned several times in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN

Today I chose for you and me to read
GARDENING THE MEDITERRANEAN WAY
By Carole Cross
The drawings used to illustrate the article are also by Carole Cross

THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN number 36, April 2004
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Umbrian on April 14, 2020, 06:58:43 AM
Clematis armandii is one that does well in Mediterranean climates usually as it flowers in the winter and is tough enough to withstand summer drought and heat. However it needs a lot attention to prevent it's lower growth from becoming an unsightly mess as one of your photos illustrates Hilary. When in flower it is wonderful with masses of scented blooms just when many gardens are at their most drab.  Growth is rampant after flowering and a lot of painstaking work is needed to prune out older growth and guide the new in the required direction. The photo shows one trained over a doorway at a friend's house - a lovely welcome when in flower the memory of which one has to remember when attending to it's needs.
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Fermi on November 25, 2020, 08:00:19 AM
Clematis 'Romantika' growing on a rose tripod with a less vigorous rose!
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Umbrian on November 26, 2020, 09:09:10 AM
Beautiful colour Fermi. I love Clematis but find I have to be very careful when choosing since our hot summers can be a challenge. I have just moved two that came with me when we moved house several years ago and that have never performed well since. Now the garden is developing I have hopefully found new homes for them where the roots will kept cooler and the plants keep healthier and flower more.
Title: Re: Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeleyi'
Post by: David Dickinson on May 03, 2021, 02:04:52 PM
This winter this clematis died right back to soil level, no dried stems at all. But it has come back with a vengeance. Only one flower so far but it is nearly twice the usual size. It is growing up Iochroma australis
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Umbrian on May 04, 2021, 01:24:29 PM
Clematis can be very temperamental. I bought a Viennetta 'Garland' on impulse being unable to resist the very prolific and showy flowers. Last year it flowered non stop until nearly Christmas - the later flowers were  much smaller and very simple lacking  the earlier vibrant colour. I thought it had flowered itself to death when no signs of growth appeared in early spring when other varieties were springing into life  but now three new shoots have appeared much to my delight. It will be interesting to see what kind of flowers it produces .......
Title: Re: Clematis
Post by: Fermi on December 06, 2021, 12:21:39 PM
Clematis 'Hagley Hybrid'
cheers
fermi