May’s Winner
May Winner–Clematis CEZANNE adorning an oversized windowbox.
Choosing just one May winner this year was no easy task because many lovely clematis gracefully embellished my garden throughout the month. After much consideration, the clematis I chose to take the prize is Clematis CEZANNE, with it’s big cluster of blue(ish) satiny flowers, draped over the edge of my windowbox. This clematis, bred by clematis hybridizer Raymond Evison as a Patio Clematis, has a smaller root system than most clematis, making it perfect for a pot or, in my case, a large windowbox. Patio Clematis bloom in several flushes throughout the summer, especially when deadheaded or cut back after each flush dies down. Pruning is easy–just cut them back hard in late winter (even late fall in milder climates like Seattle).
May’s Runners Up
The runners up in May are no slouches. Check them out!
The delectable double blossoms of Clematis JOSEPHINE.
The glamorous Clematis Etiole de Malicorne
Already the first blooms of Clematis Etoile Violette, which normally blooms for me late June to early August!
Clematis Fair Rosamond gracing a doorway, this year with very strong pink bars, making it appear to favor Clematis Nellie Moser.
Clematis recta Purpurea, cascading down from its support and about to open its prolific and fragrant small flowers.
Clematis Proteus
Clematis Louise Rowe
Clematis Tartu made a comely comeback after wilting last year!
A slightly tattered Clematis Omoshiro (oh, those pesky slugs!).
Clematis Utopia, similar to Omoshiro above and to another lovely clematis I covet, Clematis Fond Memories (below)
Clematis Fond Memories (photo taken by me at the Rogerson Clematis Collection in Lake Oswego, Oregon). Sadly, this one does not yet grace my own garden.
Clematis in Seattle 