The NEW CLEMATIS — 
objects of rare beauty 
“<The clematis, the favour’d flower 
Which boasts the name of virgin-bower.” 
—SIR WALTER SCOTT. 
one gardener in a hundred has ever seen some of the magnificent hybrid 
species which have been growing in a New York garden for nearly forty years. 
New treasures are ever being sought by garden lovers, for it is the novel and the 
unusual feature that every garden enthusiast strives to acquire. The large-flowering 
Clematis offers a new field of interest to the amateur. Not only are these flowers 
striking in color and size, but they have a sturdiness of growth, coupled with a 
delicacy of form, which makes them objects of rare beauty. 
Poore gana no climbing plant is better known than Clematis paniculata, but not 
The name Clematis had its origin in Greek and signifies a climbing plant. Its 
botanical relationship connects it with the anemone and the buttercup, and the 
Clematis will one day be as familiar as are many of the plants of the ranunculus 
family. Since practically all of the large-flowering Clematis had their origin in 
Europe and Asia, they have been difficult to obtain in America. However, as 
early as 1838, C. florida was exhibited at a Massachusetts Horticultural Society 
meeting. By 1890, Parsons’ Nursery, on Long Island, had obtained 73 varieties 
which were offered to the public. With the turn of the 90’s came a revival of 
interest in naturalistic gardening, and the choice Clematis was somewhat neg- 
lected. Preceding the war many varieties were listed, but Ernest Wilson re- 
marked, in 1928, that, for the most part, named varieties of Clematis were difficult 
to procure. No doubt Plant Quarantine 37 has retarded the development of in- 
terest in Clematis in America. Nevertheless, some 40 desirable varieties of Clem- 
atis are now available, and it will be observed that culture and care are very 
simple. 
A partially shaded location is ideal. When planted in full sun, the lower stems 
and roots should be shaded by small plants, since it is essential to keep the Clematis 
roots cool and moist. A summer mulch of peat moss or spent hops may be used to 
advantage. 
Like many garden plants, Clematis thrives best in a rich garden loam of rather 
light texture. Sand and peat moss may be added to a heavy soil to loosen it. 
Then, too, the soil must be well drained. Lime should be mixed with the soil when 
planting, and if necessary it may be occasionally added thereafter, working it well 
into the soil without disturbing the roots (a spadeful to each barrow of soil). 
Applications of water during dry periods will help to keep the plants in a healthy 
condition. The addition of well-decomposed cow-manure, or any other animal 
manure or commercial plant food, worked well into the soil, will supply the 
necessary plant nutrients. 
Planting and pruning require no special skill. Clematis should be planted 
with the collar of the plant at least 2 to 3 inches below the surface of the 
FAIRPORT, NEW YORK 5 
