WHAT: One of the most delicate and delightful vines around, Betty Corning clematis produces a long procession of nodding flowers from midsummer until early autumn. Lavender blue petals dangle from long flower stems and give the appearance of ballerina skirts floating in the air.
WHY PLANT IT: Although this clematis has good garden vigor, it will not overrun its neighbors. Its open growth habit makes a lovely scene running through large shrubs or small trees.
As with all clematis viticella, this vine has good resistance to clematis wilt.
WHERE: Best flowering and growth occurs in full sun. Select a location with fertile, rich, well-drained soil.
Set the plant a few inches below the soil surface, remove the bottom leaves and fill in the depression with good soil. This protects lower buds from damage and allows vigorous resprouting after a hard pruning.
Mulch the soil in early spring and add a handful of dolomite lime to the soil in fall.
HOW: Water weekly if there is no rain in summer during the first two summers. After that, it requires water about every other week during drier periods.
Betty Corning blooms on new growth so pruning is best done in winter when the vine is dormant. If you wish to reduce its overall size, cut it back severely in March just above a healthy pair of buds, about 18 inches above the ground.
ACTUAL SIZE: This deciduous, twining, woody vine grows to about 20 feet long if left alone. Yearly pruning will keep stems at 8 to 12 feet. Clematis vines use thin, twining leaves to cling to trellises, but wire or twine may need to be loosely tied around the supports to help guide the growing shoots.
LEARN MORE: See www.greatplantpicks.org.
Source: Great Plant Picks
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
