Clematis in bloom is spectacular. The gigantic dinner-plate-size blooms of deep velvety purple that bloom mid-summer are breathtaking. At the center of ‘Jackmanii’s’ flowers is a small flower with feathery spikes and fuzzy yellow centers that expand as the clematis blooms fade, giving another flowering season. Clematis is often an over-looked perennial for gardens unless the homeowner realizes a vertical accent is just what the garden needs. By paying attention and noticing the impact of vertical accents around a community a gardener may realize how “up-lifting” a tall perpendicular Clematis twinning around an arch or trellis will be.
Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ introduced in 1860, is one of the first hybrid big-flowering, Clematis and is still the most outstanding and hardiest of Clematis for western gardens. A zone-4 perennial, ‘Jackmanii’ still thrives in the Rocky Mountain’s alkaline soil and cool summertime temperatures.
‘Jackmanii’ covers these arches (below) so attractively that they provide an entryway frame for the garden beyond. Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ will climb to 20-feet or can be kept as short as 6-feet but must have a stable base like a cement installation for the vines become quite heavy. Large flowering Clematis requires a cut-back, to 15-inches, of its vines in early spring. Leaving the heavy vines on the plant will cause the vines to bend and double back down over the plant giving a very unattractive appearance. Fertilizing right after cutting is all the plant will need for the season.
A birdhouse adds a vertical accent to this area but the softening look of Nellie Moser’s pink and mauve striped, pointed petals is stunning. The flowers tumbling around the structure gives this birdhouse an inviting look. Nellie only climbs to ten feet but still requires the 18-inch deep planting hole like all Clematis require. Nellie, as well as many other Clematis, are not as hardy as ‘Jackmanii.’
A sunken patio topped with latticework becomes a work of art with the addition of ‘Sweet Autumn’ Clematis. ‘Sweet Autumn’ is a fragrant fall bloomer with small flowers and a rampant growth pattern. ‘Sweet Autumn’ will easily cover a wire or chain-link fence in 2 summers.
For a successful ‘Jackmanii” perennial, abide by the standard rule for Clematis: Feet in the shade and head in the sun! Small evergreen types of perennials like Iberis ‘Candytuft’ planted at the base of the vines will help keep the roots cool. Keep Clematis well watered for their large vine requires consistent moisture.
Happy Vertical Gardening!
