It seems to have been a good year for this lovely South American climber. It normally flowers for a long period through to autumn, but sometimes it can start early - perhaps a mild winter helps. Perfect for a warm sunny wall, it should romp away quite happily, reaching up to 20 feet. Its evergreen, or semi-evergreen, dark green leaves are a perfect foil for the cheery, one inch, purplish blue five petalled flowers with yellow anthers. It should be tied in regularly and, for best results, grown in moderately fertile, moist but well drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil.
Propagation: Root semi-ripe cuttings with gentle bottom heat from summer to early autumn. |
With small bell shaped blooms, this clematis has an understated charm of its own. It is a vigorous western China species whose single, yellow, tubular scented flowers with creamy yellow anthers appear in panicles from mid-summer through to late autumn. The flowers form on the current year's growth, so be brave and cut it back to a pair of sturdy shoots about eight inches above the soil before growth begins in the spring. It likes a fertile, humus rich, well drained soil and is happy in sun or partial shade. It should reach about 20 feet with about an eight foot spread.
Propagation: Sow seed as soon as ripe in containers in a cold frame. Root softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer. Layer in late winter or early spring. |
Eccremocarpus scaber belongs to a genus of climbing perennials from Chile and Peru. It is fast growing (up to fifteen feet) with attractive light green leaves and tubular orange red flowers that develop in racemes. The flowers are swollen near their mouths making them charmingly lop-sided. It is particularly worthwhile because it flowers from late spring through to autumn and isn't too choosy about soil. Any fertile, well drained soil in full sun will suit it. In cooler areas, it may be grown as an annual. It's perfect for arches, pergolas, walls or climbing into a tree.
Propagation: Sow seed at 13oC to 16oC in late winter or spring. Root tip cuttings with bottom heat in spring or summer. |
