Hunlock Creek PA
2010

Clematis is a genus of about 380 species within the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Their garden hybrids and cultivars have been popular among gardeners, beginning with Clematis 'Jackmanii', a garden standby since 1862; more cultivars are being produced constantly. They are mainly of Chinese and Japanese origin.

Clematis, known as the “queen of the vines,” may be best known for its large-flowering, purple, star-shape blooms on twining vines.

There are more than 300 species and hundreds of hybrids of clematis. Most clematis are woody, deciduous vines while others are shrub, or trailing types. Some species bloom in spring; others, in mid-to late summer.

The blooms are spectacular with some flowers reaching up to 10 inches across! These showy flowers in the form of saucers, bells, tubes, tulips, open bells, doubles, and semi-double. The flowers are usually in the cool shades of purple or pink though they do come in a stunning array of tones including blue, white, magenta, yellow, and bicolor. Also, many clematis varieties are scented.

Clematises appreciate a trellis, post, or stationary structure to climb; without something, the vine will sprawl, including over the ground. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies love their blooms.

The name “clematis” comes from the ancient Greek klematis, for a climbing vine!

Clematis is known as the queen of climbers. This carefree perennial has vining stems that will happily scramble up trellises, over arbors and through other plants to create a tapestry of summer color. The star-like flowers bloom in colors of white, pink, red, blue or purple. It's easy to fall in love with clematis, and fun to find new ways to use them in your gardens and landscape.