264 The Clematis. 



The most common exotic species is C. viticella, a native of Spain, but 

 perfectly hardy. It is rather a free grower, often reaching twenty feet in 

 height ; and the small purple flowers are freely produced on nodding pe- 

 duncles. The plant is handsome and desirable ; and there are species with 

 blue, dull red, and double jDurple flowers. 



The handsomest species, however, of all which may be considered per- 

 fectly hardy in New England, is C. azurca grandiflora, or, as sometimes 

 Vxvo\^Xi, coerulea grandiflora ox patens. It is not extravagant praise to call 

 it our handsomest hardy climbing shrub ; in which opinion all who have 

 seen a large plant in full blossom will readily coincide. The flowers are 

 borne profusely on the well-ripened wood of the last year all over the plant ; 

 are often five inches in diameter ; of a rich purple when first open, but 

 gradually fade to a light lavender color. They remain in perfection many 

 days ; and, as there are flowers of all ages on the plant at the same time, the 

 effect is very brilliant. C. Sophia, a hybrid variety* has even larger flowers 

 of a delicate lavender, with white bands down the centre of the flower, 

 forming a star. The double variety is very beautiful. C. moniana, a na- 

 tive of Nepaul, is generally hardy : the flowers are white, and very pretty. 



Cflaviwiula, indigenous to France and the south of Europe, is a per- 

 fectly hardy species, with white flowers somewhat resembling those of our 

 common wild species, but dcliciously fragrant. This is a very useful plant 

 for covering trellises or out-buildings, as it grows very freely, has neat ever- 

 green foliage, and, when in flower, is a mass of fragrant blossoms, which 

 remain long in perfection. 



There is a variety {C.f. rubella) with rosy flowers. 



C.fiorida, from Japan, has white flowers, and is precariously hardy. The 

 variety with double flowers is very handsome. 



C. Sieboldii is a very fine variety, in which the colors — white, violet, and 

 green — contrast finely. 



C. lanuginosa, a Japan species, has ver)' large blue flowers, and is a 

 showy plant, but is not hardy with us : it is, however, well worthy green- 

 house culture. 



It is by crossing this species with C. viticella that a new race of clematis 

 has been created, differing much in habit from the parents, and excelling 

 them in brilliancy of flower. 



Messrs. Jackman and Son of Woking, Surrey, Eng., are the originators 



