Clematis Journal 2016 by TGDH

The Clematis 2011

Wollerton Old Hall Garden Created 20 years ago around a Tudor house (not open), this quality garden has achieved the highest “Good Garden Guide” rating and RHS Partnership status. Designed by the owner, Lesley Jenkins, this outstanding garden combines a strong structure with clever planting combinations using perennials. The garden has significant collections of rare perennials, salvias, paniculata phlox and clematis and some of these are available in the Plant Centre. The Tea Room provides excellent lunches and teas with all the food being prepared freshly on the premises. Image © Jenny Lilly

OPENING TIMES 2017

From Good Friday, every Friday, Sunday and Bank Holiday until the end of August; every Friday in September and also every Thursday in June, July and August, from 12 noon to 5pm.

Wollerton, Market Drayton TF9 3NA Tel: 01630 685760 www.wollertonoldhallgarden.com

The Clematis 2016

The Journal of the British Clematis Society Editor: Brian Collingwood

http://www.britishclematis.org.uk RHS Affiliation No. 10586944 Registered Charity No. 1049107

Opinions expressed by Authors, or products advertised are not specifically endorsed by the Society or its Editor

The Clematis 2016

Contents Section 1: Your Society From your Editor………………………………………...Brian Collingwood Who Does What in the BCS 2016/17….....….……………...…….Committee From your Chair.…...………………………………………..Lizzie Gibbison Financial Summary………………………………………....Peter Hargreaves Minutes of the 26th AGM………….………………….…….........Committee BCS National Events Dates For Your 2017 Diary………………..Committee BCS 25th Anniversary: Two Gems on One Perfect Day.....Glenn Rowbottom The BCS AGM 2016……………….……...……………...Brian Collingwood

1 3 6 7 9 14 15 16

Section 2: Garden and Culture

‘Daniel Deronda’ by Kathy Pickles

My Favourite Clematis Picture………………..……………..Richard Munday

Clematis in my Life………………………………………….Mary Habberley

How I Fell for Clematis…………………….…..……………..…Julie Hilton

Where Oh Where Have All My Alpinas Gone?...............................Josie Hulbert

Revisiting the Jewel…………………………………………Michael Pawson

Jim Fisk’s 1961 Clematis Catalogue.........Richard Munday/Brian Collingwood

Buying New Clematis Plants for Your Garden………...................Glenis Dyer

Pruning Montanas the ‘Fisk Way’!..…………….…………..Maureen Hudson

The Hesketh Bank Chop!..............................................................Richard Hodson

UK/USA Climate and Clematis………………………………Elayne Coakes

Clematis - a Canadian Gardener’s Report……..…………………..Ed Gilbert

Plants that Pay Their Rent......………………..…………………..Glenis Dyer

Thoughts on the Prospect of Leaving Our Garden…………Charne Griffiths

Everything a Beautiful Still Life……………………….……...…Fran Palmeri

The Clematis 2016

Contents, continued ‘Nelly Moser’ by Kathy Pickles

Chelsea Plant of the Year: AMBER..……………….………….Chris Cocks

2015 Visit to Boomkwekerijmuseum, The Netherlands….... Ann Broscomb

100

Visit to East Ruston Old Vicarage…..……………………..….…Sue Reade

104

Beetles and Butterflies on Clematis………...………………Dr John Feltwell

108

Mary Toomey Lecture - ‘Small-Flowered Clematis’……..Brian Collingwood

113

Section 4: BCS Regional Groups

‘Richard Pennell’ by Kathy Pickles

120

Reflections on Northern Visits 2016…………………………… Sue Reade

121

Tuscany Calls at ‘By the Way’…………………….……...Massimo Mazzoni

127

Section 5: Cultivars/Species/Groups

‘Rouge Cardinal’ by Kathy Pickles

134

Clematis rehderiana……………………………………….Rosemary Dawson

135

Clematis parviloba var. bartlettii revisited.......................................Aidan Armitage

136

Clematis tibetana subsp. tibetana?....................................................Aidan Armitage

139

Clematis ‘Sundance’…………………….……………….…..Aidan Armitage

142

Section 6: Propagation & Hybridisation..‘Princess Diana’ by Kathy Pickles

144

Fun Hybridisations!...................................................................Mariko Nakanishi

145

Have You Got a Hydropod?...……..………....Valerie Le May Neville-Parry

150

Section 3: Special Interest/Historical

Section 7: Registrar/Trials/IClS New Clematis Registrations July 2015-June 2016.....................Duncan Donald Trials Grounds Report…………………………………….Keith Shortland The International Clematis Society – 2016 Report….....….Ken Woolfenden Poem: The Chiropodist Clematarian………………………Geoffrey Marsh Notes, Advertisements, Acknowledgements………………………...............

161 166 168 169 176

The Clematis 2016

SECTION 1 – YOUR SOCIETY From Your Editor, Brian Collingwood

elcome to The Clematis 2016. As usual, I would like to thank everyone, home and abroad, who has contributed to this 2016 Edition of our Society’s annual Journal, The Clematis. Every input is greatly appreciated and my big thanks go to all Authors and those who have provided excellent images in support once again. This year’s Journal summarises the affairs of the Society over the past year, followed by a wide range of original articles. Once again we have a broad spread of interesting subject matter, touching on many aspects of the culture and the enjoyment of clematis. Without a doubt, many of the best contributions are penned by everyday gardeners or unsung BCS members – it is very important to say that no formal expertise is required for writing an article. If you have something to say about clematis, please do let me know and I will gladly include as much as possible. So, to all who read this 2016 Edition, whether your particular appreciation is in the culture, breeding, propagation, history or even the more technical aspects of Clematis, I hope you will find something of interest and enjoyment in these pages. 2016 brought an important milestone – on 6th August we celebrated the Society’s 25th Anniversary and the event was attended by more than eighty members, old and new. The day proved hugely successful and was enjoyed by all; in addition, a useful sum of money was raised for Society funds. Glenn Rowbottom provides much more commentary of the day in his article, on page 15 of this Journal. The BCS Regional Groups reported yet another full year. BCS Chair and Committee would like me to pass on their great thanks to all those dedicated individuals who devise and run our local meetings and outings. Their ongoing input is key to the success of the Society and their efforts are wholly recognised and appreciatively acknowledged. 2016 also brings an anniversary to your Editor – my 10th Edition of our Society’s annual Journal. I have had the pleasure of working with many generous people who have given of their time and knowledge for presentation on these pages; I should like to express my sincere thanks to every person, without whom it would not have been possible. It has been a privilege to know you. The same goes for my proof-readers. I hope you enjoy reading this year’s Edition of The Clematis as much as I have enjoyed compiling it. It only remains for me to wish all readers and their loved ones health, happiness and the very best of good fortune for the remainder of 2016, and beyond. Brian Collingwood

Articles for The Clematis 2017: please send to B. Collingwood, by post or email: bcollingwood@ntlworld.com. Hand-written submissions are most welcome. 600 words are suitable for a shorter article. If submitting technical articles, please include explanation that will aid the lay reader. COPYRIGHT OWNERSHIP OF THE CONTENT OF THIS PUBLICATION RESIDES WITH THE RESPECTIVE AUTHOR OR AUTHORS. THE REPRODUCTION OF ANY PART IS FORBIDDEN WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. PLEASE CONTACT THE EDITOR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

The Clematis 2016

Join Us The British Clematis Society Journal, Newsletters, Advisory Service, Seed Exchange, Lectures, Slide Shows, Pruning Demonstrations, Display Gardens, Lists of Clematis Nurseries and Open Gardens, Plant Sales, Tours

Membership runs from January 1st to December 31st Single Membership

Family Membership

Personal Membership 2 persons at same address UK £25.00 UK £30.00 Europe £30.00 Europe £35.00 Rest of World £35.00 Rest of World £40.00 Junior (under 16) £10.00 Life Member Single (UK only) £300.00 Joint Life Membership (UK only) £350.00 Student (under 25) Membership £15.00

Application to join should be made to The Membership Secretary, Ken Black, Adswood, Townfield Lane, Mollington, Cheshire CH1 6LB Tel: 01244 851327 email: keneblack4@gmail.com. Cheques payable to ‘The British Clematis Society’ Overseas payments by Eurocheque, Bank Draft, International Money Order (in Sterling), Internet (Paypal) Or simply use your credit card at our Website http://www.britishclematis.org RHS Affiliation No. 10586944 Registered Charity No. 1049107 2

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Who Does What in the BCS 2016-2017 ELECTED COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND ALLOCATED TASKS Chair: Lizzie Gibbison, Saffron Gate, Tickners Heath, Alfold, Surrey GU6 8HU Tel: 01483 200219 email: clematis@talk21.com Vice Chair: Julian Noble, 29 Froxfield Gardens, Portchester, Fareham, Hants PO16 8DN Tel: 02392 376072 email: julian.noble@btinternet.com Hon. Treasurer: Peter Hargreaves, Grafton Cottage, Barr Lane, Barton-underNeedwood, Burton upon Trent, Staffs DE13 8AL Tel: 01283 713639 email: peter.hargreaves@smithcooper.co.uk Contact for all society finance, with some assistance from Bookkeeper (Alison Booth). Hon. Secretary: Valerie Nicoll, 36 King William Drive, Charlton Park, Cheltenham, Glos GL53 7RP Tel: 01242 511035 email: valerienicholl96@gmail.com Arranges committee meetings. Takes and circulates minutes. AGM focal point. Membership Secretary: Ken Black, Adswood, Townfield Lane, Mollington, Cheshire CH1 6LB Tel: 01244 851327 email: keneblack4@gmail.com Deals with new members and renewals. Maintains membership records. Bookkeeper: Alison Booth, 17 Imogen Gardens, Heathcote, Warwick, Warks CV34 6FB Tel: 01926 424582 email: alisonmbooth@gmail.com Publicity: Simon Nicoll, 36 King William Drive, Charlton Park, Cheltenham, Glos GL53 7RP Tel: 01242 511035 email: simonnicoll218@gmail.com RHS contact for BCS at the Plant Society Groups. Development for Events Program both nationally and regionally. Email co-ordinator for dispatch of newsletter by email and all other communication to members on society matters. Clematis Trial Grounds at St Albans: Keith Shortland, 3 Elm Grove, Milton-underWychwood, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 6EF Tel: 01993 832927 email: fusilier567@btinternet.com National Events: Annette Stevens (jointly with Liz Gibbison), 8 Farm Walk, Ash Green, Guildford, Surrey GU12 6HX Tel: 01252 319305 email: annettestevens2012@btinternet.com 3

The Clematis 2016 Victoria Matthews: 13 Chatsworth Close, Market Deeping, Peterborough PE6 8AZ Tel: 01778 380256 email: victoriamatthews167@gmail.com Member of the panel of proof readers. Former International Clematis Registrar. Newsletter distribution: Sue Reade, 123 Andover Avenue, Middleton, Manchester M24 1JQ Tel: 0161 643 2985 email: sue.reade@uwclub.net OR readesue@gmail.com Elected member of the committee and Northern Group Leader. Collates and dispatches Newsletter copies to members without email. Also Northern Group leader (see below). REGIONAL GROUPS Regional Liaison: Alison Booth, 17 Imogen Gardens, Heathcote, Warwick, Warks CV34 6FB Tel: 01926 424582 email: alisonmbooth@gmail.com Northern Group. Leader - Sue Reade. Details as immediately above. Midland Group. Leader - Josie Hulbert Trentham, 56 Haden Park Road, Cradley Heath, W Mids B64 7HE. Tel: 07939 664185 email: Jjhulbert1@aol.com Wessex Group. Leader - Val Le May Neville-Parry By the Way, Lodge Drove, Woodfalls, Salisbury, Wilts SP5 2NH Tel: 01725 511931 email: val@lmnp.co.uk East Anglia Group. Leader – Sheila Chapman, 8 Dene Court, Chignall Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2JG Tel: 01245 266156 email: no email – all emails to Margot Grice at margot.g@mail.com South East Group. Leader - Pam Davies 12 Oakway Drive, Frimley, Surrey GU16 8LF Tel: 01276 28630 email: pameladavies42@gmail.com OTHER SUPPORT ROLES Journal Editor: Brian Collingwood, 11 Mirfield Drive, Monton, Eccles, Manchester M30 9LH Tel: 0161 950 5329 email: bcollingwood@ntlworld.com Newsletter: Jack Gittoes, Rosebay, Holly Lane, Bull Hill, Lymington, Hants SO41 5QZ Tel: 01590 677491 email: jgittoes@btinternet.com 4

The Clematis 2016 Newsletter Assistant: Glen Rowbottom, 549 Chatsworth Road, Chesterfied, Derbyshire S40 3JS Tel: 01246 566046 email: plantsman54@gmail.com Elected member of the committee. BCS Website and Internet Help Desk enquiries: Steve Christmas, 6 Hawthorne Close, Grateley, Hants SP11 8Jl Tel: 01264 889735 email: steve@schristmas.freeserve.co.uk Panel of proof readers: Mike Brown, Brian Cromie, Glenis Dyer, Victoria Matthews, Val Le May Neville-Parry. Simon Nicoll, Roy Nunn. Contact details from Hon. Secretary. Seed payments: Glenis Dyer, Elm Close, Binton Road, Welford-on-Avon, Warks CV37 8PT Tel: 01789 750793 email: glenisdyer@gmail.com Sunbury Walled Garden: Denise MacDonald, 2 Ravensbourne Avenue, Bromley, Kent BR2 0BP Tel: 0208 4601820 email: amacdo0530@ntlworld.com Seed exchange: Paul Dunstan, 47A Plantation Road, Amersham, Bucks HP6 6HW Tel: 01494 724297 email: paul.dunstan@talktalk.net Speakers Panel: Everett Leeds, Flat 1, 4 Hardwicke Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9AG Tel: 01737 247399 email: everettleeds@gmail.com Slide Librarian: Ken Woolfenden, 3 Cuthberts Close, Waltham Cross, Herts EN7 5RB Tel: 01992 636524 email: ken@woolfenden.org Sales Table: Sylvia Currie, Little John’s, Muntham, Itchingfield, Barnes Green, W Sussex RH13 0NH Tel: 01403 731513. No email.

The Clematis 2016

From your Chair, Lizzie Gibbison

ell, my first year as Chair of the BCS has certainly sped quickly by! I hope all Members have had an enjoyable and productive gardening season so far and that the remaining few weeks of 2016 are busy and fruitful for you all. As I write, the summer sun still shines; 2016 has unquestionably been a super clematis year. 2016 saw the celebration of our 25th year as a Society and this anniversary was of course an enormously important event in this year’s BCS calendar. The meeting took place on 6th of August and was very well attended; the gods were kind to us and we had a wonderful day of hot and sunny weather. Members attended from all over the UK and enjoyed the company of like-minded people to chat, talk plants, recall fond memories and remember old friends. The venue was perfect for purpose – easy to find, roomy and the lunch was something special: a big thank you to our events organisers and well done to everyone who played a part in the arrangements. The hard work paid off and the 'buzz’ in the room said it all. In the afternoon, we all reconvened at Mike and Anne Brown’s clematis-filled garden – what a wonderful end to a perfect day. A huge thank you is due to Mike and Anne for their considerable efforts and for raising so much money on behalf of the Society. Just seeing all the happy faces lifted my heart. Now, back to work. Our membership numbers are still in decline – from our research we think this is chiefly due to the natural consequences of our mature membership profile and, although we do have new members coming through, we should very much like to see a higher joining rate. It is relevant that many other plant Societies seem to be facing similar problems. The committee, therefore, still has many challenges ahead; these will take time to resolve but we hope that existing members will assist us, with their thoughts and suggestions. Anyone is welcome to email or ring me, we are listening! A further challenge is in finding speakers that can deliver interesting talks on a wide range of subjects, however, costs still need to be kept under control. This is no easy task but we must strive to keep our standards high at the same time as keeping our members’ outlays modest. Our aim is to attract new members whilst keeping our existing members informed and happy to be part of the Society. Last, but not least, I should like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the committed people who work very hard behind the scenes for the Society, and for assisting me to keep on course. Best wishes to you all; we look forward with great enthusiasm to 2017, our 26th year.

The Clematis 2016

Treasurer’s Annual Report Peter Hargreaves peter.hargreaves@smithcooper.co.uk

Results for the year to 31st December 2015 The Society made a surplus of £817 (2014 £1495). Volunteers still continue to undertake the majority of day-to-day administration of society affairs, which would be expensive to provide, if BCS had to pay for external provision of these services. The finances of BCS still remain strong and the committee continues to monitor costs. The Society is faced with challenging changes and increased reporting requirements in our affairs, in line with our status as a Charity and the Society maintains specific reserves for such purpose. These summarised accounts do not contain sufficient information to allow for a full understanding of the financial affairs of the Society. As mentioned elsewhere, the BCS is due to become a C.I.O following approval at the AGM. A CIO is a new incorporated form of charity which is neither a limited company nor subject to company regulations. Income

2015

2014

Subscriptions Seeds, plants etc. Donations Gift Aid Interest

(£K) 8.8 1.9 0.8 1.4 0.4

(£K) 9.2 1.3 1.6 1.4 0.1

13.3

13.6

Journal less advertising Newsletter Website, press release, nursery list etc. Trustee expenses Trial Ground

5.0 2.8 2.7

5.5 3.4 2.1

0.8 1.2

0.7 0.4

Totals

12.5

12.1

Surplus

0.8

1.5

Expenses

The Clematis 2016 Funds Held Bursary Funds - RHS

10.0

Administrative and Equipment Funds

9.0

Research and trial ground funds

4.0

Sunbury funds

0.2

23.2

General funds

16.1

15.3

Totals

39.3

38.5

Copies of the Trustees Annual Report, Independent Examiner's report and Full Accounts can be obtained from the Treasurer: Peter Hargreaves Grafton Cottage Bar Lane Barton Under Needwood Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 8AL. peter.hargreaves@smithcooper.co.uk

The Clematis 2016

British Clematis Society 26th Annual General Meeting Saturday 9th April 2016, New Beaconsfield Hall, Station Road, Shipton-underWychford, Chipping Norton, OX7 6BQ. Overview: Another new venue, in the search for members’ convenience, and also for reasons of economy. Around 90 people attended; the business of the AGM was sandwiched between two speakers, Charlie Pridham, BCS member and nursery owner, from Cornwall, and Andrew Humphries, until recently head gardener at Wollerton Old Hall, another great friend of the BCS. The day was free to members including a buffet lunch and Teas/coffees. Members were warmly welcomed by the Chair, Charne Griffiths (CG) at this her final meeting as Chair. Apologies for absence were given by The Honorary Secretary Valerie Nicoll: 17 via email, 1 by post and 3 proxy votes to the chair. These were posted on a board, plus details of the 25th Anniversary Celebrations and after the elections a profile of 3 (by then elected) new Trustees. The Chair asked for approval of the minutes of the 25th AGM in 2015 and any matters arising not covered by the day’s agenda. The meeting was in agreement. Proposed by Mike Brown and seconded by Everett Leeds.

Charne Griffiths takes her final AGM meeting as Chair.

Annual report by the BCS Chair Charne Griffiths: Giving a roundup of the Society activities in the past year she reported the BCS have good reserves but the Trustees continue to watch the budget, maintain all the benefits of belonging to the BCS and, in an anniversary year, have two speakers and a free lunch to 9

The Clematis 2016 Charlie Pridham’s talk - BCS member and nursery owner from Cornwall

all members at this AGM. Newsletters have been maintained with the introduction of emailed versions where possible, another excellent journal and two indoor meetings, a Summer garden meeting and, most recently, a winter meeting to Hillier Gardens. Our Regional Groups continue to flourish and are now published on the web site, twice – firstly, on the opening page and secondly (with more detail) in the Members’ section, thus restricting

contact details outside the Society for Data Protection purposes. Regarding our Web site, the Trustees recognise they need to give more support to our Webmaster to allow him to keep the site up to date. Turning to Richard Barker, CG welcomed his presence and thanked him for both past and future help to the BCS and, in particular, the advice over the proposal (following, later) concerning our transition to a CIO. He has generously given us free legal advice and guided us through creating a new constitution, coming today to give an outline to members. Finally, CG thanked the Committee of Trustees and the many other people who do so much for the BCS, the glue that helps bind us all together. Annual report of the Honorary Treasurer Peter Hargreaves (PH). Copies of the Financial Report and Trustee report were made available to members attending the meeting. These will be printed as usual in the Journal for all members to read. There were no questions from the floor, all in approval. 10

The Clematis 2016 The Chair CG again introduced Richard Barker (RB). Together with our Honorary Treasurer he has investigated the benefits to the BCS of changing our charitable status to that of a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation). The society is indebted to RB (himself a life member of the BCS). Over several executive Committee meetings, the Trustees have agreed unanimously that, in the best interests of the BCS, we should proceed. To this end RB has produced a draft constitution. Richard Barker. We are reminded that our present constitution was written by RB in 2010 and has worked well for us. A CIO is a new incorporated form of charity which is neither a limited company nor subject to company regulations. Members of a CIO have additional legal protection but must comply with extra regulations. However, there are considerable advantages to the BCS and some in particular will be of interest; eg there would be no liability for members should the Society be wound up (always a worry for Trustees). Wider powers for the executive Committee in making decisions, instead of waiting until the AGM or calling an EGM. It also seems to encourage the use of modern technology. The BCS would need to change several things that would fall to the Honorary Treasurer eg changing Bank details. Draft copies of the proposed new constitution were available for those present. Other members can get a copy via the Honorary Secretary. Several questions were taken by RB from the floor and answered satisfactorily. The Chair CG put the proposal to the meeting: ‘The BCS should move to change its status to that of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.’ In furtherance of this, the new draft constitution was accepted. The proposal was further endorsed by Mike Brown and seconded by Marion Harvey.

Andrew Humphries, until recently, head gardener at Wollerton Old Hall

The Clematis 2016 Membership Secretary, Linda Crowther: A reminder that we actively have General Members (single & joint), Life Members, and Honorary Members (bestowed for service to BCS). There are also three Societies and/or libraries who keep our activities for reference. The current situation is:General members: 179 paid, of which 148 are single and 31 joint. 81 not yet paid. Payment by standing orders: 109 paid; 7 have not. Life members: 54; Honorary members: 12; Statutory members: 3; Final total of 357 Not yet paid: 88. Reminder letters and emails have gone out – 5 paid instantly, 5 not renewed. This was Linda’s last report as she is not standing again for re-election Report of the Trials Ground Coordinator, Keith Shortland, page 166 of this Journal. Publicity Report, Simon Nicoll My actions for the year have roughly been in 3 areas. Firstly, the emailing of newsletters. It is still hard to obtain correct email addresses and harder still to keep them up to date. So please remember if you change anything let me know. Second area of activity has been the updating of various publicity and educational information. The third area of work has been representing the BCS at RHS Wisley as a group, comprising of the plant societies who, like us, are affiliated to the RHS. We have all struggled with declining memberships and the RHS are offering us various measures of support. The BCS was unable to be at the 3 days of a show for these plant societies last year but we will be there this June, taking a central role with demonstrations. Looking to next year, we have a preliminary offer to re-establish the show at Tatton. We are moving along quite well, so can I end as I began, with: please keep me up to date with your email addresses! Election of Honorary Officers and Trustees Because CG has completed her 3 years in office as our Chair she is able to conduct the elections. It is pleasing that we have one trustee stepping up to bigger things and that we have two completely new Officers. No post was contested; the new line up is as follows: The first 5 posts are elected annually. Chairperson Liz Gibbison: Proposed by Wim Snoeijer, Seconded by Brian Collingwood. Vice Chair: Julian Noble. Proposed by Liz Gibbison, Seconded by Val Le May Neville Parry. Honorary Treasurer: Peter Hargreaves. Proposed by Charne Griffiths, Seconded by Victoria Matthews. 12

The Clematis 2016 Honorary Secretary: Valerie Nicoll. Proposed by Glynn Rowbottom, Seconded by Victoria Matthews. Membership Secretary: Ken Black. Proposed by Linda Crowther, Seconded by Valerie Nicoll. Committee: Glenn Rowbottom: Proposed by Charne Griffiths, Seconded by Valerie Nicoll; Richard Barker Proposed by Valerie Nicoll, Seconded by Denise Mac Donald; 2nd Term of office: Keith Shortland. Proposed by Ken Black, Seconded by Simon Nicoll. Appointment of Independent Examiner The Society thanks Smith Cooper for reviewing our accounts this year and for being willing to continue. Proposed by Glenis Dyer, Seconded by Pam Davies. Any Other Business: Nothing submitted. At the close of business Liz Gibbison gave flowers to our outgoing Chair Charne and our Membership Secretary Linda Crowther, with love and thanks for their hard work. Everett Leeds (good to see him here) thanked all the Trustees for their contributions during the past year.

Flowers and thanks given to Charne, our outgoing Chair.

The meeting closed with a warm round of applause. 13

The Clematis 2016

BCS National Events Dates For Your 2017 Diary

ain BCS National Events dates for your diary – be sure not to miss any important occasion in the BCS year. As we want to avoid main events clashing with outdoor regional events we are publishing the dates at the earliest opportunity. Both the AGM and the Autumn Meeting will be held at Benson Village Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 6LZ. Those who attended the 25th Anniversary Celebrations have experience of the great facilities and ample parking. We hope as many of you as possible will attend; we try to make events selfsupporting and good speakers can be expensive to acquire. Your committee are firmly committed to maintaining the quality of the benefits of membership, whether visits, speakers, Newsletters or the Journal. Winter Garden Walks. Thursday 16th February 2017; Meet at Place for Plants, East Bergholt Place, Suffolk, CO7 6UP at 10am. Features: 11am guided tour with Rupert Eley, cost for morning tour £7.00; afternoon, meet at 2.30pm at The Beth Chatto Gardens, Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex CO7 7DB. Cost for the afternoon is £4.50. Lunch at your leisure – there are a number of lovely pubs nearby. Send reply slip and payment to: Lizzie Gibbison, Saffron Gate, Tickners Heath, Alfold GU6 8HU. You can telephone Lizzie on 01483 200219. Annual General Meeting Saturday 22nd April 2017: we keep formal Society business to a minimum – there is ample time to chat, listen to the morning speaker, have lunch, hear the afternoon speaker and chat some more. The day lasts from approximately 10am-4-30pm. Autumn Indoor Meeting Saturday 30th September 2017: Booking forms will come to you via email where possible. For any queries contact Valerie Nicoll, Honorary Secretary BCS.

The Clematis 2016

BCS 25th Anniversary: Two Gems on One Perfect Summer’s Day Glenn Rowbottom UK plantsman54@gmail.com

fter all the planning and preparation the day had finally arrived and even the weather was on our side. On the 6th August 2016, the Society celebrated its 25th anniversary and showcased this important milestone in style at the village hall in Benson, South Oxfordshire. Some eighty members attended this special event which included a number of both founder-members and new members. All were able to enjoy a welcoming drink, a chat with members both old and new, beforehand casting an eye over the display of literature and pictures documenting the Society’s history. Lizzie Gibbison, our current chair, found a suitable gap in the proceedings to welcome all to the celebrations, announced that lunch was now available and that following lunch there was a visit to Anne and Mike Brown’s garden in the nearby village of Shillingford. Following the excellent spread of food and beverages at Benson village hall everyone successfully navigated to Anne and Mike’s garden, ‘Clematis Corner’. We were greeted at the entrance with a free raffle ticket; what a good idea and a great start to the visit. Proceeding to the garden we passed a number of tables offering various items for sale, including plants, books, cakes and beverages (yes, more food!). What a delightful garden and the display of numerous clematis and other plants was enhanced by the careful use of areas, pathways and various containers and structures. One has to ask, how much time and effort Mike and Anne put in to their garden to enable them to present such a fantastic display? During the afternoon members were able to make their purchases and enjoy a chat whilst having a drink and a piece of cake. As the event drew to a close, the raffle was a fitting finale on a wonderful summer’s afternoon. On behalf of all in attendance l offer my grateful thanks to all involved in making this a very successful day. 15

The Clematis 2016

BCS AGM 2016 Brian Collingwood UK bcollingwood@ntlworld.com

t was a bright, warm day in April and the clocks were striking 10.30. The 26th BCS Annual General Meeting was getting underway at the New Beaconsfield Hall, Shipton-under-Wychwood near Oxford, celebrating twenty-five full years’ existence of the British Clematis Society. More than eighty-five members were gathered in the Hall for what turned out to be another hugely enjoyable BCS AGM day. Unlike last year (when I inadvertently put the wrong postcode into my satnav, so ended up at the wrong place and thereby being late for the start) this time around I completed the 167 miles drive with plenty of time to spare. Enough time, indeed, to enjoy coffee and sample the tasty chocolate biscuits, whilst greeting and chatting with friends old and new, from various parts of the country and overseas. The welcoming drinks, introductions and usual formalities concluded, the meeting got swiftly under way. Our first speaker was the renowned plantsman Charlie Pridham, National Viticella Collection Holder, of ROSELAND HOUSE GARDEN & NURSERY (run by Charlie & Liz, Roseland House, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 8QB phone: 01872 560451). Charlie has been with the BCS since its inception in 1991 and everybody was eagerly looking forward to his talk. Charlie opened his discourse and slide show with some interesting clematis history points; it was his view that the culture of Viticellas in the UK actually started far earlier than is usually stated in the texts – in fact, in Roman times (although establishment proper of the group, and the recording of it, may well not have actually occurred until a good few hundred years later). He then went on to outline the details of the earliest crosses involving Viticellas, in the 1800s, with slide images of some of the resultant cultivars, in support. Charlie concluded his narrative about the Viticella epoch and family tree before moving on to give us some fascinating (and often humorous) insight about his National Collection. 16

The Clematis 2016

Charlie Pridham takes the stage. His opening remarks on the topic reminded us that most ‘collections’ are, in fact, in a state of constant evolution, with plants occasionally being lost – but then replaced with the same cultivar, or sometimes a different cultivar(s); often there will be several clones of one or other plant, sited in different locations and conditions. This is in addition to the sporadic introductions of many new seedlings, raised over the years at the Nursery by dint of Charlie’s ongoing breeding programme. Sprinkling in witty and humorous comments at appropriate moments, Charlie then gave us some excellent suggestions about the more practical everyday aspects of growing the Viticella Group. He firstly dealt with growing plants with and through living hosts – shrubs and woodier plants, planting near trees; then with suitable artificial garden structures. Amongst many candidates in the living genre he particularly mentioned Senna, Pittosporum, Spirea and Ribes. He made a special reference to the practice of repeatedly layering clematis under a host shrub, as the shrub expands over time, thereby keeping the clematis intimate with the host but without being suffocated, for many years. Over time, Charlie has experimented with a huge range of garden structures. He presented slides of clematis growing on many varied constructions and obelisks, not to mention his fruit cage, and trellis made of pig netting mounted on wood batons. Next came a host of ideas about arches and pergolas (almost always wood), and the use of ‘bottomless’ pots – so plants can be more easily moved, when required. Charlie pointed out that in many situations roses can be planted through shorter obelisks, with the growth of the roses then used to provide extra height for the clematis! As if we hadn’t already been treated enough, Charlie brought his talk to the point of conclusion with a superb slide-show of some of his favourite more unusual or newer Viticellas. ‘Burford Princess’, ‘Chatsworth’, ‘Charlie Brown’, ‘Hanna’ (which he is breeding from), ‘Zolibe’ (I AM® A LITTLE BEAUTY), ‘Zoiamladyq’ (I AM® LADY Q), ‘Little Butterfly’, ‘Vanessa’, ‘Danae’, ‘Kathryn Chapman’ and ‘Vitiwester’. Some of Charlie’s 17

The Clematis 2016

Charne receives flowers from all at BCS, via Liz, Annette and Committee.

own cultivars: ‘Purple Haze, ‘Bal Maiden’, ‘Chacewater’, ‘Cornish Spirit’, ‘Killifreth’, Tim's Passion’, ‘Poldice’, ‘Carlien’, amongst many others.

Andrew Humphries, former Head Gardener at Wollerton Hall, at the lectern. There were a good number of questions from the audience; in the process of answering them, Charlie gave us many practical ideas on growing Viticellas in general, and some very interesting and insightful tips on growing them in Cornwall, in particular. Charlie’s talk was very much enjoyed and truly merited the enthusiastic applause. The morning session was followed by the AGM. The Society business, including welcoming our new Chair, Liz Gibbison, and presenting flowers to our outgoing Chair, 18

The Clematis 2016 Charne Griffiths – for her great efforts on behalf of BCS over the years – was concluded satisfactorily. We will miss Linda Crowther after several years of performing the huge task of keeping the membership list up to date and collecting members’ fees. Welldeserved flowers for Linda.

After lunch we reconvened for our second speaker, Andrew Humphries – until recently the Head Gardener at Wollerton Hall (Market Drayton TF9 3NA). Andrew gave us a potted history of the Hall itself and then related to us the story of his time working with Lesley and John Jenkins, in developing the beautiful gardens that Wollerton boasts today. Regular readers of The Clematis will be aware of John and Lesley’s long association with the BCS – also, they have supported BCS by means of the placement of advertisements in our Journal over many years: ‘Created twenty years ago around a Tudor house, this quality garden has achieved the highest ‘Good Garden Guide’ rating, and RHS ‘Partnership’ status. Designed by the owner, Lesley Jenkins, this outstanding garden combines a strong structure with clever planting combinations, using perennials. The garden has significant collections of rare perennials, salvias, paniculata phlox and clematis and some of these are available for purchase, in the Plant Centre. The Tea Room provides excellent lunches and teas, all the food being freshly prepared on the premises.’ Lesley’s background in the world of Art and mastery of subtle colour combinations have stood her in good stead. Obviously, they have been a great team and Andrew recaptured some of the most special moments with his super collection of slides. Clearly, this garden has to look good at any time of the year. He went on to then focus on some of the more practical aspects, including how the layout was conceived, designed and brought into physical being. He explained the structure within the layout and the origination of appropriate colour schemes, how the borders were planned, which plants were chosen for length of flower display, vigour, effect on the viewer, how parts of the gardens were inspired by trips to other gardens and how to make outstanding effects by the use of topiary. It was John who began the clematis planting - he has a love of creating interest with combinations of variously shaped flowers. Andrew was able to 19

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‘Vitiwester’

‘Zolibe’ (I AM® A LITTLE BEAUTY) ‘Poldice’

‘Little Butterfly’

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‘Zoiamladyq’ (I AM® LADY Q)

‘Hanna’

‘Chatsworth’

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‘Chacewater’ ‘Charlie Brown’

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‘Carlien’

‘Burford Princess’

The Clematis 2016 show us how the whole concept had evolved, over time. Next he touched on the virtues of various specific plants, including the many grasses and salvias, the use of bulbs, the strict regime applied to the pruning of roses (to prevent carry over of diseases, rust etc), the times when diseases and disasters (walls falling down!) took their toll, and so forth. All in all, it was a truly splendid talk and, judging from the applause which arose from the moment Andrew retook his seat, we would all have been very happy if he had continued for a further half hour! The famous BCS raffle having been duly completed, and the BCS Sales Table packed away until next time, many members remained for some time to chat and drink coffee and tea, before finally climbing into their cars for the journey home. Another great BCS AGM day was over: a special day for a special 25th anniversary.

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‘Daniel Deronda’, painting by Kathy Pickles, Orkney.

The Clematis 2016

My Favourite Clematis Picture Richard Munday UK rmmunday@yahoo.com

his is a picture of great rustic charm and shows the clematis ‘William Kennett’, an early large flowered hybrid (ELFH). It was taken from Fisk’s Clematis Nursery catalogue of 1961 (which I inherited from my father), though I’ve been told it adorned the cover of Fisk’s 1956 catalogue also. I would challenge anyone to produce a picture of a larger, more prolifically flowering ELFH. I don’t think I’ll have many takers. We don’t know where the delightful tilehung cottage is, but the style of architecture would suggest Surrey, Kent or Sussex. The picture also fascinates me for three reasons. Firstly, the plant is enormous for an ELFH. If the picture appeared in one of today’s catalogues, then people would say it was a computergenerated fraud. This picture, however, is sixty years old so we can safely rule that one out. Secondly, there are no obvious means of support for the plant, other than the drainpipes but there must be some wires there, for it to attach to. Thirdly, the plant rises from a corner of the building, straight out of the paving with no soil visible at all. We don’t know where the plant gets it water from, whether the roots go deep underground, or how it was planted. Maybe this offers a clue as to how ELFHs should be grown? 26

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Clematis in my Life Mary Habberley UK [Ed. The Clematis 2012 featured an article by Harry and Denny Caddick, describing how, by chance, they had one day ventured into Mary Habberley’s outstanding Welshpool garden during their family summer holiday of August 1980. Seventeen years later, Mary sent Harry some flowers from an unusual clematis seedling which had spontaneously appeared in her garden; in the fullness of time this plant, now named ‘Mary Habberley’, was propagated and preserved by Harry and bulked up many years later by Richard Hodson of Hawthornes Clematis Nursery. I am now pleased to be able to add some interesting new details, as Mary has kindly written to BCS giving a little further background information.]

y husband, without my knowledge, enrolled me into the International Clematis Society when it first started, and shortly thereafter I received a lovely note from Mrs K. Evison. Ever since then I have been a member of the British Clematis Society (though I think I may have missed a couple of years along the way). My childhood home was a lovely grey stone-walled country vicarage, on which were growing ‘Jackmanii’ and ‘Nelly Moser’ and thus began my love of clematis. My next home, of just over an acre, had trees, fences and many walls to all aspects, and I really went to town with those. I opened this garden under the N.G.S. and by then I had many varieties of clematis – visitors would sometimes expect to see them all out at once. I had that garden for thirty-four years and then we moved 27

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to our present garden; this is very small but I have still managed to pack in about a hundred varieties. Some are in the ground, others in many different containers – they

don't get as much attention as I would like, as I am now ninety years of age and my knees are getting troublesome. I do have some help but I like to do as much as I can manage. Flowering at the moment are Clematis napaulensis, Clematis urophylla ‘Winter Beauty’, Clematis cirrhosa ‘Wisley Cream’; Clematis armandii is just now beginning to show her abundant buds. In 1980, Denny and Harry Caddick came to one of my open garden days. I have met with them again since, and, through them, I met Richard Hodson. 28

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How I Fell for Clematis Julie Hilton UK juliehilton59@gmail.com

hirty years ago my first experience was joyful: I planted ‘a clematis’, in a pot, at the side of the front porch of my little cottage. It grew and flowered and gained many admirers as it clambered up and over the porch, a pale pink blanket of flowers. It really was quite sensational. I found out (by pre-Google means) that it was ‘Nelly Moser’ and I fell in love. I decided to give my cottage a name – ‘Clematis Cottage’ – hardly original, I agree, but it was so apt. However, in the time it takes to register a house name change with the authorities, my darling Nelly became ill, and then promptly expired! Fast-forward to twenty years ago…a gorgeous clematis growing up amongst my honeysuckle. Huge purple flowers the size of dinner plates, absolutely lovely. My neighbour told me it was a ‘Jackmanii’. The Lonicera needed cutting back, so I carefully held the main stem of the clematis in my left hand while hacking away. This fulfilled my natural instincts when in command of secateurs, which, sadly, is more about enthusiasm than 29

The Clematis 2016 anything else; a moment later, I found myself holding the clematis’ main stem, which was no longer attached to anything…yet another sad ending! For many years now I’ve enjoyed my neighbour’s ‘Nelly Moser’ clambering over the fence between our garden, and, through such ‘voyeurism’, my love affair for clematis has continued – until I met Brian Collingwood around three years ago. He learned of my history with the plants but despite this, the brave man gave me a brand new unflowered clematis seedling, in a pot, just a year old, which he’d actually bred himself. I planted it under a tree, a tiny thing it was. Floriferous young plant

Remembering that most clematis like their roots to be cool, I made sure to surround the root with large pebbles from Flamborough beach (in memory of my Father) and then it was left to its own devices. Shortly thereafter, we had a huge building job done on our house and the garden resembled a builder’s yard for almost two full years. To say that the plant that Brian gave me was neglected is a complete understatement – but it actually seems to thrive on neglect! It has grown and grown, and despite trying to make a dash for freedom into next door’s garden, it is super healthy, with an abundance of flowers; most of the vines and flowers are, however, thrusting towards the neighbour’s (the north) despite the fact that our plot is south facing and much sunnier! It is a beautiful Viticella, with pale purple flowers. To my delight, Brian tells me I can let loose with my secateurs, and it will survive my enthusiasm with no problems at all! Building on my success (or should I say, building on the success of the Viticella in growing itself) I’ve got cocky – I have now purchased three more clematis from my local Aldi supermarket – ‘Multi Blue’, ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ and ‘Rouge Cardinal’. My love affair with clematis has brought faith, hope, joy, despair and dismay, all in equal measure but, with work and patience, I’m hoping for a happy ending. 30

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Where Oh Where Have All My Clematis alpina ‘Pamela Jackman’ Alpinas Gone? (And for that matter my Macropetalas too!) Josie Hulbert UK jjhulbert1@aol.com

ince 1992, when I decided to join the British Clematis Society, I have been an avid collector of Clematis. At times my modest sized garden has boasted 300+ clematis, but perhaps that has been my downfall? Clematis do need a degree of attention – both when they are newly planted and at various other times, depending on the type – a bit of pruning and some general tlc. The past few years have been difficult times for my family and my mobility has been restricted, too. This has, of course, meant that my garden has been put on the back burner and not had the devotion of earlier years. However, I am now once again able to put a little more time into it. As I write, in April, I notice a distinct lack of C. alpina and C. macropetala; in fact, the only ones in flower at present are C. ‘Frances Rivis’ and C. ‘Broughton Bride’. Both lovely, but the lack of other Alpina and Macropetala Groups plants has marred the joy these plants have given me previously. My memories slip back to the joy of seeing my first clematis of the C. macropetala group – C. macropetala ‘Blue Lagoon’ (later renamed C. macropetala ‘Lagoon’). It was her flowers, on my pergola, that tempted me to buy more of this Atragene type of clematis. ‘Rosy O’Grady’ was a favourite of mine, pink and blousy, she always brought a smile to my face; my fence once boasted a huge ‘Frankie’ – blue and white, with so many flowers that hardly any leaves could be seen; Clematis alpina ‘Pamela Jackman’ braved the North facing front garden trellis with great aplomb; ‘Snowbird’, shimmered softly white on the back fence (although she was always just a little too shy to put out the greatest flowering performance, as was ‘Jacqueline du Pré’ – but the grace of her pink flowers, edged with 32

The Clematis 2016 silvery white, let me forgive her). My gazebo was once covered at this time of year by ‘Helsingborg’ (I always thought her slightly dull – but I would welcome her back tomorrow). I could list many more which, over the years, have served me well – so what has happened? C. ‘Frances Rivis’

I have given this some thought and I think I know the answers to the demise of some (but not others) of my little beauties of this Group. Firstly, lack of a ‘quick tidy up’ after flowering, and letting my plants get ‘bird’s nesty’ and brittle – a bad mistake on my part. Secondly, I had one or two plants flowing out of old chimney pots, here and there. I did so love this effect but, sadly, I had a year when I discovered lots of vine weevil in my pots. At the time, vine weevil was an absolute scourge and there was no effective solution to this pest, and everything had to be thrown away. (I am not sure we have a fully effective cure even now, nevertheless, my husband drenches all my pots twice a year – it’s expensive, but I do see fewer weevils; it does seem to help to some degree.) 33

The Clematis 2016 Then, there was the ‘new fence’ episode, oh dear! Looks great, but I was away from home when it was erected! I had put yellow string on all my most precious plants, which of course included all my clematis. I patiently guided the contractor all around the garden before I went away – he assured me he would be very careful. I returned, delighted at the fence – and my plants looked good – it was only a few weeks later some began to look sad. I checked everything out and discovered that the supporting stumps had been concreted in! Clematis do not like cement boots, that’s for sure! Lastly, I suppose old age killed off one or two of my other Atragenes. C. ‘Broughton Bride’ (Image courtesy of Marcel Floyd)

Well, there is only one cure to cheer me, so, as it’s a wet day, I will scour the clematis Nursery catalogues to buy a few more of my old favourites and I may even don a raincoat and pick up a couple of the readily available ones from a garden centre. I may not get a great show this season but there is always the promise of next year! Clematis – there is always one you can buy, of some sort, holding promise. Ready-made happiness for me – you should try it! 34

The Clematis 2016

‘Frances Rivis’, painting by Kathy Pickles, Orkney.

The Clematis 2016

Revisiting The Jewel Michael Pawson UK michaelpawson637@btinternet.com

even years ago I wrote a brief piece for The Clematis. It related how I had decided to try to name a new cultivar after my clematis loving wife for her 70th birthday. After many enquiries and much research, the name of Wim Snoeijer of J. van Zoest B.V. of Boskoop was recommended and he created a most beautiful ‘Jackmanii’ type, which he very generously offered to me. The colour is an arresting violet/purple which is truly

JEWEL OF MERK/HAPPY BIRTHDAY

All images ©Michael Pawson

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vibrant in that it changes to a lighter shade as the flower matures. In the early part of the flowering the sepals have a sensuous velvet appearance and, on the reverse, a paler stripe appearance. Thus, in a light breeze there is a contrast of pale buds, deep blue flowers and the paler reverse. The whole is a picture of one of nature’s myriad effects, almost a numinous experience. Naming the plant was not easy but finally we agreed on JEWEL OF MERK, ‘Merk’ being my wife’s family nickname. Of course Clematis itself presents problems, like potato and tomato; do you say ‘clemaytis’ or ‘clemmertis’ (surely not ‘clemartis’?). Is there a correct pronunciation or a wrong one, or does it not matter? JEWEL OF MERK is clearly not a very commercial name; it is not the sort of name that will stand out and attract buyers, so our plant was given a second name – HAPPY BIRTHDAY (C. ‘Zohapbi’), a very appropriate synonym in the circumstances. I am not sure how many clematis have two names but it is certainly very few, if any. Of the original seven plants that Wim gave me, two are in our garden in Dorset and much admired when we open every year for The National Gardens Scheme, one in Oxfordshire, one in Kent, one in Walthamstow in London, another in Dorset and one in Hampshire. All are flourishing. It is a very easy plant to care for but like all living things it responds well to care and attention. Naturally the two plants in our garden are treated with special love and one of them is currently (August 3rd) fully 21’ by 6’ and is truly remarkable. We have failed in one area, that of reproducing the plant by taking cuttings. We do understand that clematis are not easy, in this respect. However, the very exciting news is that JEWEL OF MERK/HAPPY BIRTHDAY has just been awarded the RHS Award of 37

The Clematis 2016 Garden Merit, which is the highest plant accolade awarded by the Society. There were eighty-eight entries in the trial and only five new AGMs were awarded. This gives us a much higher profile and we can buy new plants if we want them, perhaps to give as gifts to friends on their birthday rather than struggling with failed cuttings, unwanted bottles of wine or boxes of soap (that one gives to people when they have everything and you can think of nothing else). A plant is long lasting, beautiful and a constant reminder of joyful times and good wishes. So, we have a very happy outcome, but I am left with a problem. It is exactly ten years since I approached Wim with my proposal, we started three years ahead of my wife's birthday. I have set a precedent and she will be 80 in three years. What on earth do I do to mark that? Have any readers any helpful suggestions? 38

The Clematis 2016 Editor’s note: An interesting item from the past. At the BCS AGM in April 2016, to my surprise I was handed (by Richard Munday) a copy of Jim Fisk’s Nursery’s 1961 Clematis Catalogue. Immediately noticeable was the photo of this magnificent plant of ‘William Kennett’ (which I recall seeing published several times since, in other places). As well as being of historical value, the catalogue contains Fisk’s brief remarks about the History of Clematis, Planting and Cultivating, along with notes on Pests and Pruning, Clematis for North Walls, and more. Reading the prices of the plants, in 1961, in pounds, shillings and pence was quite an amusing trip down memory lane! I thought it might be of interest to reproduce the catalogue here, which includes Jim Fisk’s thoughts on the culture of Clematis, from now an unbelievable fifty-five years ago.

The Clematis 2016

Buying Clematis for the Garden – What to Look Out For Glenis Dyer UK glenisdyer@gmail.com Where does one start?

irst of all, size matters, as the advert says. If you are paying sensible money for a clematis, particularly a new cultivar, the plant should be in a 2-litre pot as a minimum. On lifting the pot, you should be able to see evidence of roots at the base. (I constantly embarrass my husband by decanting the selected plant, to check that the plant is well-rooted, but not pot-bound where the mass of roots is spiralling round and round inside the pot). However, if you do decide to decant the pot, make sure that the fingers of one hand are threaded through/around the base of the clematis stems, and splayed across the top of the pot before you begin the manoeuvre. Check also that there is sufficient room around you to shake the plant free from the pot. Possibly it is wiser to try out this technique in the privacy of your own garden, on plants you have already bought, to avoid possible embarrassment at the garden centre in case the roots and compost part company, or the whole lot slips from your grasp! The top of the pot should be free from weeds – a sign that the clematis has been in the pot for a long time. However, at the end of the season it is often possible to pick up old, unsold stock when the garden centres are clearing out ready for Christmas novelties, or prior to the arrival of the new year’s stock. The old stock may have little growth, and no doubt it will look extremely ‘tatty’, but IF YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT VARIETIES, this should be no problem. Late-flowering types should be fine (if you get them at the right price), as they all require hard-pruning anyway. The Atragenes (alpinas, macropetalas, koreanas etc) should also be fine, even if at the end of the season they have dropped all their leaves. You could always surreptitiously snip off a little piece from the end of a shoot, to check that it is still green inside. But beware of the large-flowered early-flowering hybrids (mainly the group 2’s) as these may have wilted, and might not reappear for you next year. Personally, I ALWAYS look for plants with more than one stem. In fact, again my husband disowns me when I spread out along the path every plant of the variety I am interested in, to ‘short-list’ the best ones. Many times, the best plants (those with three or four stems) have no flowers, while those with just one stem may have several flowers at the top. Don’t be fooled; that plant has put all its energy into producing the flowers, 50

The Clematis 2016 while the multi-stemmed plants used their energy to better effect. If you are at a national Show (Malvern, Harrogate, Hampton Court, Tatton Park etc) you may well find clematis being sold in small pots; these are known as ‘liners’, and will often be on sale at £2.50 each/5 for £10, or £3 each/4 for £10. These are usually excellent little plants (and there is nothing to prevent you decanting these, too, to ensure they are adequately rooted). Spending £20 on eight small liners may prove much more satisfying to you than spending the £20 on just two full-grown plants. HOWEVER … These small clematis should not be planted out into the garden straightaway; they should be potted-on into, first, a 1-litre pot. Then, when their roots have filled the 1-litre pot, they should be potted-on into a 2-litre pot. Only once their roots have filled the 2-litre pot are they ready to be planted out into the garden! Remember that these small plants in liners are like young children and, after all, you would hardly send an eight-year-old child out to do an adult’s job, would you? You will therefore find that you need to nurture these small plants, probably for about six months, until they are sufficiently mature to take their chances out in the jungle of the average garden. Supermarkets also may offer liners, sometimes for well under £2, but the varieties for sale will usually be a very limited choice. These, too, should be potted up as described above and grown on for six months or more, prior to planting out. Specialist clematis nurseries will give you much helpful advice on suitable varieties for particular aspects or uses, and as a general rule have a far wider range of cultivars than is available in the normal garden centre. Also, some of the species, rarities and new introductions will normally ONLY be available through specialists. Finally, don’t expect too much from your plant in its first year. There is a saying ‘First year sleeping, second year creeping, third year leaping’ and for many cultivars this is absolutely true. There ARE some clematis that will give a good account of themselves from the first year, but for most cultivars they will need two or three years to develop a good root system and a decent ‘crown’ before they develop their full flowering potential. Don’t spend all your money – unless you are buying clematis!

The Clematis 2016

Pruning Montanas the ‘Fisk Way’! Maureen Hudson UK

hat gave us this idea of managing Montanas? Many years before, we had visited the nursery of Mr Jim Fisk, in Westleton, Suffolk. In the courtyard of the nursery was a row of 8-10 feet high metal ‘quad pods’ (metallic structures, with four legs, held vertically at each corner of a square base). All were planted up with four Montana plants of the same variety. Montanas on the ‘quad pods’

These plants rapidly attained the very top of the structures and then cascaded down, flowering in May – what a spectacular sight it was! But even as the last flowers fell away, Fisk would tackle them in business-like fashion with the shears. All were immediately lopped right down to twelve or so inches from the ground, and then fed and watered. Following this, they rapidly grew straight back up the quad pods again. It was Fisk’s idea, we learned, to begin this type of pruning from when the plants were, literally, juvenile; the end results were always an absolutely wonderful living advertisement for every variety of Montana clematis so presented. (As an aside, there was another thing that stuck in my mind from that visit to Fisk’s, besides the Montana pruning method – I remember vividly that there was a Montana ‘Freda’ growing on a wall, the brickwork of which was a bright orange colour. The wall and the ‘Freda’ flowers, as you might imagine, positively shouted at each other – a real ‘Christopher Lloyd combination’. Reading the articles on the pruning of Montanas in the 2014 Journal inspired me to put pen to paper, to record this method. When we lived at The Mill, a one-third acre garden, surrounded by roads on two of its three sides, we grew as many clematis as we 52

The Clematis 2016 possibly could, eventually getting up to around 130 plants. We only grew one Montana, though – that was ‘Broughton Star’, planted on the north boundary against a six-foot fence panel. As it grew, the vines were trained sideways on wires covering the entire panel. Every year, just as the last flowers faded – usually, the 1st week of June – I took the shears to the plant and, like Mr Fisk, cut the whole plant right back to the bone. You have to be thorough but careful at the same time – make sure you use clean secateurs.

Don’t worry about killing the plant and always use very clean secateurs

Regrowth is very rapid, even for plants pruned in this manner

The Clematis 2016 Any stems growing over the top of the panel were lopped off; any stems growing forwards were cut back to about ten inches from the fence. It looked a mess, at first – but by early August it was once again covered with bronzy new foliage, which had time to ripen, harden up and make dormant buds for the next season’s flowering time.

Obviously, this type of pruning has to be done from first planting, and repeated every year – and it certainly produced the most remarkable results! The plant would quickly make three to four feet of new growth past each fence post, rising up and over the fence panel and cascading down to the pavement, on the road side, below. The pruning was generally done in the first week of June. By then, often, up to around three feet of new vines had been made, but they were all cut completely off. This kept the main structure to the perfect size – about six feet wide by five feet above the base of the fence panel. This ensures a fantastic crop of flowers every year, and on a perfectly shaped plant. 54

The Clematis 2016

The Hesketh Bank Chop! Richard Hodson UK richardhodson321@gmail.com

everal of the clematis cultivars that we grow in the garden here at Hesketh Bank, on the west coast of Lancashire, are responding well to the ‘double chop’. This involves pruning the plant hard back almost to the floor on 14th February (the St. Valentine’s Day massacre) and then cutting back again to three or four feet at the end of May. We only grow the Group 3s, by the way. There are two reasons why we have started to carry out this operation on some of the clematis. Firstly, our ‘Alionushka’ and ‘Blue Rain’ have become almost unmanageable. Both have been in the garden here now for about ten years; each year they are taller than the year before, probably due to the root size increasing. Last year they were huge and kept flopping over, so we decided to employ different tactics this year and it has worked fine.

‘Morning Heaven’ in full flood

Others affected by this skyward impulse are ‘Hanna’ (which you would think so sweet and innocent – but don’t take your eyes off her) and ‘Morning Heaven’ (definitely one of the best clematis in our National Collection of Viticella Group clematis), another with 55

The Clematis 2016 tremendous vigour. ‘Elvan’, a fantastic Barry Fretwell introduction, is another that needs a firm hand. A friend of ours, Jim Westhead, grows ‘Jan Fopma’. The manuals all spout ‘July to September, 4-5ft’ – but look at the picture of Jim’s plant, ten feet tall and still going upwards! ‘Jan Fopma’

Another cultivar that we use this procedure on is ‘Buckland Beauty’ (below).

This superb cultivar puts on masses of flowers in June and July, but we want them later, please. She duly obliges after the late May haircut. ‘Romantika’ is a beautiful clematis, a sinister purple, but can be a party spoiler due to the powdery mildew which annoyingly attacks both the foliage and the flowers. By pruning hard, twice, the flowering is delayed but we get minimal mildew on the later flowers. 56

The Clematis 2016

Thoughts about Hot and Cold Climates and Suitable Plants; American and British Clematis Equivalents? Elayne Coakes UK elayne.coakes@btinternet.com

he US Horticultural Society publishes a zonal map of the USA which indicates which zone an area belongs to, in terms of plant hardiness. This is obviously a very important guide as many plants will not survive very low winter or very high summer temperatures. There is both a heat zone map and a hardiness map to consider, so when purchasing a plant, you need to consider both extremes. For instance, if you look at the hardiness rating you could purchase for Boston USA many of the same clematis as I have in my garden in Willesden Green, London eg ‘Westerplatte’ and ‘Polish Spirit’. New York, on the other hand, is a bit trickier, as it would depend on just which part of the NY area you are, in terms of maximum and minimum temperatures.

‘Polish Spirit’

Image ©B. Cromie

In our own garden, we do occasionally have significantly low winter temperatures, leading us to expect that most clematis can survive cold winters. However, as many people will have realised last summer, it is not just the cold but the extremes of heat, leading to a lack of water that can really dictate success or failure. Last year, many of my plants had only very short flowering seasons, produced shrivelled up seedheads and shed a lot of foliage, due to the deficiency of rain (in my area of London we had a two months’ warm summer spell with no rain at all, hardly a single cloud; I really should have watered them more frequently!) So, what can be grown in hot conditions? In general terms, the temperature zone of an area is defined by the average number of days’ highs of more than 30°C. Boston and New York come in at around 100 days. Clearly, you would need to find clematis that need less water! Texas gardeners experience even hotter summers. The first obvious 57

The Clematis 2016 suggestion is not to grow clematis that benefit from a period of cold winter dormancy! In such areas, the smaller-flowered types are far more suitable (although there are some exceptions), for example, Clematis pitcheri or Clematis texensis, and perhaps extending this to plants with a good bit of C. texensis in them eg ‘Duchess of Albany’, ‘Gravetye Beauty’, ‘Pagoda’, ‘Étoile Rose’ and ‘Princess Diana’. The ultimate heat, drought and freeze resistant American clematis must be something akin to the native of the deserts, C. drummondii, a plant very similar to our own Clematis vitalba and known in Texas by the same nickname, ‘Old Man’s Beard’. The evidence seems to indicate that the smaller the flower, the better the likelihood of success in warmer climates, therefore cultivars in the Viticella Group may include some heat tolerant plants? But there is no guarantee; ‘Pagoda’, for instance (a cross between C. viticella and a hybrid of heat tolerant Texas native C. texensis) is not considered vigorous. However, some larger-flowered plants which have records of success in Texas include ‘Ernest Markham’, ‘Rouge Cardinal,’ ‘Jackmanii’, HARLOW CARR (‘Evipo004’), ‘The President,’ ‘Bees’ Jubilee’ and good old ‘Nelly Moser’. The recent new Polish cultivar ‘Sweet Summer Love’ is a striking short and slender-vined cranberry-violet flowered hybrid with a cherry-vanilla fragrance – this could be a good possibility for Texas gardens. It is difficult to find a comprehensive list of clematis defined in terms of the tolerances they have for heat or cold. Most sites on the internet merely state ‘look at the plant label’! Even the main US Horticultural Society lacks such a list. One or two US sites are helpful in giving very general guidance, though, for example, Montanas are not hardy enough for the far north; when you might expect the first frost in the year etc. My personal notion is to fall back on the RHS for guidance; they provide a hardiness rating for plants which goes down to -20°C – not enough for all of the US, but works fine in the UK and can be extrapolated to fit other situations! Coming onto plants for the colder climate, the US ‘Hummingbird Farm’ site has a good list of clematis suitable for difficult winters, mostly of the Atragene or Alpina type, but also emphasizes the plants bred by Uno and Aili Kivistik at Roogoja Farm, in Estonia, between 1974 and 1998. Roogoja Farm was one of the northernmost locations for clematis breeding in the world; the Kivistik’s goal was to breed super-hardy clematis 58

The Clematis 2016 that would bloom reliably on new wood only (the previous year’s wood having always been completely killed off by the harsh winter cold). The plants are all fairly short in stature, rarely over six feet and suitable for growing either in the ground or in containers. These are large-flowered clematis; they are all derived from plants known previously to have been very successful in the colder areas of some of the former Soviet Republics, bred together to produce new hybrids. These plants will grow even in the far north of the US – some even in Alaska, according to the website.

Clematis fusca of Kamtschatica

Above, & C. pitcheri image ©B. Collingwood

Kivistik also raised new, hardy integrifolias, and the parentage of some of his other hybrids include the species C. fusca, C. fargesii, C. viorna, C. recta and C. mandshurica. But even these plants benefit from some protection in the coldest ground – to do this, plants are ‘prepared’ by being cut all the way back to soil level (or very close) in autumn, and then, for the whole of winter, buried under a thick mound of peat. What can be gleaned from the above is that if you want to grow late spring or summer flowering clematis, irrespective of whether your weather is very hot or very cold, you can. Regardless of climate, there is no reason not to grow them, you just need to find the right nursery to supply you the right clematis! 59

The Clematis 2016

Clematis – A Canadian Gardener’s Report Edward Gilbert, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada edwardgilbert@shaw.ca

ardeners in Canada can have mixed results in growing clematis. Our growing season (June to September) is short due to frost and our winters are long and harsh. However, some excellent results can be achieved if the site for the clematis is carefully chosen, for example on a trellis against a building, and if the root system is protected during the winter by the application of a thick layer of straw or leaves. I have had great success growing them in my garden and in some years, they are quite spectacular! As one of my spring 2016 garden projects I built an arbour, with trellis up both sides, and in May I made a trip to the local garden centre to see what varieties of clematis were on offer. I was pleasantly surprised to find quite a wide selection – thirteen varieties in fact – two of which I purchased for my new arbour. Prices of clematis this year, as usual, were dependent on the size of plant purchased. Those about two feet high were selling for $22 (about £10) and those at four feet were selling for $56 (£28), which I thought quite expensive. However, having made my purchases I have put them into my greenhouse until the first week of June, when I shall plant them out. Here is some information about the thirteen varieties of clematis available in my area, this spring. Perhaps they can be found in England; if so, why not try them out, if you have not tried them before? [1] HYDE HALL (‘Evipo009’): A Raymond Evison plant, named after the RHS garden. The pointed, off-white sepals come together to create a 5-7” star-shaped bloom. In certain conditions the blooms may have a tinge of green or pink, for added interest. Reaching 8’ tall, HYDE HALL is not only the perfect size for fences or trellis but is also small enough to grow in the larger container. Consider adding a few annuals to the pot for a great combination look. Blooming in May and June, HYDE HALL is an early season bloomer – ponder pairing the plant with a later blooming clematis for an extended burst of colour. Flowers white, height 8’, spread around 2’. Many early season plants, this cultivar among them, produce early season blooms on the previous season’s growth and then later season flowers on the new growth. Generally, such cultivars are only pruned lightly, to keep them tidy and in the right ‘shape’. In the early spring (February or March) prune them to just above the first pair of swollen, new axil buds, removing all old vines and any weaker material above this level. This plant does well in full sun or partial shade 60

The Clematis 2016 and likes moderate to slightly moister soil. This plant is advertised as being ‘resistant to deer and rabbits’ – two critters that are abundant in my garden – and this was partly why it was one of the two clematis I purchased this year. [2] KINGFISHER (‘Evipo037’): This is a new Evison/Poulsen variety that is exceptionally free-flowering, with huge 6-7” flowers in late spring through to early summer. The intense deep blue flowers are breathtaking and the creamy yellow anthers make for fantastic contrast in the bloom. This exceptional clematis also reblooms heavily in late summer, with slightly smaller flowers, giving an extended season of colour. Plant KINGFISHER with a pink Group 2 clematis for a wonderful combination! [3] ‘Sweet Summer Love’: This cultivar will grow in fairly average soil, as long as it is reasonably well drained – but with some degree of moisture. Keep the roots cool. The plant will benefit from and be kept in check by a hard prune in late winter. Leave at least two pairs of buds on each stem. When the world-renowned clematis breeder Szczepan Marczyński (Poland) told us he had what amounted to a ‘Sweet Autumn’ (Clematis terniflora) clematis, but with red flowers that slowly age to purple, and which blooms months earlier than typical, we were all in awe. The fragrance of ‘Sweet Autumn’ is as good as any plant in existence, and the same goes for this particular beauty. Some clematis can be tricky to grow, with brittle stems that break if you so much as look at them, but this plant is super sturdy and grows like a dream – anyone can be successful growing this variety. It’s as close to perfection as a plant can be. ‘Sweet Summer Love’ gives you everything you could ever desire: the flowers, the fragrance, the ease of growth and cranberry-violet blooms that start over a month earlier than many others – opening in July in the Midwest and northeast and lasting until mid-September. It adds lots of drama to any garden when trained up a wall, trellis or other support. In the first year after planting it does little besides growing additional roots. The next year, however, it takes off; but it is much more restrained than ‘Sweet Autumn’ and does not litter the garden with unwanted seedlings. This plant has what it takes to be the best-selling clematis of all time. It won a Direct Gardening Association ‘Green Thumb’ award for the best new plant of 2014 and it is fully expected to earn many more awards and accolades, as people get to know it. ←[4] JOSEPHINE (‘Evijohill’). This is another clematis with the Raymond Evison association. The flowers have large lilac base sepals of around 5” in 61

The Clematis 2016 diameter, surrounding pom pom-like centres of pink-lilac. There are generally eight broad creamy-green and pinkish-mauve outer sepals, slightly darker near the centre; the layers of small inner ones are of similar colouration, the whole mass forming a most striking and lovely rosette of quite spectacular appearance. Clematis JOSEPHINE’s base sepals fall away with age, leaving just the fluffy centres. This premium variety is among the best of all clematis introductions; the form and colouration being truly breathtaking. The plant thrives in full sun to mostly sunny positions and is a vigorous deciduous climber with neat trifoliate leaves. The plant blooms from June to August and attains around 8’ in height; individual plants are best placed around 4’ apart, for the best effect.

‘Purpurea Plena Elegans’

[5] ‘Purpurea Plena Elegans’: Raised by Morel in France around 1900, and of the Viticella persuasion. Layer upon layer of dusky pink petals form the small but lavish double blooms of this famous clematis. From July, ‘Purpurea Plena Elegans’ is a mass of colour which lasts right through to the Autumn. This classic RHS AGM variety is quick growing and easy to maintain and makes an ideal partner for a climbing rose; or can be grown through evergreen shrubs for a splash of summer colour. It can easily reach about 3m in height with a spread of around 1.5m. Pruning group: 3. [6] ‘Ville de Lyon’. The eternally popular ‘Ville de Lyon’ produces red-purple flowers from July to October and can reach 6-10’ in height. A late-flowering variety, this clematis can sometimes require hard pruning to keep it from becoming overgrown. [7] ‘Ruby’ (Atragene Group). This reliable Atragene cultivar bursts into bloom from March to April, welcoming the spring with a flourish. The nodding mauve-pink bell shaped flowers are followed by attractive fluffy seed heads, which extend the season of interest well into summer. Clematis ‘Ruby’ is a strong grower that will cope with almost 62

The Clematis 2016 any site or conditions; a versatile, trouble free clematis that requires almost no pruning. A perfect plant for clematis beginners – and lazy gardeners? ‘Ruby’ grows to around 2m in height with a spread of approximately 1m; prune freely as required, after flowering.

‘Ville de Lyon’ [8] × diversifolia ‘Blue Boy’: Surely among the hardiest of all clematis, this hybrid (from Dr Skinner of Manitoba) produces endless waves of nodding steel-blue bell shaped flowers throughout the summer. The delicate blooms, from the tips of the stems, look on the world through yellow central eyes from midsummer to early autumn. It just loves to climb structures, making for a great cover or screen. The compound leaves remain green throughout the season and the foliage doesn’t develop any appreciable autumn colour; the fruits are not ornamentally significant. This clematis is a multistemmed deciduous plant with a twining and trailing habit of growth. The medium texture of the foliage blends agreeably into the garden; for an effective composition it can be grown with a couple of finer or coarser textured plants. This is a relatively low maintenance plant – a ‘Type 1’ clematis; it flowers on old wood grown during the previous season. Other than trimming off obvious dieback in spring, it should only be pruned where necessary to fit or suit and pruning is best dealt with immediately after flowering. It is a good choice for attracting hummingbirds to your plot. It has no significant negative characteristics and revels in full sunlight, reaching about 10’ in height at maturity, with a spread of 24”. It can be rather leggy near the base and should be under planted with other lowgrowing plants or shrubs. It benefits from being placed near a fence, trellis or other landscaping structure where it can be trained to grow upwards, but also looks very attractive when allowed to trail off a retaining wall or slope, cascading to the ground. It grows at a medium rate and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for twenty or so years. It prefers average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water, as this rots the fine roots. It is not particular as to soil type or pH and seems to be somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root 63

The Clematis 2016 area in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture; mulching will also afford some protection for plants growing in an exposed location or in colder climatic zones. [9] ‘Jackmanii’. Sun loving ‘Jackmanii’ – the all-time favourite flowering climber. This famous clematis throws out its deep purple blooms all summer long. At 10-12' high and 3-4’ wide, ‘Jackmanii’ is the cultivar which represented, when introduced in 1862, the first of the modern large-flowered hybrid clematis of the garden. The sumptuous violetpurple blooms have long since elevated it to being one the most familiar climbers in the garden. It was produced from crosses made by the prominent nurseryman George Jackman (1837–1887) of Jackman & Sons, Woking, Surrey. C. ‘Jackmanii’ arose from crosses made in 1858 between Clematis lanuginosa and an earlier garden hybrid clematis, × diversifolia ‘Hendersonii’, which, history shows, the new plant eclipsed. The spectacular success of ‘Jackmanii’ encouraged Jackman & Sons to introduce a whole series of novel clematis hybrids, though none of these ousted ‘Jackmanii’ from pole position of favour. Jackman produced a monograph, The Clematis as a Garden Flower (with T. Moore, 1872) which he dedicated to Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge, Duchess of Teck, as this clematis was one of her very favourite plants. ‘Jackmanii’ remains one of the most popular clematis of North American gardens in the East and the Midwest, where it is hardy to USDA Zone 4a. It is seen everywhere; grown on trellis, fence, arbour, porch pillar, lamp post – wherever the soil retains some moisture and the roots can find a little shade, even if only from a large flat rock. The plant flowers on the current year’s new growth, so pruning 64

The Clematis 2016 is best done in early spring, before the plant produces its foliage. From being cut to the ground the plant can reach 3m in a season; a ‘column of blooms’ can be achieved by pruning out stems at varying heights, some as low as four buds, others above head height. ← [10] ‘Wildfire’. Blooming from early summer to the autumn; the young flowers emerge magenta pink, then deepen to violet purple. A red purple bar ignites the 6-8” flowers with flaming colour. Frilly white filaments with purple anthers highlight the centre of each intriguing blossom. This plant quickly covers fences, trellises and walls in a sea of large, vibrant, flamboyant flowers. [11] ‘Rouge Cardinal’ → Superb large velvety crimson flowers, with red anthers, ‘Rouge Cardinal’ is a deciduous semi-woody climbing plant. It blooms from June to September, with flowers around 5-7” across! The flower colour and bloom size may vary in the early years, whilst the plant is getting established. The medium green foliage darkens as the summer progresses. A first-class variety born of the very best of Clematis breeding – the form and colouration are truly breathtaking. [12] C. recta ‘Lime Close’ (C. recta SERIOUS BLACK). This unusual selection of Clematis recta is not a vining plant at all, but has a sprawling, bushy habit. It bursts quickly from the ground in the spring, with foliage of 65

The Clematis 2016 smoky-purple that matures to a deep olive green. The plant produces a rich display of small fragrant ivory flower clusters, in late spring to early summer. This clematis will require staking, or plants can be allowed to sprawl through and over an adjacent shrub. This plant is easy to prune; just cut it to the ground in autumn or early spring. To multiply its numbers this plant may be divided, in spring, however, take care to give the resultant plants a season or so to get properly established. It makes an interesting cut flower. [13] Clematis ‘Western Virgin’ (Prairie Travelers' Joy). This is a very hardy and vigorous plant (possibly a cross between C. virginiana and C. ligusticifolia) bred by Dr Frank Skinner of northern Manitoba. It can be grown as a climber or as a spreading groundcover plant. The vines produce sprays of starry white flowers in summer, followed by fluffy white seedheads. The trailing stems root easily into the ground, forming new plants; the effect is to swiftly carpet open banks and slopes. To keep it in check, cut back hard every two or three years, in early spring. This strong plant will tolerate hot, dry sites and even poor soil conditions. All images Edward Gilbert, except ‘Ville de Lyon’ by Finn Røsholm, JOSEPHINE by Deborah Hardwick. Cartoon by Everett Leeds.

The Clematis 2016

Plants That Pay Their Rent…

‘Pamiat Serdtsa’

Glenis Dyer UK glenisdyer@gmail.com

s the garden starts to hunker down for winter, it is a good time to take stock – to look back over the past year and apply value judgements to each plant for what it adds to the appearance of the garden, both seasonally and as a long-term occupant. Certain plants feature high on the list of ‘If I had to plant my garden again I would use …’. Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple), for example, continues to improve with age, its flaking chestnut bark providing year-round interest and the summer foliage providing the dappled shade enjoyed by so many under-storey plants. (It is host to Clematis ‘Pink Ice’ which I have in several places in the garden – a super cultivar). The Japanese maples, too, once they are established, create superb foliage highlights, increasing in dignity and stature as the years roll round. We keep young plants in pots until they are really established, and can stand the hurly-burly of the open garden and be used as climbing frames for our Viorna Group plants. The bright gold of Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ has provided brilliant patches of colour throughout the summer and continues to shine, even in the dull days of winter. We grow ‘Emilia Plater’ over one, and ‘Romantika’ over another. Camellias look beautiful in winter with their glossy green leaves, and the glamorous spring flowers are a bonus. Herbaceous clematis use them to scramble through, providing a second season of flower colour. Peonies provide interesting, bright red shoots early in the year, followed by 67

The Clematis 2016

‘Romantika’ hosted by a choisya

‘Entel’

The Clematis 2016

‘Eetika’

‘Kaaru’

The Clematis 2016

‘Minuet’ and ‘Mary Rose’

‘Aotearoa’

The Clematis 2016

‘Étoile Rose’and × diversifolia ‘Eriostemon’

‘Broughton Bride’

The Clematis 2016

‘Walenburg’, 'Błękitny Anioł' (BLUE ANGEL), ‘Betty Corning’

handsome foliage, sumptuous flowers and (with most tree peonies and species peonies) superb seedheads. Tree peonies can also be used as hosts for short-growing clematis. Hostas make superb ground cover plants, provided you take action against slugs and snails, or try growing them in pots (Vaseline on stone pots or WD40 on plastic pots prevents these critters mountaineering for their breakfast). I have a pair of Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’ in pots near the front door, which make a statement for nearly six months of the year, and regular deadheading is unnecessary as we cut off the flowerstalks as they appear. We have AVANT-GARDE (C. ‘Evipo033’) and ‘White Magic’ growing up a sorbus, giving colour for the best part of three months, as do our plants of ‘Entel’, ‘Eetika’, ‘Kaaru’, ‘Prince Charles’, ‘Minuet’ and MARY ROSE (C. viticella ‘Flore Pleno’). ‘John Treasure’ and FOREVER FRIENDS (C. ‘Zofofri’) complement each other on a pergola, ‘Aotearoa’ never fails to amaze with its profusion of flowers, and ‘Hendersonii’ and ‘Étoile Rose’ (which were ‘relocated’ when we sold the back of our garden) are recovering well on the new fence, in the company of about fifty other clematis, including two super little QUEEN MOTHER (C. ‘Zoqum’). ‘Odoriba’ – such a lovely plant – makes bold splashes in several areas of the garden, along with 'Błękitny Anioł' (BLUE ANGEL), ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’, ‘Negritianka’ and × diversifolia ‘Blue Boy’. Our huge plant of C. montana var. wilsonii had to be given a very short ‘back and sides’ this year (see Maureen Hudson’s article on Fisk’s pruning, page 52), but this plant is an absolute ‘must have’. Like Josie Hulbert, I have loved (and lost) many Atragenes. With their fibrous root 72

The Clematis 2016

‘Walenburg’, ‘Emilia Plater’ and ‘Betty Corning’

systems, they are not happy in heavy soil, and I have found out the hard way that they do not appreciate metal structures unless the metal has a plastic coating. ‘Broughton Bride’, however, is an exception, one plant thriving up a sorbus and another on the side fence. Our C. armandii ‘Apple Blossom’ is still thriving on the back wall (west facing), but the other armandii – ‘Snowdrift’ – gave up the ghost this year; I suspect it couldn’t cope with the very wet winter and the east-facing site. For late summer and autumn, some unsung heroes of the herbaceous plant world are Gaura lindheimeri (white gaura), Agapanthus and the lovely lacecap hydrangeas. Once the gaura starts flowering it just gets better and better as the year progresses, with a constant succession of dainty white flowers looking for all the world like a flight of butterflies on the plant. The hydrangeas, too, give 3-4 months colour from late July/August, at a time when many garden stalwarts have begun to flag. (They, too, provide ideal supports for smaller clematis.) Cyclamen hederifolium (Ivy-leaved cyclamen) is in flower now, and its superb ivy-shaped leaves are attractive ground cover in winter. Russian sage (Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’) is currently delighting us, along with fuchsias which come into their own from July/August. Winter is made more bearable by the exotic-looking blooms of Iris unguicularis, the Algerian iris which seems so far from its native land and which throws up wave after wave of its large, fragile looking flowers from November until March. Its requirements are simple: a dryish spot tight up against a house wall, preferably south or west facing, 73

The Clematis 2016 Iris unguicularis

and a reasonably spartan diet – this is not a plant which particularly enjoys the fleshpots. Cyclamen coum (round-leaved cyclamen), particularly in the deep cerise forms, astonishes nongardeners who can hardly believe that these tiny, delicatelooking flowers are robust enough to withstand the worst of our winter weather. And what gardener can resist the charms of hellebores, whether the virginal white Helleborus niger (the so-called Christmas rose) or its easy-going cousins the Helleborus orientalis hybrids (now correctly called Helleborus × hybridus)? These are available in plain colours of white, pink, red, purple, bluish-black, or primrose, or they may have speckling within the flowers. The latest hybrids may be doubles, or anemonecentred, some have a delicate picotee edge, and others have nectaries which are deep red, or yellow, instead of the normal green. As sheer value for money these plants cannot be beaten – they flower for about 3 months commencing any time from late November (though normally starting in January) until about April, and the plants get better and better each year. If they are happy, they will seed around generously, giving you new plants for free. All they ask for is no disturbance once they have been planted (in a spot where they will not dry out) and a good annual feed. We have been staggered this year how well Abutilon megapotamicum (trailing abutilon) has flowered; this is reputedly not very hardy, but flowered nonstop for us last winter and is still in full and glorious bloom. Planting bulbs, particularly the small, autumn/winter/spring flowering ones, is a useful way to increase your plant assets. Hardy Cyclamen hederifolium and Cyclamen coum will not only provide autumn and winter colour, but also the most delightful groundcover with their foliage, which persists until late spring. Crocuses speciosus, pulchellus, nudiflorus, goulimyi (all autumn flowering) and colchicums, followed by snowdrops, winter aconites, Crocus chrysanthus, Iris reticulata and anemones, and dwarf hybrid daffodils such as ‘Tête-àTête’, ‘Jumblie’ etc will provide wave after wave of ‘understorey’ colour and interest 74

The Clematis 2016

‘Alionushka’

× triternata ‘Rubromarginata’

from September until March and generally lift the gardener’s spirits. Then, before you know it, Spring has arrived and the great garden display is in full swing again. 75

The Clematis 2016

‘Caerulea Luxurians’

Thoughts on the Prospect of Leaving Our Garden Charne Griffiths UK charnegrif@aol.com

e have been gradually developing our garden in Staffordshire for thirty-one years. When we first arrived, the garden was about half an acre and mostly laid to lawn with a few small shrubs around the edges. Our interest in gardening had been growing for some years and we had made smaller gardens from scratch in two newly built, previous homes. This garden now extends to approaching one acre, is divided into garden ‘rooms’ and is as intensively planted as a cottage garden. My interest in clematis dates back to my teenage years when I planted two clematis at my family home, C. montana var. rubens and C. ‘Jackmanii’. We lived in ten houses in twelve years before we arrived here, and we had a few clematis in every one. Once settled, I was able to increase my collection considerably and also indulge in collections of other plants – hostas, roses, geraniums and hemerocallis, to name but a few. Now we have over a hundred roses, somewhere approaching two hundred clematis and the other collections I have already mentioned. For a few years we have been vaguely deliberating about downsizing but last autumn it became clear that we needed to be planning for a smaller garden and be situated closer to facilities such as shops and restaurants. At first it was a shock to me to contemplate leaving the garden and I resisted the idea strongly. However, common sense and the prospect of planning a new garden has taken over. I have spoken with other BCS members who have much smaller gardens and I can see that a large number of clematis can be grown in a relatively small patch. I am also familiar with the garden of BCS Treasurer Peter Hargreaves and his wife Margaret. It is open under the Yellow Book scheme, and in a village near to us. Their amazing garden of one quarter of an acre has many clematis among the myriad beautifully grown plants. These considerations lead me to believe that we could establish a smaller garden with enough of our favourite plants to satisfy. I have begun to assess our plants over various areas and to gather my thoughts about what we have learned here about growing habits. With regard to clematis, I have considered which are my favourites, how easily they grow in this sticky, clay soil, how 76

The Clematis 2016 best to plant them, what supports are suitable and how much space they need to look at their best. If I look through the year – starting in January – C. cirrhosa var. purpurescens ‘Freckles’ is the first to flower. This is in a sheltered spot but would be better growing over an arch, so that the flowers hang down to be viewed from beneath. (I should like to try to grow a Viticella on the opposite side of an arch, but this would be experimental.) There are a number of Atragene Group plants in the garden and, because they are fairly wind tolerant, they mostly grow well even in the more exposed places. However, I have been unable to keep C. ‘Jacqueline du Pré’ growing, in spite of a couple of attempts and C. ‘Blue Bird’ struggles, but I keep persevering because of its lovely flowers. Across the path C. ‘Pauline’ romps away up the trellis and into the tree in the bed behind the fence. C. ‘Blue Dancer’ has only been in the garden two or three years but I know I would like to grow it in any future garden. Next into flower are the Montanas and I realise that in a smaller space I may be limited in those that could be considered. On several occasions, we have left Montanas to clamber up trees, but have sometimes taken them out as we can see little from the ground and have lost two after hard frosts in winter. There is an incorrectly named Montana (above left) that still grows right up into a hawthorn. It was bought as C. ‘Broughton Star’ but it soon became clear that it was not that plant! ← CLAIRE DE LUNE

I do have a cutting of C. × vedrariensis ‘Hidcote’ that is flourishing in a pot, and I will certainly be taking that with me. This plant covers the low woodshed roof, but its 77

The Clematis 2016 beautiful scented silvery pink flowers fill me with pleasure when they open. It has been in the garden for many years and it was originally grown along a side fence, before we expanded the garden. C. ‘White Magic’

At one stage in my clematis journey I tried to grow a number of large-flowered plants but soon found that they do not like the soil here, nor the wind. In relatively sheltered spots some survive, such as C. ‘Blue Light’, which twines around a short trellis and repeat flowers throughout the summer. A companion, CLAIRE DE LUNE (C. ‘Evirin’) which grows on the same trellis is less reliable but delicately pretty in bloom. Some largeflowered clematis are growing in big pots and these include a C. ‘John Warren’ (which, I fondly recall, grew in a large tub for my father, for many years) which has been with us for the last ten years. It will definitely be transferring with us but I think it needs repotting anyway, and that

C. ‘John Treasure’ growing next to C. ‘Caerulea Luxurians’

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AVANT-GARDE covers a fence

means a job for this autumn, even if a house sale is not on the immediate horizon. At the end of June, the Viticellas and other lateflowering clematis begin to show themselves. I have quite a collection and would be keen to have most of them in any new plot. C. ‘Madame Grangé’

There are a few that I have grown in more recent years of which I am particularly fond. C. ‘White Magic’, C. ‘Entel’, C. ‘M Koster’, C. ‘Burford Princess’ and MIENIE BELLE (C. ‘Zomibel’) all scramble up and over the long pergola that I call ‘the tunnel’. I could put a long list of plants together at this point but will just 79

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mention two that have pleased in the last couple of years: AVANT-GARDE (C. ‘Evipo033’) and C. ‘Kirsi’. The former produces masses of small red flowers with a fluffy white centre while the latter has large pale bluish lavender flowers. They both seem to grow and flourish with minimal attention. Then there are the later flowerers, C. rehderiana and C. ‘Madame Grangé’ – and I have not yet even mentioned a Tangutica, Texensis, a Koreana, or herbaceous clematis along the way! What general things have I learned about growing clematis? They need to have a good root system before planting in the garden. When bought as liners they definitely 80

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‘Emilia Plater’

need growing on in a pot for six to twelve months, to develop the root. I have also sometimes found that those bought as more mature plants also need growing on for a

C. ‘Hågelby Pink’

time, to generally improve the root system. If planting among other established plants in a border, it is helpful to plant in a bottomless pot to enable the roots to establish away from competition. This also helps if you need to dig the plant out for any reason – but it can stop rainwater getting to the root – so you need to remember to water, in the first couple of years. In a new garden, I will want to make sure that every clematis planted 81

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C. ‘Venosa Violacea’

has a good root ball, with the addition of moisture retaining granules in the base of the hole, and with rootgrow (mycorrhizal fungi) on the sides, to encourage sturdy growth from outset. I will try not to be afraid of hard pruning when required and, for summer flowering plants, pinching out the tops of the stems in early spring to increase the flower potential. We have experimented with growing clematis up various supports. At first we put in upright railway sleepers (concreted at the base) with strong, narrow netting attached. C. ‘Minuet’ has been growing happily up one of these for about thirty years. Later, Michael built wooden arches and erected trellis on the top of low fences, but soon discovered that, without regular tying-in, clematis need thinner wires to climb. Therefore, some of the trellis is covered with the strong netting made of narrow plastic coated wire, as mentioned previously. The obelisks have chicken wire attached and in the last ten years we have used a number of arches and pergolas made by Agriframes Ltd. These elegant structures have trellis wires that are ideal for clematis to climb on, and they are very wind resistant. Although we have created lots of sheltered habitats over the years, the garden is, still, in open countryside; some clematis are damaged by persistent winds, as has been the case with my C. ‘Venosa Violacea’ and C. ‘Carmencita’ this year. We have been growing clematis with roses and through shrubs and, in a new garden, I would do like to do quite a bit more of that. I think there is a lot of scope for experimentation is this regard. 82

The Clematis 2016 I have been looking at the plant combinations I have at present but think I need to plant more light coloured clematis, such as C. ‘Prince Charles’ or C. ‘Emilia Plater’, to stand out among the dark green leaves of certain shrubs. Where precious plants have seemed to struggle in the garden we have dug them out and potted them up; often this has brought them back to life and to flowering. PRINCESS KATE (C. ‘Zoprika’) is a good example of this; she was malingering in the garden but for the last two years has flowered very happily, in a large pot. There has always been an issue with wildlife in my current garden. Rabbits are mostly excluded thanks to chicken wire around the perimeter; occasionally they chew through sections, or find gaps, but we have much more trouble with the voles that live here in large numbers. They delight in chomping the new shoots of clematis as they emerge from the soil. Interestingly, they do not seem to chew all clematis – they will frequently target a particular plant but leave the adjacent one alone. I have C. ‘John Treasure’ growing next to C. ‘Caerulea Luxurians’ and they regularly eat the former but ignore the latter. I have devised a way of protecting the plants’ bases by using circular metal plant supports, and covering the sides with fine mesh. These need to be quite high because the voles can and do climb to quite a height! I have tried spraying shoots with peppermint oil flavoured water, and even painted on a liquid that is supposed to stop nail biting, but with no success! Using a protective barrier seems to be most effective. I have also discovered that where clematis have a particular piece of wooden trellis to climb up, then that will aid the voles in eating them higher up. This was obvious this year – I have C. ‘Hågelby Pink’ and C. ‘Eetika’ growing together on a wooden trellis and they both got eaten above the level I had protected, near to the root. Fortunately, one stem of ‘Hågelby Pink’ escaped to the side of the trellis and flowered across the top of the fence, right through a climbing rose, several feet away. Writing this article has encouraged me to think about the plants I would like to see in our next garden and also about nurturing (in pots) those plants that will be going to our new home. I will definitely feel that I am leaving some old friends, but hope to make some new ones, too. 83

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Everything a Beautiful Still Life Fran Palmeri USA franpalmeri@gmail.com

n summer when I have time to whittle down photos on the Mac, images turn up which I have never or only briefly seen. This year it was my British friend Kate Carroll (whose father Brian is a BCS member) on her visit to Myakka River State Park here in south Florida. She got me thinking again about beauty. Visitors have always been enchanted with Florida with its sunshine to warm the bones, glorious water views and flowers blooming in the dead of winter. On what would be a cold grey day up North, a certain softness of the air fills one with visions of Paradise. Kate Carroll I never tire of photographing the peninsula’s forests, cypress swamps, scrub, rivers, springs, beaches. All offer spectacular vistas filled with beautiful plants, animals, lichen, fungi, spider webs, seashells and other wonders too numerous to list. Florida shines even in mundane places – a parking lot with huge old live oaks, an abandoned phosphate mine where Clematis thrives on a chain link fence and the county landfill, a magnet for shorebirds. Claude Monet could have been speaking for me when he wrote ‘Every day I discover more and more beautiful things. It’s enough to drive one mad.’ There are challenges. Constrained by fences or dense stands of saw palmetto, I long to sprout wings and sit high up in a tree to get a bird’s eye view of the terrain. But bound to the earth’s surface, I climb over roots and fallen stumps and extricate myself from thorny vines. Greenbrier is notorious for tripping up the unwary. My camera limits me to a small rectangle, a millisecond in time and available light. A cloud will put a grey wash over a landscape that seconds ago was bright with colour. All I can count on is change. 84

The Clematis 2016 When I give into serendipity, I am frequently rewarded. A bobcat crossing the road pauses long moments to look at me, then melts back into the brush. As I photograph

an alligator in the Fakahatchee swamp, a Tiger Swallowtail butterfly floats in beside it. Out looking for tarflower on a June morning I come upon a patch of pine hyacinth Clematis baldwinii in bloom. The unexpected nature of these gifts moves me deeply. My Florida is a pale imitation of the one naturalist William Bartram explored in the 1770s. His challenges – ‘tempests’ swamping his little boat, hordes of alligators and an ‘intrepid’ Seminole – were much greater than mine but he never allowed them to dampen his enthusiasm. ‘This world, as a glorious apartment of the boundless palace of the sovereign Creator, is furnished with an infinite variety of animated scenes, 85

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Clematis baldwinii

inexpressibly beautiful and pleasing, equally free to the inspection and enjoyment of all his creatures’, he wrote in Travels through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida. His book lists hundreds of species and descriptions of habitats so accurate that modern day restoration in Florida state parks has been based on them. While Bartram was back home tending the family nursery in Pennsylvania, Alexander von Humboldt was ranging all over the planet. ‘Devoted from my earliest youth to the study of nature, feeling with enthusiasm the wild beauties of a country guarded by mountains and shaded by ancient forests, I experienced in my travels enjoyments which have amply compensated for the privations inseparable from a laborious and often agitated life.’ A brilliant observer and prolific writer, Humboldt recognized the connections between widely separated places on earth. He changed our views of nature and influenced the thinking of scientists such as Charles Darwin who advanced his own theories in On the Origin of Species ‘…from so simple a beginning, endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.’ Nature has always been the province of artists. Claude Monet loved flowers including Clematis, which he painted in a French garden; Bartram drew them in the wilds of colonial America. The Old World, New World, indeed the whole world was growing smaller thanks to plant collectors who sailed the globe, on the instructions of gardeners lusting after new species to showcase. Twentieth century garden designer Gertrude Jekyll put descendants of those plants to work, urging gardeners to ‘Plant upon a palette, delighting our eyes with soulsatisfying pictures, a treasure of well-set jewels a sympathy with growing things fashioned into a dream of beauty, a place of perfect rest and refreshment of mind and body.’ In Wood and Garden Jekyll rhapsodizes about Clematis. In February she advises the gardener to ‘prune and train Clematis flammula so that this lovely and tenderly-scented clematis will be one of the chief beauties of September…’ In March the wild clematis ‘laces together whole hedges and rushes up trees, clothing them in July with long wreaths of delicate blooms, and in September with still more conspicuous feathery seed.’ 86

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Jekyll’s ‘wild clematis’, Clematis vitalba.

How wonderful it would have been to bring together Gertrude Jekyll and Henry Nehrling, the Florida garden designer. Both were endowed with a keen sense of the beauty of nature, which they translated into word and deed. They worked at about the same time but Gertrude Jekyll disliked travelling and Henry Nehrling hadn’t the means. After creating gardens at Gotha in central Florida, Nehrling moved south to Naples, an area he hoped would not be subject to freezes, to focus on tender exotics. During his lifetime, he experimented with more than 3000 rare and exotic plants and delighted in collecting native plants on tramps about the still pristine wilderness, with scientist friends like Charles Torrey Simpson. Nehrling loved palms. ‘To see the first noble palmetto growing wild on the bank of a river is an event in one’s life, but to behold groups and forests of them is like a miracle. They form pictures of enchanting scenery in the soul of the lover of nature which are indelibly impressed as long as life lasts’, he wrote in My Garden in Florida. Photographing the wonderful palms in the Florida Everglades has also been one of my own most memorable life experiences. 87

The Clematis 2016 My nursery, Florida Native Plants Inc., had its beginnings in the 1980s in eastern Sarasota County. Founder Tim Cash fell in love with the scrubby flatwoods (now part of Old Miakka Preserve) where he collected seeds to try out at his nursery, which he named Florida Scrub Growers. Recently Bill Lewis, one of Tim’s first customers, told me that when he would mention a plant he wanted for his garden, miraculously it would show up later, at the nursery.

A red shouldered hawk in the slash pine in my back yard.

I garden for wildlife. Luckily I already have slash pines, live oaks and sabal palms which feed and house woodpeckers, hawks, owls, and bats. In a damp corner I dropped in a red maple, a tree John Evelyn listed it in his book Sylva, the first to be published by the Royal Society. Throughout his descriptions, he quoted Pliny (the Roman historian) who, though fantastical in some observations, lived and died in thrall to nature. ‘The Maple (says Pliny) for the elegancy and fineness of the wood is next to the very cedar itself.’ C. baldwinii

‘There are several kinds of it, especially the white, which is wonderfully beautiful…’ 88

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Fleabane, Erigeron vernus, blooming in the pinelands at T. Mabry Carlton Reserve near my home. It arrives in early spring in my wildflower garden.

With the help of my landscaper friend Carolann Cahill, I planted wild coffee, blanket flower and tickseed for bees and butterflies, porterweed for hummingbirds and left Spanish needles, a weed adored by all pollinators but disdained by lawn fanatics. Beach dune sunflower, sunshine mimosa, Muhly grass (that turns pink in autumn) went out front along with Calamintha, a scrub perennial. C. baldwinii is part of the plan. My

A great southern white butterfly visits Spanish Needles, Bidens alba, a weed beloved by pollinators but shunned by gardeners.

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An American bittern, a secretive heron of marshes, tossed high atop a pine by hurricane winds. The Audubon Society lists this as a climate endangered bird.

garden is not even close to Jekyll’s ‘dream of beauty’ but the creatures that appreciate it are wonderful to watch. Today we are facing new challenges. The world is getting hotter. Nature is fighting back with fire and flood. (As I write this, Hurricane Hermine is churning up the Gulf of Mexico, close by my home.) Plants and animals are getting scarcer. In Harmony, Prince Charles offers this solution to the crises of climate change: ‘The better, if not the only effective course we can take is to see that we are part of the Natural order, rather than isolated from it and to appreciate Nature as a profoundly beautiful world of complexity.’ Preserving ‘complexity’ is Edward O. Wilson’s goal in Half Earth, Our Planet’s Fight for Life. Conserving half of the planet could slow the extinction of plants and animals, which is 1000 times the normal rate. ‘Like Dr. Edward O. Wilson, the Harvard biologist, naturalist and prolific author (two times winner of the Pulitzer Prize) lecturing at Eckard College.

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Heavy rain from hurricane ‘Hermine’ flooded my wildflower garden. Happy to report everything survived except one beauty berry. Florida native plants endure periodic flood and drought.

it or not, prepared or not, we are the mind and stewards of the living world. We have come a very long way through the barbaric period in which we still live and now I believe

Florida native, C. crispa, the marsh clematis.

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The author – Fran Palmeri.

we’ve learned enough to adopt a transcendent moral precept concerning the rest of life. It is simple and easy to say: Do no further harm to the biosphere.’ In summer, the nighttime chorus of crickets and cricket frogs coaxes me into a neighborhood park. Squeaking bats streak past like miniature meteors, providing counterpoint to the great horned owl warming up for his nightly hunt. In the background I hear faint calls of whistling ducks on their way to roost and the occasional mutterings of a scrub jay stirring in his sleep. Eastern screech owls, in a cabbage palm, hoot back and forth like an old married couple. The music of the night settles into my bones. The nocturnal chorus at Solano Grove, along the St John’s River where he intended to make his fortune, captivated Frederick Delius. It was an undertaking soon forgotten when he heard resident Negroes singing their spirituals in the evening and by day, their work songs. When Delius returned to Europe he blended the two worlds in his music and always insisted that what had most inspired his work was ‘a little orange grove in north Florida.’ A radically different landscape inspired Colin Fletcher, who walked Grand Canyon National Park to write: ‘But after all what was beauty but some kind of harmony between the rock and my senses.’ Alexander von Humboldt was deeply moved by the Russian Steppe. ‘Like a limitless expanse of waters the steppe fills the mind with a sense of the infinite, and the Soul, freed from the sensuous impressions of space, expands 92

The Clematis 2016 with spiritual emotions of a higher order.’ For Cistercian monk Thomas Merton, the woods surrounding his monastery grounded his encounters with the Divine. ‘More and more,’ he noted in a journal ‘I appreciate the beauty and solemnity of the Way up through the woods’, and, later writing in a letter: ‘This life in the woods is IT. It is the only way. It is the way everybody has lost.’ I feel as if I’ve hardly begun to capture the beauty of Florida, a process conservationist Aldo Leopold described as ‘Our ability to perceive quality in nature begins, as in art, with the pretty. It expands through successive states of the beautiful to values as yet uncaptured by language.’ And I’m often reminded that there is something greater than myself in this endeavour. I'll be searching for the right angle or the right moment and a picture will leap out and grab ME. All the intelligence, experience and desire I bring to the task are nothing in the face of the Universe seeking me out, saying ‘This is the one.’ Bibliography Bartram, William Travels in North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida The Library of America 1996 Darwin, Charles On the Origin of Species 1859 Evelyn, John Sylva A Discourse of Forest-Trees and the Propagation of Timber in His Majesty's Dominions 1662 Project Gutenberg eBook Fletcher, Colin The Man Who Walked Through Time 1968, 1989 edition Vintage Books HRH The Prince of Wales with Tony Juniper and Ian Skelly Harmony A New Way of Looking at Our World Blue Door, HarperCollins 2010 Jahoda, Gloria The Road to Samarkind, Frederick Delius and His Music 1969 New York Charles Scribner’s Sons Jekyll, Gertrude Wood and Garden (1899) 1981 ACC Distribution Leopold, Aldo ‘The Role of Wildlife in a Liberal Education’ from The River of

the Mother of God and Other Essays Merton Thomas When the Trees Say Nothing; Writings on Nature 2003 Editor

Kathleen Deignan Sorin Books Notre Dame Indiana Monet by Himself Claude Monet edited by Richard Kendall Nehrling, Henry Robert Read, Editor 2001 Nehrling’s Early Florida Gardens, University Press of Florida von Humboldt, Alexander, Views of Nature 2014, Chicago University of Chicago Press 2014 von Humboldt, Alexander Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America Alexander and Aime Bonpland 1799 Vol. 1-3. London. H. Bohn. Wilson, Edward O. Half-Earth; Our Planet’s Fight for Life New York London Liveright Publishing Corporation WW Norton 2016 Wulf, Andrea The Invention of Nature; Alexander von Humboldt’s New World New York Alfred K. Knopf 2016

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Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’, painting by Kathy Pickles, Orkney.

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RHS Chelsea ‘Plant of the Year’ Winner, 2016 Clematis AMBER (C. 'Wit141205') Chris Cocks UK taylors@taylorsclematis.co.uk

lematis AMBER was bred by Marco & Bianca de Wit of Boskoop in Holland and managed by Plantipp B.V. AMBER has been named 2016 RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year. The jury’s favourite was praised for its nodding heads of a unique yellow/cream colouring, as well as the flowering from early to mid-summer with a second flush in September. Reiner van Rijssen, owner of Plantipp, said: ‘We are still catching our breath from the 2014 edition of the Flower Show when Hydrangea MISS SAORI, bred by Ryoji Irie and managed by Plantipp, won the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year competition. Now we start all over again with AMBER. We are extremely proud of Marco and Bianca.’ The clematis was named after Marco de Wit's daughter, who tragically died at a very young age Afterwards, a new seedling emerged and it turned into what we now know as Clematis AMBER (her nickname) It's a fantastic cultivar…No pruning, plant any aspect, disease resistant, flowers twice in the year, height 6-8 feet, grow in a pot or in the ground; very versatile as a garden plant. How it all came about We were advised to enter AMBER into the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2016 competition by a friend who had seen the pictures of the new cultivar on our website... so we did. We took down to Chelsea a spare plant of AMBER to put in the competition. We later learned that there were forty-five other people’s cultivars also entered into the competition – everything from lilies to orchids. 95

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We were notified on the Saturday by the RHS that AMBER had been shortlisted and was now in the final (with nineteen others). The notifier asked if I would go and give a short presentation on the plant on the Sunday morning, at 11am. At 10.45 I broke off from finishing the build-up of our main display and wandered off to the area I had been asked to go to. When I got there, I couldn’t believe how many people were around! I will try to set the scene: it certainly seemed that virtually every RHS judge (past and present) was in attendance, along with every curator of each of the RHS Gardens. The RHS Director General, Sue Biggs was chatting with the President of the RHS, Sir Nicholas Bacon. Looking on, the whole world’s media (every newspaper you can imagine), plus 96

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journalists from every magazine etc, along with various TV crews, all cameras pointing at a lectern with two microphones, on a huge stage (probably over 120 people altogether). I assumed I was in the wrong place! But no, this was exactly where I was supposed to be, along with nineteen other nurserymen, some of them pacing up and down, reading cards over and over again. I spotted one that I knew and when I asked him what he was doing, he replied ‘practising my speech!’ (What speech, I thought?) Then it all clicked: I gleaned that each person would get exactly ninety seconds to pitch the virtues of the plant to the whole room! And when I say ‘ninety seconds’ that's exactly what I mean – someone at the back of the room holds boards up to let you know when you have thirty seconds left, twenty seconds, then ten seconds, then finish! All the other finalists had practiced their dialogues to perfection, whereas I had just ‘turned up with nothing’. Anyway, the show must go on. When my turn came up at the lectern I gave it my best shot ‘off the cuff’. I made them laugh a little and gave them masses of information in the ninety seconds, and came off thinking that I did the best I could in the circumstances. The speeches over, the competitors dispersed for twenty minutes 97

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Chris receives the RHS Plant of the Year 2016 Award from Jill Otway, Plant Committee Manager, RHS and the President of the RHS Sir Nicholas Bacon.

whilst the judges got together and deliberated. It was to be a joint vote to decide who would get 1st, 2nd and 3rd placings. I said to Suzy, ‘let’s just go back to our display and get that finished, we can always find out tomorrow who won it, but Suzy said ‘No, let’s wait and see, you never know, we might get 3rd place?’ We all ambled back to the stage and they began calling out ‘3rd place’, ‘2nd place’, then 1st and when I heard him say ‘Clematis AMBER’ I could not believe my ears! Immediately, all the craziness started – journalists poking numerous huge microphones into my face, interviews for TV, radio, magazines.... it all just went wild! We sold every plant on the nursery – the next batch will be ready in about three weeks’ time! [Editor’s Note regarding the naming of this cultivar: - Marco de Wit initially circulated this plant under the name Clematis chiisanensis AMBER (‘WIT141205’). 1. Email from Duncan Donald to B. Collingwood: ‘Dear Brian, Thank you for your enquiry about getting this plant named correctly for the next edition of The Clematis. I have still not had the opportunity to see it ‘in the flesh’ – so for the time being I am holding to my earlier verdict that Clematis 'WIT141205' AMBER remains the best name. Best wishes, Duncan.’ 2. Email from Wim Snoeijer: ‘I have now seen the cultivar in person, as it was on show at Plantarium, August 2016; the pictures online also clearly show that the flower has many

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tepal-like staminodes. With reference to the book The Genus Clematis by Magnus Johnson and his key on the botanical Section Atragene, page 177-181, there is only one species in this Section that has tepal-like staminodes and that is Clematis macropetala. All cultivars and all seedlings that are going around, worldwide, of Atragene plants having flowers with one or more tepal-like staminodes are all hybrids with Clematis macropetala, whether it be a F1 plant or a F789 plant. My conclusion; Clematis 'WIT141205' cannot be a selection of Clematis koreana simply because Clematis 'WIT141205' has tepal-like staminodes. In an article in The Plantsman, reference is given to the origin of the cultivar: ‘It was found as a seedling of Clematis koreana 'Love Child'.’ This was the first time for me to come across the origin of Clematis 'WIT141205' and because I questioned this origin I phoned Marco de Wit on Tuesday 27th September. Marco told me that this origin is not true and he also told me that they assumed that 'Love Child' might be involved somewhere down the line because of the colour of the flowers. Thus, this leaves the name Clematis 'WIT141205' on its own again, where it all started, as the correct cultivar name.’

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2015 Visit to Boomkwekerijmuseum, Boskoop, The Netherlands Ann Broscomb abrosc@oneservice.co.uk

n 2015 the Boomkwekerijmuseum in Boskoop decided they would like to have a Clematis theme for the main museum season. They approached the clematis nurseries in the town and Jan van Zoest, where Wim Snoeijer works, was the only one to show an interest. At a meeting with the museum staff several ideas were put on the table and the museum said they would like to have ALL of them. This resulted in a lot of work for the nursery organising and setting up the exhibits and maintaining everything, especially the fresh flowers and plants, throughout the year. Ton Hannink joined the team too and the end result was super professional. Wim and Ton decided it would be nice to invite people from the clematis world to visit the museum to see the exhibition and they very conveniently chose the day before the clematis event at De Boschhoeve, in August. A select group came from England, Holland and Poland. Clematis plants, adorning the front door of the museum, awaited us, so we knew we had arrived at the right place. 100

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Behind the entrance desk there was a long table with individually labelled little vases, holding clematis flowers – so pretty and informative. I counted over sixty of them.

A wall full of plant labels gave an idea of the number of different clematis available.

Clematis × diversifolia ‘Königin Wilhelmina’ (‘Queen Wilhelmina’) – a lost cultivar

There were cabinets displaying clematis themed artefacts – quite a collection; Wim had lent his collection of clematis books too – in a firmly-locked cabinet, I'm pleased to say. 101

The Clematis 2016 Before long, the museum volunteers called us for coffee and cakes. If you have never tasted Dutch coffee and cakes, then you haven't lived; we enjoyed chatting over that. After the coffee break, Wim and Ton explained some of the other exhibits to us. Wim had put together a colourful display showing clematis cultivars named for royalty, starting with ‘Prins Hendrik’, followed by Clematis × diversifolia ‘Königin Wilhelmina’, right through to PRINCESS KATE (‘Zoprika’). Since Clematis × diversifolia ‘Königin Wilhelmina’ is now lost to cultivation, Wim located the herbarium specimens of the plant and an artist painted an amazing likeness, to have on show. ‘Prins Hendrik’ is very rare in cultivation; a superb plant – be sure to take the time to look it up on the Internet.

An interactive display featured a wall-mounted world map, furnished with tiny lightbulbs on the various countries; in front of this there was an array of clematis plant labels, each with a button to press, to light up the country where the plant originated. I could have played with that for ages. Another interesting feature was the list of clematis breeders, with the living highlighted in red. The photo shows a very small section of the list. When the International Clematis Society visited China, they had seen dried clematis roots, used for herbal medicine, on sale in the markets. Ton contacted a Chinese friend and asked her to help out with a demonstration of this. She sent a wealth of packaged and loose clematis medicines, even including written prescriptions, should you wish to concoct your own brew. Yes, clematis is poisonous but so is digitalis (used for the treatment of heart failure). Ton had made a charming little Chinese stall to display this. 102

The Clematis 2016 There were many other interesting displays including a case holding a collection of postage stamps depicting clematis, from around the world. Once we had seen all the museum’s indoor exhibits it was time to go out into the garden. There were many clematis plants in pots and everyone could have a close look at them in the flesh. Denise and I were particularly excited to spot, right at the back of one group, a plant of ‘Prins Hendrik’. The flowers were going over and were somewhat faded but the size of the flower was still striking, and the dark stamens… a lovely feature of this great cultivar. Another group of plants had inflatable globes wedged in the cane supports above them. The globes were orientated so as to show which part of the world the specific plant came from. Such a simple and ingenious idea – I have been searching for an excuse to copy it ever since. Ton had grown several plants from seed sent to him from China. There were some very healthy plants and I was intrigued by the different leaf formations – what a diverse plant Clematis is. Sadly, none of the plants were in flower at that time, though one looked as if it was about to pop open its buds in a couple of days’ time. So ended the very interesting Clematis display at Boomkwekerijmuseum, Boskoop, but not the hospitality, as we were then treated to a delicious lunch. This was a great morning I shall remember for a long time. A real shame if you missed it! The museum visitor numbers have increased tremendously compared with previous years’ attendances, so massive congratulations are due to Jan van Zoest, Wim and Ton for promoting our favourite plant to the gardening public. All images ©Ann Broscomb and Denise MacDonald

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Visit to East Ruston Old Vicarage Suzanne Reade UK sue.reade uwclub.net

uring one of my earliest BCS meetings, many years back, former Society Chairperson Margaret Morris gave a talk about her favourite garden: while we were on a recent holiday in Norfolk I realised that this particular garden was not too far away, so we made plans and on our last day we plugged in the satnav, and set off on our way. It really was ‘out of the way’ – right down a single-track road; I hadn’t researched it properly and we found that it didn’t open until 1pm, so we headed out to find some lunch and returned a little later, after opening time. Of course, had this been a ‘Society outing’ I would have checked all the details beforehand! It wasn’t a cheap visit – £8.50, no concessions on offer – so we reasoned that it must be fairly spectacular, and it turned out to be just that. Having done a ‘Garden Tour’ with the Lakeland Horticultural Society around the South of England (including Sissinghurst and Great Dixter) and visited many, many grand gardens in the north of England, I think I’m qualified to give East Ruston Old Vicarage a 5* rating.

At the entrance to East Ruston Old Vicarage

We encountered this central bed on our entrance – no doubt this area looks pretty good all the year around – the plants within the boundary can be changed at will, with the seasons. Having traversed this pedestrian entrance one immediately finds oneself in an area planted with a variety of succulents, Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ taking centre stage. 104

The Clematis 2016 At many points in these gardens there were choices to be made as to where to walk next, the areas being separated either by hedges or by brick or hedge archways; through some of these, judiciously planned vistas were revealed. Succulents

Our first choice brought

us to the Dutch Garden – this is planted twice yearly: tulips in Spring, then, a wide range of bedding plants later in the summer. From the Dutch Garden the steps, flanked with 105

The Clematis 2016 pots filled with shade loving plants led through to the ‘Green Court’; through the arch, one’s eye was immediately taken by a neat brick pedestal supporting a lovely central urn.

Before long we reached the Apple Walk. Another example of impressive planning – in the distance, through a gap in the far canopy and framed by tall poplar trees, we could sight the 15th century Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Happisburgh, and its 110’ tower.

Church of St. Mary the Virgin in the far distance beyond the Apple Walk

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The Clematis 2016 In similar style, another wonderful view – the Happisburgh Lighthouse (the oldest working lighthouse in East Anglia and the only independently run lighthouse in Great Britain) could be glimpsed through a porthole cut into the shelter belt. You will be wondering if we found any clematis? Since the gardens are very close to the coast, they do suffer to some degree from the prevailing winds, despite the considerable

efforts to create a range of sheltered zones. This makes for trying growing conditions for the majority of climbers. We did, however, find a few obelisks adorned by the above clematis (though we couldn’t find a name for it on the day). After scrumptious tea and cakes we indulged ourselves yet again, in the plant sales area. Again, not many clematis but a great number of very healthy-looking herbaceous plants, of all types. 107

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Butterflies and Beetles on Clematis Dr John Feltwell UK john@wildlifematters.com

lematis are not the world’s greatest providers of pollen and nectar but some butterflies and beetles have evolved to divide the spoils, thus allowing clematis to get pollinated and produce plenty of seed. This attractive iridescent green beetle Cetonia sp. flies from flower to flower where it eats the flowering parts of the fragrant European Virgin’s Bower Clematis flammula. The clematis is so productive in flowers – some plants look like snow in August – that it makes no difference to its health and vigour. Perhaps that is the reason for its vigour? The larvae of the beetle are serious pests in old timbers where they live for a few years chewing from the inside. This one was photographed in the Cévennes mountains of Gard Department in Languedoc, but the species occurs in the UK too.

Resting between the flower and fruit of ‘Bill MacKenzie’ AGM, a Frosted Orange moth Gortyna flavago sits out the day and hopes it will not be seen by predators. E. Sussex, in September. 108

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A brightly-coloured Purple-shot Copper, Heodes alciphron feeds on the nectar Clematis vitalba in the Cévennes of France. This butterfly does not occur in the UK.

The very common and widespread bumblebee Bombus pascuorum feeds on a flower of ‘Bill MacKenzie’ AGM, in an East Sussex garden. 109

The Clematis 2016 A black and white marked cuckoo bumblebee, Bombus sp. feeds on moisture from the seeds of ‘Bill MacKenzie’.

A male Silverwashed Fritillary Argynnis paphia, feeds on the flower of Old Man’s Beard Clematis vitalba. The butterfly occurs in England and Wales, but not Scotland, and lives in wooded areas, the larvae feeding on violets. The butterfly comes to clematis just for sustenance. 110

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Life is good for a honeybee when the Montanas come out – they get loaded with pale pollen. Pollen represents essential proteins to the bees.

Garden bumblebee Bombus terrestris visits the flower of Clematis ‘W E Gladstone’. 111

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A honeybee collecting white pollen from the boss of a large-flowered clematis

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Report: HPS Meeting, Talk by Mary Toomey: ‘SmallFlowered Clematis’, Saturday 30th July 2016 Brian Collingwood UK bcollingwood ntlworld.com

greatly enjoyed my day attending the Hardy Plant Society Ranunculaceae Group Annual Lecture Day on July 30th 2016, at All Saints Church Hall in Hesketh Bank, west Lancs. The morning saw Mary Toomey, former BCS Journal Editor and wellknown horticultural author and lecturer give a talk and slide show presentation about small-flowered clematis. Following lunch (and the raffle of course) we all made our way to Richard Hodson’s nursery and garden, to wallow among his extensive collection of cultivars and species, in abundant flower. The Northern BCS Group, led by Sue Reade, had been invited to attend the meeting; interest was strong and there were many familiar BCS faces around the room. The venue was firstrate

The weather was gorgeous, warm and sunny, remaining that way throughout the afternoon, just completely perfect for lingering around Richard and Irene’s admirable clematis-filled plot. The Hardy Plant Society members were great to be 113

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Before the show: Mary Toomey and Everett Leeds chat together

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Mary, in full flow

among and it was clear that everyone was having a really enjoyable, interesting and thoroughly entertaining day. Mary, of course, needs no introduction to us, having served BCS as Journal Editor for a number of years and given numerous talks at BCS meetings up and down the country. As soon as I walked into the venue I got a sense that everyone was keenly looking forward to the presentation; the room was positively buzzing with voices in fervent conversation. Mary stepped up and right away began to illustrate for us various well known members of the Clematis family, starting with plants that flower early in the season; most of the plants mentioned were represented in the slide-show, including Clematis forsteri and many plants derived from various species – C. koreana, C. macropetala, C. alpina and C. fauriei, among others. She progressed from these basic ‘raw ingredients’ onto some of the many hybrids brought into cultivation by Magnus Johnson; the most particularly stunning slides I remember were of ‘Violet Purple’ and ‘Albina Plena’. Then she reminded us of some trusted old favourites at their best – ‘Frances Rivis’, ‘Ernest Markham, ‘Ruby’, ‘Broughton Bride’, Richard Hodson and Harry Grounds 115

The Clematis 2016 C. koreana var. carunculosa ‘Love Child’ (formerly C. chiisanensis ‘Love Child’) and C. koreana var. carunculosa ‘Lemon Bells’. This section was rounded off with some super images of the brand new and very spectacular Atragene Group cultivar from Holland, Clematis ‘Amber’. ‘My Angel’ in the glasshouse

Throughout her talk Mary emphasised the prudence of avoiding the raising of seedlings of the better-known cultivars and then later describing such plants as the genuine article. Also, she stressed, new plants should have longer trial periods before being released commercially, citing that Stefan Franczak would grow a plant for ten years or more before he would sanction large scale propagation. The discourse then progressed on, to the Montana Group, with particular reference to Ernest Wilson (Ed.: Ernest Henry ‘Chinese’ Wilson 15/2/1876-15/10/1930), better known as E. H. Wilson, a notable English plant collector who introduced a large range of about 2000 Asian plant species to the West; some sixty bear his name). Some superb slides once again – the audience was ‘wowed’ by the excellent images, particularly a couple of the cultivar ‘Tsunami Child’, named by Mary in 2006. ‘Negritianka’

In uninterrupted fashion came a batch of slides featuring many very beautiful small-flowered herbaceous clematis derived from C. heracleifolia, after which Mary took us through a 116

The Clematis 2016 range of images highlighting the diversity and massive flowering potential of the Integrifolia Group. Mary touched on the origins of some of the plants featured. The slides and commentary had covered a broad range of clematis, featuring many different plants, forms and flower types and it proved extremely interesting to flit from Group to Group and note the huge range of flower shapes, colours and characters. The audience then had fifteen minutes to throw questions at Mary; many aspects of clematis were touched upon, and dealt with efficiently. Some particular questions centred around the pruning of the various Groups, which I recall she covered fully but with succinct simplicity and clarity. Judging from the sustained applause filling the room it was evident that everyone had greatly enjoyed Mary’s presentation; not just the words, but the pictures, equally. After lunch we regrouped at Richard Hodson’s garden, very conveniently located just two minutes down the road, where we were able to see in the flesh many of the clematis Mary had been talking about. Richard and Irene’s garden (Richard explained that the garden was really all Irene’s work – she plans, plants and maintains it) was as stimulating as ever. We all meandered around, looking at the flowers and taking pictures. A superb plant of ‘White Magic’, in abundant blossom, particularly caught my eye, along with a lovely ‘Negritianka’ and a wonderfully floriferous ‘Richard’s Picotee’. What a tremendous clematis this latter plant is! The blooms are individually very attractive indeed and this plant throws them out en masse; they swayed together in the light breeze, looking quite wonderful. At a given point Richard gathered us together and walked us around the beds and structures, naming the various plants in turn and answering any questions. Of course, there were many, but Richard took the time to answer every person, in detail.

‘White Magic’

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The Clematis 2016 On display in large pots, on a table outside the glasshouses were two large Viorna Group plants derived from Clematis texensis, both in bloom, which were particularly interesting to those who were not familiar with this type of clematis flower. ‘Elvan’

Earlier in the day Richard had introduced me to Harry Grounds, the man responsible for raising some superb C. texensis-derived cultivars (and many other new plants) up here in the North-West of England, especially the magnificent ‘Ribble Red’. I had corresponded with Harry in the past and he had most kindly sent me (in the post) some flowers from clematis plants he was growing, particularly a Clematis texensis variant with strikingly large blooms, which

Superb plant – ‘Richard’s Picotee’

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The Clematis 2016 was very exciting to me. I was able to express my thanks to him for going to the time and trouble. Seeing those huge blooms again reminded me that I should one day like to breed some new cultivars using that thrilling plant as pollen donor. Richard keeps an enormous number of younger plants, and some older ones, in huge glasshouses – it was a great delight to pop into and walk around them. In one, a quite magnificent plant of ‘My Angel’, immediately caught my attention, clambering nine or ten feet up the vertical structures of the glasshouse, then cascading down, all the vines in absolutely copious flower. I don’t know what he feeds them on! Lots and lots of other small potted plants were lined up ready for sale and, as I drove away, my last view was of the many attendees who were ending their day by loading their cars with plants they had seen, and been unable to resist buying! The Hardy Plant Society Ranunculaceae Group Annual Lecture Day had been a complete success and the attending BCS members greatly enjoyed the occasion. Our huge thanks must go to BCS Northern Group leader Sue Reade, who organised the whole of our BCS side of the event with her usual finesse; and for the super hospitality shown to us by the very professional and friendly organisers of the HPS.

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Clematis ‘Richard Pennell’, painting by Kathy Pickles, Orkney.

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The Disley Show 2016 Image ©R. Kirkman

Reflections on Northern Visits 2016 Sue Reade UK sue.reade@uwclub.net

s I wander around my garden watering my plants – a more or less daily task during this summer – I’m reminded of the many gardens we have visited through the years, since 2006; this was when I volunteered (with trepidation) to become the BCS Northern Representative Events Organiser. I have purchased plants from many of the gardens we have visited and these bring back to me the memories of those garden visits. Like most people with an interest in gardening, I can’t resist buying plants from gardens I am visiting. Clematis feature relatively infrequently, though, as they are not the easiest of plants to propagate, and demand a lot of care – only the brave gardener will try. Talking of propagation, this immediately brings to mind an event at the beginning of last year, when Stephanie Warburton opened her garden for us so that we could take as many cuttings as we liked from her many clematis. Harry Caddick had given us a superb demonstration on taking cuttings; the reason for Stephanie’s rash decision was that she was moving home. I wanted to take cuttings of ‘Betty Corning’ but I couldn’t find a suitable stem, so I resorted to another plant – it had an appealing name, which I’d since forgotten. Some time after the event, though, Stephanie informed me that her plant was in fact ‘Hagley Hybrid’ – my cutting-now-plant has flowered nicely this year, having survived last winter well. (Next to it, incidentally, is PRINCESS KATE (C. ‘Zoprika’) which came from a visit to a garden in Cheshire – looking very pretty indeed.) In 2016 we commenced our outings with the usual Snowdrop Walk, choosing Dunham Massey once again; their Winter Garden has such a variety of winter flowering plants it is possible to go there once a month and see a different display every time. In 121

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‘Eetika’

©Carol Dale

recent years they have put together a Rose Garden, complete with appropriate structures for the climbing roses. Clematis are planted among them – we first saw this when we

C. 'Błękitny Anioł' BLUE ANGEL

©Carol Dale

visited a couple of years ago. Now, though, we were impressed with the wide range of Viticellas, and all were growing well. A friend and I happened to visit there once again, the week before last; my friend was astonished both at the display of roses and even more so of the clematis. If you visit Dunham Massey, do make an effort to find the Rose Garden – it’s hidden away near the chickens and is easy to miss! I revisited it once more, 122

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C. ‘Emilia Plater’

©Carol Dale

last week with a pen and a camera to make a note of the names of all the clematis – thankfully they have good, weatherproof labels: ‘Elvan’, ‘John Treasure’, ‘Black Prince’, ‘White Magic’, ‘Étoile Violette’, ‘Perle d’Azur’, × diversifolia ‘Blue Boy’, ‘Tango’, ‘Minuet’, ‘Kermesina’, ‘Poldice’, ‘Abundance’, ‘Alba Luxurians‘, ‘Little Butterfly’, ‘Étoile Rose’, ‘Little Nell’, ‘Mrs T Lundell’, ‘Voluceau’, ‘I AM® LADY Q’ (C. Zoiamladyq’), ‘Brocade’, ‘Södertälje’, ‘Chatsworth’, ‘Polish Spirit‘, ‘Entel’, ‘Purpurea Plena Elegans’. I found the label for ‘Madame Julia Correvon’, but not the plant! There are two long arches, which support the roses and clematis and, in the centre, a very large gazebo which has ‘Alba Luxurians’ growing up all the uprights. The group picture, taken two years ago, shows Harry and Denny Caddick, Stephanie Warburton, Caroline and Ian Munro, Ken and Helen Black, Sally Andrews and Duncan Webb, and Peter and Karin McClure. ‘Fond Memories’

©Carol Dale

This was followed by a guided Rhododendron Walk at Arley Hall, with a talk by Lord Ashcroft. Rhododendrons are obviously his passion – he has extensive grounds, filled with rhododendrons and azaleas. The gardens were as lovely as always but it was too early to see any clematis. We were lured into the plant sales area as usual – their plants are always good. I’ve often wondered what the differences are between rhododendrons and azaleas; Lord Ashcroft did say that rhodos were mostly evergreen. He also said there was more to it than just that, so I looked it up when I got home – here is some useful information that will serve as a good guide for anyone who has wondered about the same thing: 123

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Dunham 2014 - Harry and Denny Caddick, Stephanie Warburton, Caroline and Ian Munro, Ken and Helen Black, Sally Andrews and Duncan Webb, and Peter and Karin McClure.

The differences between rhododendrons and azaleas Bloom time — Excluding the repeat-blooming species, azaleas begin to bloom in April whereas rhododendrons usually bloom later in the spring. Flowers — Azaleas have tubular or funnel-shaped flowers. Rhododendron flowers tend to be bell-shaped. Azaleas have one flower per stem but the shrub produces so many stems that the shrub appears to be covered in blossoms. Rhodos flower in round clusters at the ends of branches. Both azaleas and rhodos have five lobes per flower. Stamens — True rhododendrons have ten or more stamens, which amounts to two per lobe. Azaleas have five stamens, or one per lobe. Colour of flowers – Azaleas come in many shades of white, cream, pink, red, lavender, purple, orange and yellow. Their colour palette is much broader than that of rhododendrons, which tend to be restricted to white, orchid pink, purple, red and, occasionally, yellow. Foliage – Azalea foliage tends to be ellipse-shaped, thin, small and pliable. Most azaleas are deciduous or partly deciduous but many are evergreen, depending on the cultivar and the climate in which the plant is growing. Rhododendron foliage is large, paddle shaped, thick and evergreen. The underside of the leaves may be scaly and may have small raised dots or protuberances. 124

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Fantastic display at Dunham, 2016

Raymond Evison gave a talk at the Gordale Garden Centre and we joined with the crowd, to hear his ‘Journey Through the Year with Clematis’. He is such a fountain of knowledge: it was no surprise to glean another kernel of useful knowledge about looking after our plants – I liked his ‘ponytail chop’ for the pruning of Group 2 clematis much more than the complicated methods we tend to perpetuate. One aim of his breeding programme is to combat bare stems at the bottom of plants and the ‘patio range’ are ideal for the small garden, where a few pots adorn a paved or decked area. I missed the opportunity to buy ‘Suzy Mac’, one of our Editor Brian Collingwood’s creations, which were on sale there. In July we joined the Hardy Plant Society for a visit to Hesketh Bank in west Lancashire. Mary Toomey’s talk was both interesting and informative, entitled ‘SmallFlowered Clematis’. Thinking about this afterwards it occurred to me that this was such a large group of plants it wasn’t surprising that she was struggling to finish before night fall. Among the images she showed there were many plants that I know and grow, but one particular plant by the name of TWINKLE (C. ‘Zotwi’) really caught my eye. (Once back home I searched the web but could not find anyone in this country who stocked it. Fortunately, Mike Brown is donning his cavalry outfit to bring me one.) Mary also talked of the ‘bare legs’ problem and recommended severe pruning when necessary, and not to be afraid of killing the plant! I’m certainly going to attack one of my Macropetalas, which is in dire need of attention. After Mary’s talk we repaired to Richard’s fantastic garden. We had visited Richard and Irene last year and I had gone home with three seedlings that Richard had kindly given to me; I was once again severely tempted by the plants on display/on sale in his 125

The Clematis 2016 greenhouse! One of the seedlings he gave me has produced a very healthy plant with lots of yellow flowers, which I’m sure I ought to recognise. Dunham 2016

This year, I was very tempted by ‘Queen Mother’, which looked so good in his garden, but I managed to resist buying it as I’m already overflowing with plants and have nowhere else to put them. Very sad! We represented the Society at one show this year – the Disley Show. At Dunham, 2016

Stephanie Warburton put on a great display illustrating how to get the most out of the small clematis plants one sees for sale at supermarkets, which prompted much interest. She was kept busy answering many queries; and selling seeds, after also demonstrating the ‘bag method’ of germination. My thanks to all those who have supported the events this year. I have made so many good friends through this rôle and I thoroughly enjoy meeting up with everyone at our events. Images ©Sue Reade except where stated.

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Travelling to Val: From the left - Giuseppe, Paolo V., Lorenzo, Stefano, me (at bottom right); behind me, Carlo, uppermost, Paolo D.

Tuscany Calls at ‘By the Way’ Massimo Mazzoni, Italy massymassi hotmail.com [Editor’s note: Earlier this year our regular feature writer (and Clematis Nursery owner in Tuscany, Italy) Massimo Mazzoni, along with friends, visited England for a sightseeing and holiday break. During their visit, they called on Valerie Le May Neville-Parry’s The National Collection of Clematis Montana at By The Way, Lodge Drove, Woodfalls, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 2NH 01725 511931 val@lmnp.co.uk, where they had a chance to spend a day chatting with Val and viewing the Montana National Collection which she created and manages.] Dear Val,

July 2016

thought it might be appropriate to write an open letter to you in the BCS Journal because I should like to share with you (and all the other members of the Society) what I and my friends experienced on visiting you in your beautiful garden, and what we felt inside about meeting you and getting to know you in person. I hope you enjoy reading these thoughts. 127

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C. montana subsp. montana ‘Da Yun’

First of all, I should like to mention my friends, all of whom you know: Stefano, Carlo, Paolo V., Giuseppe, Lorenzo and Paolo D. They, just like me, love nature and feel a 128

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Max meets Val

strong spiritual connection with it; they were very happy to accompany me on my visit to you during our vacation in England, a country we adore and where we feel very welcomed and at home. We journeyed from the beautiful bright green countryside of Somerset – cultivated areas alternating with wonderful wooded areas, gentle rolling hills punctuating the flat lands – and ultimately made our way to the high cliffs of Cornwall. Here, we experienced the wind rushing in from the ocean, combing through the soft grasslands, painted here and there in pale pink from Armeria maritima (common name ‘Sea Pink’) interspersed with the colourful tones of Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove). A powerful 129

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‘Broughton Star’

glimpse of nature at its most beautiful, which had a massive impact on us all, reminding us of just how important it is to respect, cherish and maintain the wonderful natural landscape! C. montana var. wilsonii

In the midst of all this, there was the visit to your garden, a dream realised! In an email I wrote to Brian Collingwood just before our departure, I said that I would come to visit you and see your garden and your Montana Collection. Brian's answer was ‘You will love Cornwall but you 130

The Clematis 2016 will love Valerie even more, because she is the sweetest lady you will ever meet, and her National Collection will blow your mind!’ Never a truer word said! Valerie, the sweetest lady we could ever meet!

Val takes Max on a tour of her National Collection

You received us with a big smile and when we hugged, and said ‘hello’, it was a really special moment. I felt at home; every one of us felt at home. Your look, so sunny and sweet, revealed the beauty in your heart. Your kindness and courtesy when we met made us feel truly welcome. We looked all around, amazed how you could possibly be able to maintain such a beautiful and perfect garden. Talking with you, we understood how much love and passion lives in your heart. A special soul, in an equally special place. We observed the large trees around your garden, and the numerous Clematis montanas adorning every corner of this paradise. I didn't know where to look! My eyes were lost

C. montana ‘Lilacina’

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Val and Max discussing the finer points

everywhere – I had never seen so many Clematis montanas all together in one place in my life. A wondrous collection of clematis, so incredibly rich in colours, size and form. We walked side by side, and I listened to every word you said, feeling all your passion. It was nice to listen to you and share your love for Clematis. And I was also amazed about how much of what you said I could understand immediately. Unbelievable – we speak a common language! We talked about lots of different types of plants but especially of Clematis, and where there is such passion, there are no limits. We spent a pleasant afternoon in delightful company, in a charming and lovely place, sipping a good Earl Grey tea (without milk for me, please) and your delicious homemade cookies. We were delighted that you were so impressed when you saw ‘Vin Santo and Cantucci’, a Tuscan speciality! (Vin Santo and Cantucci – a dessert consisting of a glass 132

The Clematis 2016 of Vin Santo and a selection of almond biscuits, to be dunked in the wine and eaten.) It was very nice to hear also what my friends have felt inside, walking in your garden and knowing you in person. I am happy to share with you their emotions also. C. montana var. grandiflora

Stefano: ‘Entering Valerie's garden was like entering a part of her heart: beautiful, rich, warm and genuine. To hear Valerie speaking so lovingly of her clematis, and see her walking with confidence and grace in her green world, it was a real balm for the heart and soul. A little corner of peace and beauty for plants, animals and people’. Paolo D.: ‘Valerie has deep love and passion for nature and her beautiful flowers’. Paolo V.: ‘Warm hospitality, but above all, deep roots and familiarity with her own garden and her clematis’. Carlo: ‘Valerie is in contact with the spirit of the place that she has shaped with grace and deep love, her land and her beautiful plants creating a cosy corner of peace and serenity’. Lorenzo: ‘Going into Valerie's garden was a bit like entering into a fairy garden. A magical place with a beautiful energy. You can get a real sense of how Val has dedicated her soul and her strength to this place, and I saw that she has been well rewarded for her magnificent efforts. In addition, I found Val a rare person, with her warm, sweet, welcoming way. Her garden is a little piece of paradise’. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to visit such a special place and for giving us such peace and beauty that we will always carry in our hearts. With love and blessings, Massimo

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Clematis ‘Rouge Cardinal’, painting by Kathy Pickles, Orkney.

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The Clematis 2016 To the Editor, The Clematis.

Clematis rehderiana Rosemary Dawson UK Dear Brian, January 25th 2016

am a long-standing member of the BCS and must say how much I enjoy reading (from front to back) The Clematis annual Journal. We have met in the past, as my late husband John and I were early members of the Society. We were introduced by Dr Eric Hamilton of Dulwich, a colleague of John’s at Kings College hospital, who sadly is very immobile now, though still with an active mind. His wife died a few years ago of severe dementia but I visit him, although neither of us attend BCS meetings now. We of course knew Everett and Carol Leeds, Mary Toomey, Margaret Morris, not forgetting Mike Brown – which is why I am enclosing a short article for you. We had a lovely collection of clematis in our garden at Dulwich. After John died in 1999 I moved up the road to another mature garden where I once hosted a BCS meeting about ‘winter pruning’. I downsized again twelve years later, when it got too much to maintain. Now I live in a little Victorian terraced house around the corner, with lots of lovely clematis plants growing over the south facing fences. Good wishes, Sincerely, Rosemary Dawson.

“Last time the BCS AGM was held at Kidlington Memorial Hall, Oxford, I asked Mike Brown for advice – to find out if there was a small-flowered, latesummer flowering clematis. He advised me to buy one of several little seedlings that were available from the sales table, at the AGM meeting that day. Three years later, in the Summer of 2015, it took off! A wonderful sight, up the fence and through next door’s photinia, reaching almost twenty-five feet.” I checked my ‘Toomey and Leeds Encyclopedia’, and here it is: Clematis rehderiana; Origin western China. Named for German botanist Alfred Rehder (1863-1849), first introduced in France. RHS Award of Garden Merit. Hardy, vigorous woody deciduous climber; small, pendulous bell shaped cowslip-scented flowers, in erect clusters to 9” long; 4 pale yellow tepals. Leaf-like 3-lobed bracts, to 20mm, flowers mid-summer to early autumn. Images ©Ton Hannink

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Clematis parviloba var. bartlettii revisited Aidan Armitage UK aidanarmitage@btinternet.com

n the 2010 edition of The Clematis I wrote about Clematis parviloba var. bartlettii, of which a very fine specimen has been growing in my garden in Leeds, West Yorkshire since 2008. Over the years, as the plant has established itself, its flowering display has got better and better and last year was the best so far, so I thought readers might like to see some of last year’s photos, to see how it’s getting on. As you may recall, my plant originated from a seed collection made by Sue and Bleddyn Wynn-Jones in northern Taiwan. In its native environment, it flowers from July

Clematis parviloba var. bartlettii, dainty and stunningly beautiful

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through November but here in the north of England the flowering time is much later. When my plant first successfully bloomed (in 2009) it was in early December, with flower buds beginning to form from around early October; by last year it was flowering at approximately 21st November, with the earliest buds forming from around midSeptember. This year, in early September, the plant is full of flower buds so I'm hoping that, if the frosts hold off, it may flower as early as late October or early November. The small white flowers, tinged green with prominent red-brown tipped styles are quite eye catching, and an added bonus is the delicious jasmine fragrance they give off. I have grown a lot of wild collected clematis over the years; an interesting observation I have made is that as they become established, over a period of time, they gradually adjust their flowering cycle to match their new climatic conditions. Clematis parviloba var. bartlettii is a wonderful clematis to grow in your garden and I would highly recommend that you obtain seed or plants and give it a try. 138

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Clematis tibetana subsp. tibetana? ‘CC7111’ – From Wild Collected Seed Aidan Armitage UK aidanarmitage@btinternet.com

n summer 2014 I was intrigued by a packet of wild collected seed I had received from Chris Chadwell, from one of his regular plant hunting expeditions to the Himalayas mountain region. The seeds were labelled ‘Clematis? buchananiana’ and

The beautiful flowers

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‘(CC7111); 2100m, Nr Nainital, Kumaon, India’. As I had never seen a live Clematis buchananiana I thought it would be fun to grow one and get it to flower, if possible, so I duly sowed a small number of seeds. Wikipedia gives some information about Nainital. It says it's a popular hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalaya. Nainital is set in a valley surrounded by mountains of which the highest is 2,615m (8,579ft). I ended up with two seedlings of CC7111 which, at first, didn't really look like clematis at all. The seedlings had very mauve stems and blue green foliage and I thought they might be Thalictrum seedlings! They grew extremely slowly in my greenhouse and by the end of 2015 each had only grown about a foot (0.30m). In 2016 I put the plants in pots outside and one suddenly started to put on growth. By August, flower buds had started to form on one of the plants and by the second week in September the first flowers opened. It was clear both from the foliage and flowers that this was definitely not Clematis buchananiana. The stems are mainly glaucous-green flushed with purple and the leaves are ternate and glaucous green, ovate to lanceolate. The small narrow axillary flowers grow in twos, suspended vertically on very long peduncles up to 15cms in length. The sepals are narrow-ovate to lanceolate in shape, 25mm long; colour is yellow flushed with purple 140

The Clematis 2016 outside and inside, the flower gradually expands to a lantern shape, recurving at the tips, not more than 32mm across. The stamens have deep crimson-purple filaments. I would hesitate to give a final height to this plant because my plant is still young and at 6 feet (1.83m) it hasn't yet reached its final height – although I'm sure it could probably double this, once its established in the ground. Why do I think CC7111 is Clematis tibetana subsp. tibetana? I don't claim to be an expert but my interpretation of the evidence seems to point to this. Both Magnus Johnson in The Genus Clematis and Christopher GreyWilson in Clematis: The Genus both include the Kumaon region in northern India as part of the distribution area for subsp. tibetana, which fits with the area that this seed was collected. Also, there are marked differences between the foliage and flowers from Clematis tibetana subsp. vernayi, of which I have several examples. I realise that the plant's characteristics may still be in the process of development, and that what I currently see may not be the final story. If the plant survives, I will provide an update on its progress and flowering and, perhaps, a definite ID, in another edition of this Journal. 141

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Seedheads

Clematis ‘Sundance’ Aidan Armitage UK aidanarmitage@btinternet.com

lematis ‘Sundance’ is an infrequently encountered but special and unusual plant, and is certainly deserving of a place in your garden. It is a hybrid of Clematis ispahanica (herbaceous) and an unknown form of Clematis orientalis, raised by the Valley Clematis Nursery in 1994. Meclatis Group parentage is clearly involved and can be discerned in the flowers and foliage. The flowers are open campanulate, small and narrow, about two inches across, but are produced in large numbers; the flowering period starts in July and extends into October. The stems have a purplish tinge to them and the leaves are glaucous green, and 3-lobed or ternate.

Flowers of ‘Sundance’

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The Clematis 2016 The flowers are a lovely delicate primrose yellow, fading to a very pale cream, with violet anthers forming a neat tubular shape; the sepals spread widely apart with the tips becoming recurved. The flowers are short lived but are followed by very showy silver seedheads with long seed tails that captivate the eye – see the image below. ‘Sundance’ is hardy and vigorous and grows to about eight or nine feet tall but will need support – although it does have some tendrils it has a creeping herbaceous habit and will tend to form a dense mass. It grows well on an obelisk, requiring some tying in at first but will then ramble through the support, forming a dense tangle. A supporting shrub would do equally well. Because the flowers are so pale, they are not very conspicuous against the foliage, so it might be better to partner this clematis with other more colourful clematis, or against a dark shrub as background, to show off its graceful flowers. A word about the flowering period. My plant produced a few solitary flowers in July but then produced no more...until September, when the plant suddenly became covered with flower buds and started to bloom profusely. This could be because my garden is in the north of England (Leeds), so southern gardens may find their plants start flowering earlier. Pruning should be done in February – in spring the plant will send up many new vines which will grow quickly, the flowers being produced en masse on this young wood. 143

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Clematis ‘Princess Diana’, painting by Kathy Pickles, Orkney.

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Fun Hybridizations Mariko Nakanishi Japan eri -cat.2@comet.ocn.ne.jp

[Ed. The names of the cultivars referred to in the article are ‘working names’ only and have not yet been formally registered with the International Clematis Registrar.]

n 2013, I decided to cross Clematis ‘Omoshiro’ and Clematis patens ‘Yukiokoshi’ because I wanted to try to achieve a double flower with a picotee effect. (‘Picotee’ describes a flower whose edge is a different colour than the flower’s base colour. The word originates from the French picoté, meaning ‘marked with points’.) I was hoping to blend the picotee character of ‘Omoshiro’ with the typical double form of Clematis patens ‘Yukiokoshi’. In the spring of 2014 the seeds began to sprout and the seedlings came on rapidly. It has been very exciting for me to watch their growth and development, and quite thrilling to see the seedlings produce flower buds and then come into flowering in due course.

Clematis ‘Luigi’

In the spring of 2015, Clematis ‘Luigi’ bloomed. The flowers measured 16-18cm in diameter, with a faint fragrance. The pretty sepals have ruffles at the edges, the anthers being red, with yellow filaments. The majority of the characteristics of ‘Luigi’ seemed to be derived from ‘Omoshiro’ but the form of the stamens revealed the presence of the genes of Clematis patens ‘Yukiokoshi’. Clematis ‘Luigi’ produces a crop of blooms in spring and then flowers again, later in the year, at autumn time. Next came the flowers of Clematis ‘Haru no yuki’. In Japanese ‘Haru no yuki’ means ‘snow in spring’. The sepals were frilled and the flowers were around 18cm in diameter. This one was neither picotee nor double. The white colour of Clematis patens ‘Yukiokoshi’ was evident and the flowers exuded a faint scent. The stamens’ yellow bases contrast 145

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Clematis ‘Haru no yuki’

nicely with the red anthers, creating an attractive visual effect and, once again, the plant flowers in both spring and in the autumn. In the spring of 2016 ‘Silver Toe Shoes’ → produced her very first flowers. At around 18cm diameter they looked gorgeous, handsome, broad overlapping sepals being the major feature. The flower has a superb centrepiece in the fantastic contrast between the vividly purple filaments and the bright yellow anthers. The stamens of this plant have a quite distinctive shape, to my mind very reminiscent of ballet shoes, hence the name. The desired picotee colour effect was present, plus good fragrance. 146

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Clematis ‘Joyful Heart’ – above, flowers just opening; below, flowers fully open

Clematis ‘Joyful Heart’ followed soon after. The pictures give an indication of why this plant is so named and the name says it all, aptly describing just what I felt, watching the 147

The Clematis 2016 stupendous flowers open and seeing the strong picotee effect become evident. This plant is as stunning as its parent ‘Omoshiro’ at the initial stages of flower opening. The sepals are slightly more lanceolate than ‘Omoshiro’, with a stronger, darker pink hue, the whole flower coming in at around 18cm in diameter. The central boss consists of a tuft of red anthers above yellow filaments; with a modest fragrance. Despite the lovely picotee colour effect though, the flowers were still singles rather than doubles; the ‘double flower plus picotee sepals’ combination was still hoped for and awaited, at this point. I haven’t named this next one yet, except to call it ‘refreshing light blue clematis’. The stamens are very similar to those of Clematis patens ‘Yukiokoshi’ but I wonder where this vivid sepal colour came from? What a fascinating quality to ponder. The sepals bear a white bar which makes for a very vivid appearance. On the day this clematis bloomed the weather was decidedly hot but the outstanding bold blue colour projects a cooling, refreshing feeling. The flowers measure around 18cm in diameter and are crowned with a shock of brown anthers; once again, a faint scent was evident. Next, we come to splendid ← Clematis ‘Kasuri’. The sepals looked just like the fabric from which the Japanese Kimono is made, so I decided to name it after this material. The eye-catching blooms are about 18cm wide, with buttery yellow anthers on short white filaments; the flowers give forth a faint but sweet fragrance. 148

The Clematis 2016 ← ‘Shuha’ bloomed in the autumn of 2015. As with ‘refreshing light blue clematis’, this plant also gives a cool, uplifting impression. In Japanese ‘shu’ means ‘autumn’ and ‘ha’ means ‘wave’; in combination the two characters are pronounced ‘shuha’. The 18cm flowers bear white filaments carrying yellow anthers. (In Japanese the word ‘Shuha’ can sometimes also refer to ‘a wink from a woman’.) Finally, another couple of as yet unnamed plants. The first, a gentle pink – the rounded sepals resembled those of ‘Silver Toe Shoes’ but with white filaments and red anthers, the flowers measuring around 18cm across. Secondly, a light pink which was very similar to ‘Spring Snow’, with 18cm flowers. The sepals are sword shaped, with ruffles at the edges; yellow filaments bearing red anthers complete the picture. It was extremely interesting to see the variety of flowers that resulted from a single cross. The entire batch had comparable sized flowers and similar scent. There are more seedlings, unflowered as yet; I am still hoping for ‘double picotee’ flowers, however, as this is a genetically recessive character this may not be a straightforward task. Next year, I am intending to include bicolour flowers in the breeding programme. 149

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‘HAVE YOU GOT A HYDROPOD?’ Val Le May Neville-Parry UK val@lmnp.co.uk

‘I

’ve got a new toy!' Keith Shortland visited me at By The Way on 30th October 2015. He was excited about his investment – said Mike Brown also found it useful. That sealed it. On 3rd November I ordered my unheated 40 cuttings Hydropod. I set it up in the guest room out of direct sunlight, inserting cuttings of ‘By The Way’, C. chrysocoma ‘Continuity’ (see footnote) and ‘CoJo’. In sequence, the hydropod in action: i - the unit with the cover on. ii - with the cover off. iii - the underside of the cutting holding tray. iv - the trough with pump producing the spray [red dot is top of immersed heater]. v - optional heater that warms the water. Pics ©K. Shortland

A couple of weeks later I had the first of two serious

floods in the house, destroying the guest room carpet and leaving a sodden floor. None of the cuttings had rooted. Thus ended the first trial. Luckily Keith returned on 8th June this year, masterminded setting the system up in the greenhouse, and into the unit went the next batch of cuttings material. 150

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In September and November 2014, having been fascinated by articles by our Journal editor, Brian, I sowed seeds from C. chrysocoma ‘Continuity’ (which I have never managed to propagate); ‘Miss Christine’ – one of the best compact and perfumed whites in the garden; ‘Veitch’ – a glorious compact ‘perfect pink’ and ‘Marcus’ – seeds of which had been in an envelope inside the fridge door for at least three years 151

The Clematis 2016 since the lovely parent plant died. Cuttings of the resulting seedlings were inserted into the hydropod in June and July 2016, produced long roots and were ready to pot up into compost within three weeks. Subsequent cuttings of a ‘Miss Christine’ seedling, newly named ‘Tamsin’ were taken 31.07.16 and potted on 20.08.16. Tamsin is my brother’s only daughter and one of my five God-daughters. ‘Tamsin’ roots after 3 weeks No wonder Keith was so excited! A major challenge remains to get rooted cuttings from the original C. chrysocoma ‘Continuity’. This is still proving frustrating, not to say, impossible. It took from 8th June until 20th August – over ten weeks – to encourage one stumpy, 2cm root on just one of five cuttings in the hydropod. I religiously pinched out emergent top growth (as instructed by Mike Brown) but still no more roots. The ‘stump’ has since

C. chrysocoma ‘Continuity’, late double flower, and with bee alighting

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C. chrysocoma ‘Continuity’, front and rear of flower and leaf

rotted. It was obviously propagated previously to have been on sale in my local garden centre in 2004. Was it grafted at that time? Information and ideas welcome and anyone wishing to take cuttings of material (when available) from my plant would be most welcome. Keith Shortland took some a couple of weeks ago. There is still a wealth of cutting material. It is a stunning cultivar, repeat flowering throughout the summer and into the autumn with apple blossom-like flowers on long stems standing above pretty, dark green leaves. 153

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C. chrysocoma ‘Continuity’

Since cuttings of the young seedlings were potted on and the original plants named and taken away by various dear friends, I have been able to insert material of more mature, recently named (but not yet registered) Montana cultivars. ‘Victoria Welcome’ is one.

‘Victoria Welcome’

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‘Victoria Welcome’

Sir Malcolm and Lady Guthrie are motor racing friends of many years’ standing. They have continued to be good friends to me since Chris died and I am particularly fond of Victoria. They visited the garden on 9th May this year and Victoria chose a mature, pure white, seedling. This is a Harry Hay seedling, donated by Mike Brown in 2007 and currently flowering again in early October. I love the name ‘Victoria Welcome’. ‘Welcome’ has been a family name since the 1800s when a son was born to the family, after five daughters! Four cuttings rooted very quickly in the hydropod and are now with the Guthrie’s for the family to plant out in their own gardens.

Victoria standing by ‘Victoria Welcome’

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Sir Malcolm and Lady Guthrie with ‘Victoria Welcome’

Cuttings from mature cultivars ‘Molly Grace’, named after my youngest God-daughter’s two daughters, ‘Marilyn’ and ‘Dianna Jazwinski’ have all been rooted in the hydropod and presented to their name givers.

Cuttings of ‘Victoria Welcome’, rooted in the Hydropod

‘By The Way’ was another plant donated by Mike Brown in 2005. In November 2015 Prince Charles requested it for his Highgrove garden and David Higginson of New Leaf 156

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‘By The Way’

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David Higginson taking ‘Hazel Lotus’ cuttings

Plants has rooted cuttings this year. David has also taken material from two lovely white ‘Prosperity’ seedlings, ‘Daisy’ and ‘Hazel Lotus’. ‘Hazel Lotus’ remains in flower on 01.10.16 with more buds still to open. It is hoped that some of these new cultivars will be on general sale within the next few years. Marcel Floyd, of Floyds Climbers, has also been taking cuttings of interesting new Montanas during the summer. The aim will be to launch good new cultivars in the spring

Marcel taking cuttings of ‘CarolAnn’

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The Clematis 2016 of 2018. An interesting method for rooting cuttings: both David and Marcel insert tiny cuttings into little peat discs which have swelled up when soaked in water. I tried this method many years ago but gave up as I found that the roots couldn’t expand through the netting holding the compost together. Perhaps they have modified the netting material in some manner and I should try this approach again myself?

‘Chloe’, named by Matt for his younger daughter; below, underside of blooms and leaves

Marcel has taken the dainty white, well-established seedling, ‘Molly Grace’ as well as ‘CarolAnn’. He also wants Jack’s ‘Lavender Twirl’ and the exquisite ‘Chloe’, named by Matt Biggs after his younger daughter. Seed from lovely C. chrysocoma ‘Continuity’, sown 04.09.14, this year it produced three six and one five sepalled, beautifully veined, delicately perfumed flowers, with unusually shaped, beetrootcolour-backed young leaves, on a compact, multistemmed plant. If it matures well in future years I predict that it will be a winner. I took cuttings about three weeks ago, on 10.09.16, the day Matt called to collect the plant. 159

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Matt Biggs with ‘Chloe’

The cuttings look promising and I hope the Indian summer will continue long enough for them to root well. Otherwise it will be up to Matt to propagate or Marcel to take from the original plant. I would dearly like to have it in my collection as it is very pretty, compact and distinctive. Since returning home, Matt has mailed me a few comments to include in this article. He reports that Chloe is thrilled to have such an honour bestowed on her and can’t believe that’s happened when she is only 14. She thinks it’s a very pretty plant and is looking forward to next year when it flowers again. Matt echoed Chloe’s comments and says that he is delighted that such a quality plant has been named for his daughter and given to him. He is looking forward to the lovely plant flourishing in their garden. Chloe meets ‘Chloe’ Footnote: [Ed.] In clarification: the C. chrysocoma ‘Continuity’ plant featured in Val’s article refers to the cultivar selected by A. Voneshan, of the Jackman Nursery, circa 1958. Except where stated, all images ©Val Le May Neville-Parry.

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Clematis registered July 2015 – June 2016 Duncan Donald, International Clematis Registrar

accepted twenty-seven applications for new clematis cultivar names during the second half of 2015 and the first half of 2016: six of these were from the UK, twelve from the Netherlands, three from Finland, three from Poland, with one each from Germany, Sweden and the USA. In another good year for Montana Group cultivars, Thorncroft Clematis registered two – ‘Kiss of Spring’, a cruciform, pink-flowered hybrid derived from ‘Mayleen’; and ‘Mountain Glory’, with pure white flowers – and Val Le May Neville-Parry registered ‘Tiny Moll’ (about which she wrote in The Clematis 2015: 115116) and ‘Dianna Jazwinski’ (a ‘Prosperity’ seedling, the outside of whose flower has white margins about a purple bar with darker midveins; Val wrote about this in The Clematis 2015: 121-123, as ‘Dianna’). ‘Dianna Jazwinski’

Charlie Pridham at Roseland House Nursery introduced ‘Carlien’, a broadly bell-shaped, pink-flowered Viticella Group hybrid derived from ‘Hanna’. Richard Hodson, from Hawthornes Clematis Nursery, has named ‘Effie Dewey’, a predominantly lilac-flowered Late Large-flowered Group cultivar. ‘Effie Dewey’

From the Netherlands, Wim Snoeijer has registered twelve cultivars on behalf of Jan van Zoest. Four of these Wim would classify in Diversifolia Group (currently included within Integrifolia Group by the ICRA): three of them are primarily intended for cut-flower production, (viz. ‘Zo06173’ AMAZING 161

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‘Änisen Leena’

GENEVA, violet-flowered with red-purple midribs outside; ‘Zo08213’ AMAZING ROME, with sepals strong purple; and ‘Zo11108’ AMAZING OSLO, flowers violet-

‘Anni Irina’

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The Clematis 2016 blue), but ‘Zo06137’ HUDSON RIVER (with deep violet, starshaped flowers) is on retail offer. Three others are Early Largeflowered hybrids (or from Wim’s Patens Group as re-defined by him in 2008): ‘Zo06128’ FREEDOM (with red-purple sepals paler in the centre); ‘Zo09124’ PICOTEE (sepals dark purplish red, almost white in the centre); and ‘Zo09143’ ESTHER (with purple-violet sepals). Three more are Viticella Group hybrids: ‘Zo09086’ NOORA (with flattish, velvety, purple flowers tinged glossy violet near the base); ‘Zo09088’ SUPER NOVA (sepals heavily veined dark violet over a near-white ground) [N.B. Care should be taken not to confuse this with Robin Mitchell’s pink, Late Large-flowered Group cultivar ‘Supernova’]; and ‘Zo09113’ PERNILLE (white-flowered with purple margins and veins). ‘Zo09067’ LUCKY CHARM (with white sepals shading to pale violet towards the margins) Wim classifies within his re-defined Jackmanii Group. And ‘Zo12053’ SPRING JOY is a fragrant, white-flowered cultivar blooming slightly later than other members of Montana Group. ‘Change of Heart’ Juhani Räsänen, from Finland, has registered three new cultivars. Two are from Atragene Group: ‘Änisen Leena’ has reddish violet, narrowly bell-shaped flowers; and ‘Katja Tellervo’ has open bell-shaped flowers, their inside white with deep purple margins. His ‘Anni Irina’ is a Late Largeflowered Group cultivar, with 6-sepalled flowers opening dark purple inside, with redpurple midveins, before ageing to dark blue or blue-violet. Szczepan Marczyński has registered three new Early Large-flowered cultivars from Poland. The flowers of ‘Change of Heart’, as its name implies, change with age, opening reddish pink then shading to bluish pink, ageing to pale pink. ‘Copernicus’ has predominantly semi-double, dark blue flowers with 40+ sepals/staminodes. ‘First Love’ has 20-30 white sepals/staminodes. 163

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‘Copernicus’

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The Clematis 2016 Via Matthias Münster, C. J Buch from Germany has introduced ‘Miss Buch’, an Atragene Group seedling derived from ‘Columbine’, with pale violet flowers with whitish margins. ‘First Love’

In 2014 Sixten Widberg submitted a Viorna Group seedling – with violet flowers covered outside in greyish down – for registration as ‘Gunvor’. I had no option but to postpone that because at that time there was only a single specimen [a cultivar must by definition consist of plants, plural]. Sadly, Sixten died in June – but not before he had succesfully propagated the original, for which ‘Galaxy’ © Dan Long

I’m glad to report his widow Inger has now

completed the registration. Finally, I was pleased to register ‘Galaxy’ for Jeff Bowers from Washington State, USA: a sport from ‘The President’, this has 6-8 elliptic to narrowly-ovate sepals, with purple-blue (and sometimes pale pink) colouration suffusing a white background to give a conspicuously marbled appearance. As ever, I should be happy to hear from anyone who wishes to register a new cultivar epithet, or to enhance an existing Register description, or who has views on any aspect of cultivar or Group registration they might wish to share. All images courtesy of the registrant unless otherwise stated

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2016 REPORT ON THE BCS TRIAL SITE Keith Shortland, Trials Co-ordinator fusilier567@btinternet.com

his is a report on the Trial Site and the final judging of trial specimens of 2014. The final results of the 2014 trial are as follows: C. ‘Yukikomachi’ sponsored by Martin Gibbison – Certificate of Commendation. C. ‘Chris’ sponsored by Valerie Le May Neville-Parry – Certificate of Merit. PRINCESS KATE (C. ‘Zoprika’) sponsored by J. van Zoest Nurseries – Certificate of Merit. C. ‘Walenburg’ sponsored by Martin Gibbison – Certificate of Merit. C. ‘Margaret Jones’ (Montana Group) sponsored by J. van Zoest Nurseries – Certificate of Merit. C. ‘Triinu’ sponsored by Richard Hodson Nurseries – Certificate of Merit. C. ‘Kasmu’ sponsored by Richard Hodson Nurseries – Certificate of Merit. [Note: Certificate of Merit over 80%; Certificate of Commendation over 70%] At the July meeting of the Committee, concerns were raised about the benefit to the Society of continued plant trials. The Society is currently submitting to trial clematis that have, in the main, already been subjected to trial elsewhere, and are wellestablished plants in their own right; or, if recent cultivars, have already been exposed to commercial sale. Together with the diminishing availability of volunteer judges to travel to St Albans and the consequent recurring cost to the Society, the concerns were valid. As the Trials Coordinator, I undertook to continue in the role, provided that the Society continued to judge 166

The Clematis 2016 clematis trials to be of value. However, during the subsequent months after the meeting, it became increasingly obvious from comments received, that the value, as perceived by members, was, in fact, insignificant. These comments were received independent of any previous committee discussion and the Chair agreed that a sub-committee should decide on the question. A meeting took place chaired by Liz Gibbison in early September. It was agreed that: a. b. c. d.

Clematis trials should have ceased after relinquishment of the Wisley site; Continued trials afford no recognizable benefit to the Society or the gardening public; Trials incur unrecoverable costs at a time when the Society is both losing members and not recruiting sufficient new members to balance income; Given the location of the trial site, it is not particularly convenient for volunteers tending and judging the plants. Regular traffic hold-ups and the vagaries of the weather are an impediment to those who already face two hour journeys each way; In the three years of residence, it has been adequately demonstrated that the site does not favour large-flowered clematis. Despite repeated efforts to improve the soil, monitor the feeding and watering, the site remains only suitable for the hardier specimens of the genus. It is inappropriate that the Society be confined to the trial of only particular species.

Consequently, it has been decided to curtail any further trials with effect from the final judging of the 2014 plants as featured herein. The first working party of mainly volunteer judges cleared the 2014 site in early October, and were given first choice of the plants and obelisks, at nominal sums to be credited to Society funds. Any remaining plants/obelisks were to be offered to the rest of the membership attending the autumn meeting. However on cancellation of that meeting, I am negotiating with the RNRS on whether it can make use of plants/obelisks because of transport/storage considerations. It was judged as an appropriate way of thanking the RNRS, which has been a most accommodating host over the last three years. There will be a need for a further work party to clear the 2015 and 2016 trial plants sometime later in October. I have emailed BCS Regional Group Leaders accordingly. Members wishing to participate are requested to volunteer directly to myself by email only. The dispersal of plants will be determined as follows: [i] Plants that have been donated by nurseries will be offered back to them; [ii] Plants that have been sponsored by BCS Regional Groups or individuals will be offered back to them; [iii] All remaining plants not recovered by donors and sponsors will be available for purchase by members. Those members wishing to purchase plants who are not volunteers on the work party will, nevertheless need to make their own arrangements for collection on the appointed work day. The list of available plants has been disseminated to BCS Regional Group Leaders. 167

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International Clematis Society – 2016 Report Ken Woolfenden, Editor and Webperson, I.Cl.S.

he International Clematis Society (I.Cl.S.) currently has members in twenty-five countries around the world. Each year the Society publishes a Journal, two or three short newsletters and holds one meeting, visiting a different country from that of the previous few years. In 2016 the Society published two newsletters and our annual Journal, Clematis International 2016, with 160 pages of articles about Clematis, the Society and its members. The Society website has a wealth of resources on clematis matters – see our homepage www.clematisinternational.com – including an ever-increasing library of ‘Clematis of the Month’, currently containing over 240 illustrated descriptions of favourite and fascinating clematis. We also have a thriving Facebook® presence, just search for ‘International Clematis Society’. In 2016 the annual meeting spanned two centres, Berlin in Germany and Warsaw in Poland, with the coach journey between them broken for an overnight stop in Poznań. This was the first time the Society had visited Berlin and the surrounding area. The city itself is fascinating, with a complex history, wide range of architectural styles and a contemporary culture. We visited a number of private gardens that had lots of clematis as well as other plants. We also made a city tour, visited the Botanic Gardens, the Royal Garden Academy and the Gardens of the World and spent a full morning exploring Sanssouci New Palais and Park at Potsdam. We lunched at a large family-run garden centre. And finally, we visited the garden of Karl Foerster and the nearby Garden Näser, who had worked with Foerster. Whilst the journey between Berlin and Warsaw can be done in one day, we chose to break it with a visit to the Arboretum at Kórnik, followed by an overnight stop in the city of Poznań, a typical Polish city with a large central square surrounded by shops and restaurants, in one of which we had dinner. The Society has visited Warsaw before but each time we seem to find new things to see and do. We only had two days here, so we spent the first at the Warsaw Rising Museum, Warsaw Botanic Garden and University Library roof garden, large, very impressive and with Clematis tangutica planted around the perimeter. On day two, we spent the morning visiting Clematis Źródło Dobrych Pnączy (Source of Good Climbers), and the well-known fantastic clematis nursery of Szczepan Marczyński. Greatly expanded since our last visit, the nursery tour took the whole morning. After a superb lunch, we returned to Warsaw to the Jesuit Monastery where Brother Stefan Franczak worked, as honoured guests at a memorial service and unveiling of a commemorative plaque. As I write this, the meeting and conference for 2017 has yet to be announced. Ken Woolfenden Editor and Webperson, I.Cl.S. 168

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The Chiropodist Clematarian I actually know a chiropodist Who actually grows some clematis They certainly grow much better than mine He collects his clippings and grinds them fine And scatters them on from time to time The rationale for this strange behaviour If you think of it logically shouldn’t amaze yer Phosphate and potash from the human form Is much the same as ‘hoof and horn’! Geoffrey Marsh Image ©Taylors Clematis

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NOTES

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NOTES

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PLANT CENTRE & GARDEN

For Specialist and Popular Plants Visit the nursery at East Bergholt Place for all your plants from trees and shrubs to herbaceous, roses and herbs as well as an extensive range of Clematis. Café and shop sell gardening gifts and sundries. Plant Centre & Café open daily 10am-5pm

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GRAFTON COTTAGE RURAL ACCOMMODATION Quintessential cottage garden close to Lichfield & the Peak District. Double bedded ensuite with small sitting room overlooking the garden. NGS garden. Phone 01283 713639 marpeter1@btinternet.com

Editor’s Acknowledgements I should like to express my thanks to the following people who have contributed to or otherwise assisted in the preparation of this Journal. Aiden Armitage Ken Black Ann Broscomb Dr Elayne Coakes Suzy and Chris Cocks Brian Cromie Linda Crowther Rosemary Dawson Duncan Donald Glenis Dyer Daniel Falck Dr John Feltwell Marcel Floyd Lizzie Gibbison Edward J. Gilbert Charne Griffiths Mary Habberley Peter Hargreaves Julie Hilton

Richard Hodson Maureen Hudson Josie Hulbert Everett Leeds Geoffrey Marsh Victoria Matthews Massimo Mazzoni Richard Munday Mariko Nakanishi Valerie Le May Neville-Parry Valerie and Simon Nicoll Fran Palmeri Michael Pawson Kathy Pickles Sue Reade Keith Shortland Karin Sundström Keith Treadaway Ken and Fiona Woolfenden

Front cover image ©Richard Munday Thanks once more to Karin Sundström for the use of material from The Genus Clematis by Magnus Johnson. I would especially like to thank artist Kathy Pickles, Orkney, for permitting reproduction of her wonderful clematis paintings, which appear throughout the text of this Journal. Thanks to our Advertisers – every advertisement is much appreciated. Thanks to our Publishers Charlesworth Press Ltd. Thank you to my wonderful proof-readers Glenis, Sue, Val, Everett and Keith.

For my cherished little sister, Christina Thelma.

GARDEN TIES

LADDER ROPE IS AVAILABLE IN THREE WIDTHS, 25MM, 35MM & 50MM WITH A COLOUR RANGE OF BROWN, BLACK AND GREEN.

IT IS LIGHTWEIGHT AND REQUIRES

LITTLE SPACE OR SKILL. HOWEVER, THE RESULTS ARE NOTHING SHORT OF STUNNING EYE CATCHING DISPLAYS, WHICH WILL BE THE ENVY OF ALL YOUR NEIGHBOURS.

25MM WIDE £4.00 35MM WIDE £4.50 50MM WIDE £5.00

EACH PACK CONTAINS INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

10 MTRS IN LENGTH

LADDER ROPE IS EASY TO USE. TO ATTACH LADDER ROPE STAPLE ONE END TO FENCE OR POST. ALTERNATIVELY CUT THROUGH THE TOP THREE RUNGS, THEN TIE OFF TO A NAIL OR PEG ON YOUR FENCE. THEN CUT THE LADDER ROPE TO DESIRED LENGTH ALLOWING AN EXTRA 50MM.TO BE COUNTERSUNK. USING SOMETHING SIMILAR TO A TENT PEG INSERT THROUGH LADDER ROPE AND PUSH INTO THE SOIL. LADDER ROPE CAN BE USED VERTICALLY, HORIZONTALLY, IN A FAN SHAPE OR WRAPPED AROUND A POST OR TREE. IT WILL ALWAYS GIVE YOUR PLANTS AN EASY WAY TO CLIMB.

TEL: 01634 715930 FAX: 01634 726420 EMAIL: SALES@GARDENTIES.NET WWW.GARDENTIES.NET

EACH PACK CONTAINS A WHOLE RANGE OF ROPES. WIRES, GARDEN HARDWARE, SWINGS AND GAMES ALSO AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE FROM:- GARDEN TIES ROCHESTER TEST HOUSE KNIGHT ROAD ROCHESTER KENT, ME2 2AH