Old Growth

We have three clematis --- often called Queen of the Climbers --- and they are some of my garden favorites. The plant pictured here is a Jackmanii - one of the most famous varieties, which blooms in large, dark purple flowers in early to mid summer. There are different types of clematis - some bloom from old growth, some from new. This picture shows well how Jackmanii sprouts from new growth, much of the old tangle will simply get covered by new shoots this summer. 

I'm glad to see the plant awaken this spring, but am now researching how to prune this queen because the skeleton of old growth is ungainly and top heavy. She'll get a hair cut this winter.