Ocoee Leatherflower

Clematis vinacea is a recently described species of non-vining clematis, published in 2013 by plantsman Aaron Floden. In the wild, it grows in a small region on the border of Eastern Tennessee/Northern Georgia. Closely allied to Clematis viorna/Clematis crispa, Clematis vinacea is a compact, non-climbing species. For us, it makes a sprawling mound to 18″ tall x 4′ wide that flowers from May through summer. In habitat, Clematis vinacea prefers a dry, alkaline site, but it has shown good adaptability to slightly acidic soils in our trials.

Clematis vinacea

Clematis – different twists on an old favorite

Clematis Sapphire Indigo9Clematis ‘Sapphire Indigo’ is such a great plant in the perennial garden.  This non-vining clematis makes a short clump that flowers for us from spring through summer. It weaves nicely into nearby neighbors making delightful combinations.

DCF 1.0

DCF 1.0

Another of our favorites is the amazing Clematis ‘Roguchi‘.  The bell-shaped flowers come from clumping clematis species, but this one does make a short-growing vine to 6-8’ tall.  Clematis ‘Roguchi’ also flowers heavily, virtually non-stop during the growing season.  I can’t imagine a summer garden without this.

Clematis ochroleuca Penny's Bend in seedHere’s the seed show on the East Coast native bush clematis, Clematis ochroleuca.  The flowers are nice also, but the long-lasting show are these golden seed heads.

Clematis recta Lime Close in flower at Walters6Here’s another amazing bush clematis, Clematis recta ‘Lime Close’.  This unique clematis makes a 3′ tall mound of foliage that emerges dark purple, and an incredible cloud-like show of white flowers…simply superb.