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CLEMATIS VINE
When we were in the process of redesigning our front entrance and front yard, I had a vision of a gate with vines growing on it. I found a pair of old gates at an antique store, and our contractor was able to separate them, to be used in two different areas of our property.
I asked the landscapers for lots of white flowers in the yard, and he complied. From just a couple of little vines, we now have Confederate Jasmine and Clematis practically overtaking us! During Spring and Summer, they have to be quite severely trimmed back every few weeks. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to get through the gate. The pruning actually encourages them to grow even more!
Although they've been growing for about ten years now, they grew very quickly from the start. We do almost nothing to them, other than the trimming. They thrive in full sun--ours get full afternoon sun. They like to be mulched to keep the roots cool and damp, so we usually have some pine straw around the base. Admittedly, they are brown and woody during the winter, but I think it's worth it to have this beautiful display every Spring.
The vines get so loaded down with blooms that the ones near the bottom lay on the gravel in the courtyard and continue to bloom their hearts out! I'm a bit obsessed with white flowers. Besides looking so clean and fresh during the day, I love they way they look at night. They actually light up the darkness!
The Clematis is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which also includes Ranunculus (Buttercups) and Anemones.
The Confederate Jasmine is heavily fragrant and most people feel very strongly about the scent---love it or hate it! To me, it's one of the most evocative scents of summer in the Deep South. This vine actually has some nice fall color as well.
