backyard garden, to the large estate, or to the public park, since they lend themselves 
to so many different treatments. Trellises, pergolas, arches, wire supports, fences, 
old stumps, and the like, make desirable supports for these extraordinary flowers. 
Clematis supported on wires make distinctive tracery on garden walls. ‘Trellises 
covered with such species as Lawsoniana, or Comtesse de Bouchaud, and Mme. 
Baron-Veillard, to mention only a few, add color and charm to any veranda and 
help greatly to connect the house with the garden. Many climbing plants are 
used for this purpose, and it is always wise to choose plants of distinction and 
character to create such harmony. Indeed, the unique beauty of the Clematis 
makes it especially desirable for this purpose. Architectural features in the garden 
often seem to assume undue prominence, and there is a need for plant material 
which will embellish and yet soften such features as pergolas without being coarse. 
Practically every variety of the large-flowered Clematis can be used to advantage. 
It may be a definite color that is sought, or a certain feature that is needed to make 
a vista more complete. Clematis may be combined with climbing roses on fences 
and arbors, or they may be used on posts or old tree-stumps in the perennial border. 
Whatever may be the requirement in the way of climbing plants, there is surely 
some species or variety of Clematis that can be used. Not only is the color-range 
great (as the reader will observe from the many kinds listed), but the foliage and 
seed-pods are decidedly unique. 
As cut-flowers in the home, many of the Clematis can be used to advantage. 
They may be put in tall vases or arranged in low bowls. Sometimes sprays can be 
used for drooping effects, to break the formality of the container. 
The large-flowered Clematis hybrids are propagated by grafting, layering, and 
cuttings, but it is generally conceded by authorities that the most satisfying plants 
are those grown from cuttings or layering, since there is no danger that the under- 
stock will predominate. It has also been observed that grafted stock is more 
susceptible to disease. 
In the descriptions that follow, the reader will observe that the large-flowered 
Clematis vary in height from 6 to 15 feet or more. Then, too, the color-range is 
wide, including tones of many colors from wine-red to pure white, with blue and 
violet hues predominating. Several of the species are yellow, but this color is not 
found among the large-flowered hybrids. Flower forms are curious, unique, and 
interesting. Some are saucer-like, suggesting the form of pond-lilies, and others 
have unusual bell-like flowers. ‘The smaller-flowered species are usually taller 
growers than the large-flowered hybrids, and more floriferous. Nevertheless, the 
quality and the distinctive beauty of the large-flowered varieties places them in a 
class apart. Truly, when the range of color, the exquisite beauty of form, and the 
simple cultural requirements of the large-flowered Clematis are better known they 
will be regarded among the choicest gems of twentieth-century horticulture. 
Clematis Patens Hybrids 
In spring and early summer this large-flowered climber blooms abundantly on 
old or ripened wood. The plants usually are medium in height. 
LASURSTERN. Deep blue flowers of unusual size, borne in June and July. Medium- 
tall plants that bloom abundantly. 
8 JAMES I. GEORGE & SON 
