What's all this about Clematis?

Written by: Gary Bennett

Latin Name: Clematis recta SERIOUS BLACK™ (AKA Clematis r. 'Lime Close')

Common Name: Clematis-Bush

Completely different than vining Clematis, SERIOUS BLACK™ is a bush type that can stand up on its own but also is the perfect companion for taller perennials like Delphiniums which can be used for support. It is easily grown in decorative patio containers as well.

The name SERIOUS BLACK™ references its extraordinarily dark purple new foliage which matures to deep olive green. If you are lucky enough to be able to acquire this very new addition

to the Clematis family you will enjoy a very different and beautiful bush. We all have the old standbys that we may have seen in our family gardens as kids, but there is nothing more exciting than a new addition.

In late spring to early summer, antique ivory colored blossoms about the size of a nickel appear in clusters reminiscent of Sweet Autumn Clematis. They often reappear in midsummer, blooming on the deep purple new growth, and silvery seed heads follow in fall. The light colored blossoms against the darker colored leaves create an amazing effect.

The time to prune this group is in late winter or early spring. Dead and weak shoots should be removed and the remaining shoots cut back to 6-9 inches above a couple of well-developed buds.

Characteristics that will help you properly place this new addition in your garden:

Height: Spread: Flower Color: Foliage Color: Sun or Shade:
3-4.5 Feet 4-6 Feet White Shades Green shades Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Purple shades Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

Clematis can be grown in full sun or light shade, but its base and roots must be completely shaded. You may need to plant something directly in front of its rootball to keep it cool and shaded. A thick layer of mulch will also help to keep the soil moist. Bush Clematis prefers to be grown in average, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Adding lime to the soil will help to provide these conditions if your soil is naturally acidic.

When planting clematis, it is important to plant it 3" deeper than it was in the original pot. Bury the first set of entire leaves to encourage the production of strong shoots from below soil level and to discourage clematis wilt.

Please join us on Saturday morning May 21 in the parking lot at the Town Hall for our annual Windham Garden Club Plant Sale.

We usually have 2000 to 2500 plants including Serious Black Clematis, so you should be able to find some plants to add to your garden! A small list of just some of the plant we’ll have are listed below, come early for the best selection!

AQUILEGIA 'Blue Bird' - Songbird Series

ASTER KICKIN® 'Carmine Red'

ASTILBE 'Fanal' (red)

BRUNNERA m. 'Jack Frost' PP13859 CPBR1799

CAMPANULA p. Takion Series - Blue

CLEMATIS r. SERIOUS BLACK™

COREOPSIS 'Red Elf' PPAF - LI'L BANG™ Series

DICENTRA spectabilis

ECHINACEA 'Julia' PP24629

GAILLARDIA a. 'Arizona Apricot'

GERANIUM s. 'New Hampshire Purple'

HEUCHERA DOLCE® BRAZEN RAISIN™

HOSTA 'Blue Mouse Ears'

INCARVILLEA delavayi

LEUCANTHEMUM s. AMAZING DAISIES™

LYCHNIS a. 'Orange Gnome'

MONARDA 'Leading Lady Lilac' PPAF CPBRAF

PAEONIA 'Victoire de la Marne' (dbl red)

PAPAVER o. 'Beauty of Livermore'

PHLOX p. 'Glamour Girl' PP25778 (coral pink)

PHLOX p. 'Shockwave' PP23265 CPBR4949 (Pink)

SALVIA n. COLOR SPIRES® 'Violet Riot' PP26273

SEMPERVIVUM 'Red Beauty