Clematis hybrids

Clematis hybrids for cutting, use the woody deciduous vine and herbaceous perennial forms zones 4–10. Part of plant used: Z fresh Height: various Fragrance: rare, although ‘Fair Rosamond’ smells noticeably of primroses and Clematis ‘Alba’ (Integrifolia group) has a spicy scent Clematis has long been grown as an indispensable feature in all styles of gardening. Experimentation by Chalk Hill Clematis of Healdsburg, California, has revealed that many of the large-flowered hybrid vines (LFH) and the taller herbaceous perennial cultivars make superior cut flowers. Colors are everything except orange and bright true yellow in the LFH cultivars.

Garden availability: May through October

Clematis hybrids culture for cutting: FS, MS Clematis wants to be regularly fed. In the ground, use a “rose and flower” food, 4-6-2 or similar, which can be used often and will not burn the plants. Do not fertilize a large-flowered hybrid that has already formed its flower buds; wait until it is through with the impending flush of bloom before fertilizing again. Clematis with stripes or pale colors is best grown in partial shade.

Clematis hybrids harvesting, conditioning, vase life: AM, SC, PF Ready for their secret? Here it is: for maximum vase life, harvest stems of clematis when the flower buds are just cracking open and snip stems long enough so that you are cutting back into the older woody stem (which is forming bark and has turned brown). I will say it again: cut the flower stem long enough so that you are taking some of the woody brown stems. You may not want it to be that long for your arrangement—fine. Let the cut stem drink from a tall bucket of freshwater for several hours or overnight, and only then cut it down to the length you need.

Therefore, if you cut a stem that is all green with new growth, you will not have a clematis flower with any longevity at all—twenty-four hours, maximum, more often than not much less. If you have cut the stem back to where it is brown and given it a long drink, your clematis flower will last more than a week. Try it for yourself.

Buying tips for Clematis hybrids: Except at major markets in New York and San Francisco, clematis is rarely seen in florists’ shops. Now that their secret is out, that should change.