Viticella clematis flower on the current year's shoots and bloom from midsummer to late autumn, so they enhance a garden in September and October. Clematis viticella 'Purpurea Plena Elegans' has lilac purple mop-head flowers, and its many sepals give them their double appearance. It has pinnate leaves and grows up to about ten feet with a three foot spread. It prefers to be grown in fertile, humus rich, well drained soil in sun or partial shade, but its roots should be in shade. It should be planted with the top of its root ball three inches below the soil's surface, to help prevent clematis wilt, and its stems should be cut back to two buds in February or early March.
Propagation: Root softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer. Layer in late winter or early spring. |
Tropaeolum speciosum is a Chilean nasturtium that has a climbing habit and may be used in many ways. It can be grown conventionally over a pergola, trellis or fence or, perhaps more satisfactorily, trailing down a bank, cascading over a wall or growing through a non-flowering shrub. It does not overwinter in frost prone areas, where it should be grown in a conservatory. It has mid to rich dark green leaves, but its real glory is its vermilion flowers, with elongated, spurred petals, that appear from midsummer to autumn and are followed by spherical blue fruit. This should be grown in moist, humus rich, neutral to acid soil, in full sun or dappled shade, but its roots and lower stems should be in shade. It grows up to about ten feet.
Propagation: Sow seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Divide in early spring. Root stem-tip cuttings in late summer with bottom heat. |
Vitis 'Brant' is an ornamental vine that is productive as well as decorative and an excellent climber. It may be trained over a trellis or pergola or through a large shrub or tree, but it looks best against a large wall. A vigorous, woody climber, it has bright green leaves that turn a bronze red in autumn, keeping their green veins. Its grapes are produced in large bunches and may be eaten. If left untouched, it will reach more than 20 feet, but may be pruned in midwinter and midsummer to restrict growth. It prefers a neutral or alkaline soil that is well drained but humus rich, and will thrive in sun or dappled shade.
Propagation: Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Take hardwood cuttings in late winter or root vine eye cuttings in early spring. Layer in autumn. |
