Sunday, August 18, 2013

Sweet Autumn Clematis

Each August as the days grow shorter, the Sweet Autumn Clematis makes an appearance.


This month has been quite unusual -- more rain than normal and much cooler temperatures. Perhaps that has contributed to the abundant display of this lovely plant.

A perennial, this variety of Clematis clings to anything it touches.

Here, it climbs up the gazebo: 




And up a tree:

And along the ground:

This is the time of year when the summer flowers and shrubs, save for zinnias and cosmos, have had their day. The riotous display of Sweet Autumn Clematis is a welcome sight.


Their white loveliness is a promise for springs to come, as the little seed heads are blown by the wind to take root throughout my garden.

Sometimes I just pull them up and discard them, as there are so many. But this year I'm thinking I'll just let them "overtake" the garden and grow where they may.

To enjoy them for two weeks in August would be worth it!


10 comments:

  1. Just beautiful! Even more beautiful when looking at your yard yesterday. Just a shame it can't last longer but worth having it for two weeks in the year. May last longer this year because of cool temperature.

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    1. Today, 8/26, it is still very pretty. You're right; plenty of rain and cooler temps have preserved it.

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  2. I agree Sanda.
    Just let it go wild. I have done the same with my solano..
    Your clemetis looks so beautiful.. dont cut it. each plant has its time.
    my jasmine is going wild too.
    val x

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    1. A gardener just has to accept the rather wild look, I think. Too much work otherwise. I'm not familiar with solano.

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  3. Not familiar with this lovely clematis although we do have a deep maroon one (? name) that blooms for us in the early spring. I quite like yours with the white flowers.

    Darla

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    1. Numerous varieties of clematis. This one grows wild on riverbanks here, but is also sold in nurseries as Sweet Autumn Clematis. The flowers are slightly fragrant and smells wonderful, especially in late afternoon.

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  4. this august has seemed sadly gray, rainy and unseasonably cool to me. i hate the thought that summer is nearing its end, but this lovely flower would be some consolation. i should plant some next to my patio fence.

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    1. You should! You may can find a start growing wild in nature. They dig up quite easily.

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  5. The clematis looks charming, just let it spread all over and grow..
    Naturally we have nothing like this.
    This is one of the special treats of blogging = you get to see things, you never even knew, existed!

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    1. I feel the same way, Mette. Learn so much about things from the other side of the world.

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