Clematis

[mikhurram]

Clematis belonging to Viticella Group are more heat resistant and wilt free ( a disease associated with clematis). The most notables in this group are (Etoile Violet, Venosa Violacea, Madame Julia Correvon). Clematis roots tend to outgrow their pots quickly. Tiny Clematis plants purchased two years ago were planted into 12 inch pots and within an year their roots were touching the end of the pot. Subsequently they were placed in 14 inch pots and i suspect that i would have to shift them from the pots.

Planted in a place with good drainage and dappled shade they can bloom better. I intend to plant one in such area. Also to achieve more blooms, heavy pruning is required for group 3 clematis.

Clematis in particular the Viticella varieties or the evergreen varieties group (e.g Cirrhosa Freckles) are successful in Lahore. The Florida Group (cultivar Florida Sieboldii) has given decent results.

They can be easily propagated. I believe layering is the preferred method and monsoon would be the ideal time. It all depends on the technique and timing.

[mikhurram]

Kaleem Sahib i agree with Dr AyKhan that we should not so harsh in our choice of words. I am regretting that the topic somehow accidentally got drifted in the direction of buying and selling.

A person is going to have positive and negative attributes. My criteria for judging a person is whether the total number of positives attributes are greater than the negatives or not. My experience with the vendor mentioned till date has been positive.

Clematis prices in Islamabad i suspect would be on a higher side. Back 10 years ago, "Sweet Autumn Clematis" was introduced in Lahore by Lahore Nursery. Sweet Autumn can be propagated successfully through layering, self seeding and cuttings. Over the years they propagated thousands of plants in this cultivar and are still charging people Rs 3000 for a freshly propagated plant.

Importing plants from abroad is also a hassle as one has to fulfill requirements like Phyto Certificate, Import permit, air freight cost and bribes to get the shipment released in a timely manner.

Originally i wanted to add this text in original post and was did'n't had the access to edit.

Anyhow can we have a discussion on the ideal medium, place and cultivars which can be grown successfully in Lahore? My contention is that that evergreen varieties group (Like Cirrhosa Freckles), Viticella Group and Florida Group can be grown successfully in Lahore.

[mikhurram]

I have converted pdf file on Viticella Clematis varieties from April 2013 edition of New Zealand Gardener. The file has been broken into 3 jpeg image. I feel that there should be an option to post pdf files as converting them jpeg tends to reduce text clarity.

[mikhurram]

Here's another very good introductionary primer on Clematis from South Africa Garden January 2012. I hope it proves to be useful. Kaleem Sahib a photo of your cultivar "Hagley Hybrid" is in the middle of page 3

[mikhurram]

Finally Page 4 which could not be posted to 3 file restriction.

[Kaleem]

Thank you for the informative post.... khurram sb
According to my study, maximum varieties of Clematis are for Zone 3 to 9b and some are for Zone 3 to 11.
The plants which are suitable for Zone 9b can grow easily in Islamabad and Lahore but need proper care.

[mikhurram]

You are right in pointing out that even zone 9 clematis can flourish if provided afternoon shade during May, June and July. Durandi variety suitable for up to zone 9 tends to perform well in Lahore. All evergreen varieties and Viticella perform well in Lahore.
Tailpiece: An article on the King of Clematis: Raymond Evison.

[mikhurram]

page 4 on Raymond Evison

[KBW]

BTW, This zone science(> zone 9 is good for lahore) is not applicable to lahore as it does not cater constant maximum temperature in summer, nor does it cater the high humidity in monsoon.

I absolutely agree. These zones have primarily been keeping primarily the US climate in mind and could therefore be quite misleading at times. I may be wrong but I do not know of a place in US that resembles the climate of Lahore. The two aspects mentioned by Khabbab sb in the quote above make all the difference.

And I fully agree that if the potential of a particular specie can not be exploited to its fullest, it's not really worth the effort. With a lesser effort, one may be able to put up a better show if we concentrate on species that grow well.
regards

[Muhammad Arif Khan]

I have always considered it as I ALSO HAVE IT PLANT But after looking at Kaleems plants and Imrans advocacy I am getting an urge to get some of these vines too and again I find no place where I possibaly can plant them. It is common for the vendor to show you the best available picture on the internet and when your plant blooms you get a shock. I have removed many a plants and vines on getting diselusioned. Even recently I have bought two vines which I am sure are going to dis-appoint me.
Vines I already have
Allamandas, Campsis, Clerodendrum, Combretum Coccineum, Cryptostegia Grandiflora Rubber vine, Mansoa Garlic vine, Petrea Volubilis, Pyrostegia venusta Flame Vine Golden shower, Quisqualis Double, Senecio, Thunbergia Alba, Thunbergia Alata, Wisteria alba, Wistaria Sinensis, Youlang youlang, Chocolate vine, Camptosemma Grandiflora, Clamatis White, Gelsemium Sempervirens, Mucuna –Purple Jade vine, Macuna Beneti, Pandorea Jasmmnoide,Passiflora-Quadrangularis, Bignonia Caprolata and Passiflora Rubera,That makes it 25, quarter century.
The best for me is Senecio and Why?
Arif