Clematis Group

7 Comments

Comment by Philip Voice on May 13, 2008 at 1:05pm

Have you any interesting Clematis coming on Brian?

Have you ever heard of Baldwins Nursery? - My brother worked there for many years after leaving school - I am not sure what they are like now, but they were heavily into Clematis production in the late 80's early 90's

Comment by Brian Collingwood on May 31, 2008 at 11:07pm

Hi Phil, I don't know Baldwins unfortunately so can't comment on that, however, I do have a few new plants coming on at present. Amongst them........I have a new batch of plants from the viorna group: this clematis species cluster is largely (but with important exceptions) North American in occurence, the general form is a climbing vine from which masses of smaller 'urn' shaped dripping jewels are produced. Probably the best known is 'the scarlet lady' (John Treasure's name for her) - the revered Clematis texensis - exquisite glaucous foliage - pinnate ovate leaflets with a terminal 'tendril' - and producing incredibly beautiful alluring scarlet urns followed by large seedheads. But also well known are the species viorna, versicolor, addisonii, pitcheri and others. I also have quite a few new hybrids from the group. The hybrids are particularly interesting because until they actually flower you never know what you will get in terms of form or colour. I know I am biased but new viorna group plants' flowers are always special. I have my old large-flowered hybrid 'Moira' in bloom at the moment. It is a plant from ten or more years ago and although there are similar clematis already in existence this one still thrills me every year with the doubleness of the blooms, and their incredible summetrical structure and large size. And no wilt. I haven't registered it because I could never work out whether it was the correct thing to do, but as time goes by I like it more and more and whether on old or new wood the flowers are always double. Last season I made sure of doing a lot of cuttings which are all now fine and dandy in the greenhouse. If you twist my arm I can send you a cutting to France. This year I also have a new crop of clematis patens plants which have been completely stunning over the last several weeks, plus 40 or 50 new large-flowered hybrids in various colours and guises. I've been lucky also to have some new seedlings from crosses done in the previous few years - I am quite excited right now about a couple of seedlings resulting from crosses between large-flowered hybrids (seed parent) and some of the viorna-group species and hybrids. I now have a cracking specimen of clematis pitcheri to work with, with lots of other viorna-group plants coming to fruition, so the main hybridising effort for the year will commence this week. I'll cross some of the above with various large-flowered plants, and with clematis florida and (hopefully if I can) clematis viticella......and that will mean tremendous excitement to follow once more (in a couple of years) when the first flowers are set to open!

Comment by keith on June 2, 2008 at 11:03pm

Hi Brian, and all others. The viorna group is my special interest too, as Brian will know. The group seems to be fairly promiscuous when grow in near association, so to see someone deliberately controlled crossing is particularly interesting. I note that Wim has come up with another interesting plant in this group. 3 more plants to buy!

Comment by Philip Voice on June 3, 2008 at 7:07pm

Thanks Brian and Keith - I cannot admit to being an expert at all on Clematis but I am fascinated by your hobby.

I would love to see a photograph of your layout and some of the viorna that you both talk about.

And Brian "If you twist my arm I can send you a cutting to France." I like this idea although a great responsibility for me if you do send one.

Feel free to invite your friends to the group and I know, with your experience, new members who have an interest, will benefit greatly from your skills.

Phil

Comment by Brian Collingwood on June 3, 2008 at 10:17pm

"Have you thought of making a 'standard' sheet from it, not just a specimen sheet. That, I suspect will become more and more popular over time, and it does have the advantage of the right colours, which is always helpful.
Regards, Keith"

Keith what do you mean by a 'standard sheet'? I will also eventually be looking for a permanent home for the specimen, have you any ideas where or who?
Phil if you glance at any of my site's archives there are pics of my houses in all four seasons, here and there but I will add a couple here shortly. I'll add some pics of various viornae when I get a chance. There are a number of such photos on my archive 2006 page here:
http://www.bcollingwood.com/archive_2006.htm
The Viorna group is a group of clematis species which is largely confined to the North American continent although there are exceptions. Generally the group bears tubular, urn or pitcher-like flowers rather than flat open flowers. They are particularly beautiful. Some of the species and hybrids have been used in breeding, as they are compatible with some of their larger flowered clematis cousins. The offspring of such crosses are terribly interesting because the new flowers often show a new, intermediate form of clematis flower, for example Duchess of Albany. Just recently a new species, clematis carrizoensis, has been recognised, which of course means a whole new line, potentially, of crosses to be made - which means a new range of flower form and colour.
There's no worry about the plant Phil, if it didn't survive for whatever reason, I'd just send you another cutting! Its a nice plant, not a world-beater (but it is nice). On the other hand I'm sure you'd turn it into an adult very quickly, and it might make a nice addition to your garden area, hopefully. I'll try and get one ready in the coming week.

Comment by Philip Voice on June 6, 2008 at 1:20pm

Brian that is very kind of you - I will look forward to it:)

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