
No vine is more lavish. The queen of vines is a versatile climber; a fencepost, a arbor, mailbox, porch rail, or small tree can provide ample support. Easy to grow in rich moist soil, with full sun to part shade. Mulch heavily to keep the roots cool, but keep the leaves and buds exposed to light. My favorite "Cassis" is pictured. Double rosettes of rich plum open gradually for up to four months of color. The nearly evergreen foilage is attractive out of season as well!
While clematis take a season or two to establish, they have magnificent potential. The only catch is that there are three distinct pruning groups and each has a specific pruning need. For example "Cassis" belongs to group II which blooms in the early summer, and requires pruning each March. (The inspiration for this post.) Clematis are slow to break dormancy each year, if you are unsure of the variety watch for the season of bloom. If your clematis blooms in spring it belongs to Group I and should be pruned after the blossoms subside. Group II and III bloom in the summer and both should be pruned in March; however leave 12" of Group III compared to 8" for group II when pruning.
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