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Arbutus Gardens

As we were touring Renee Moog's garden, another visitor told me that I should go to Arbutus Garden Arts, which was just down the road. I had no idea we were close but it was a garden I was familiar with and always wanted to visit. A pleasant surprise! Norm Jacobs is the owner, and he showed us around and answered questions. The garden is also a nursery and he propagates the plants. However, he says that he is in the process of retiring. My friend Linda bought an absolutely stunning weeping snowbell tree. I managed to discipline myself and only left with a groundcover, Erigeron pulchellus 'Meadow Muffin'. The garden is stunning with winding pathways surrounded by packed borders of mostly conifers and Japanese maples. I was enamored by the most beautiful specimen of Sourwood Tree ( Oxydendrum arboreum ). I have one that seems to be stunted, but Mr. Jacobs told me that they need space for their root zone and do not like competition. This could be my problem, as mine is surrou...
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Armand's Clematis


The Armand's Clematis (aka Evergreen Clematis) is just finishing up after putting on a spectacular show this year. It started blooming way back in early March. A few cold snaps along the way didn't seem to faze it much and the blooms just kept opening. This photo was taken in mid-March and the bloom was actually heavier a few weeks later. 

I had tried to grow this clematis before but failed. It is hardy only to zone 7 and very cold winters, which we haven't had much of lately, can do it in. Like most clematis, it takes about 3 years to get going. You've heard the saying - "First year it sleeps, second year it creeps and third year it leaps" - this certainly applies here. 

Clematis armandii is a vigorous climber and can quickly scramble into trees or cover a small structure.  Occasional pruning may be required to keep it in check. The lovely fragrant flowers are beautiful but the long, narrow glossy leaves are highly attractive as well. This is a good vine for providing shade under a seating area or patio.

 Clematis like their roots in the shade and their heads in the sun. You can provide shade for the base of the vine by mulching or using rocks or pieces of broken pots. They prefer evenly moist soil but can tolerate drought once established. Be careful around young plants because the woody stems are fragile. Once the vine takes off, it is fairly low maintenance. 

 I have not seen the pink flowered variety but there are some available ("Apple Blossom" is one and there are others).

 
Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowApril 26, 2013 at 10:10 AM

    What a beauty. Wish I could grow it.

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  2. HolleyGardenApril 27, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    Wow - it looks fabulous over your gazebo. It has really "leaped"!

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  3. F CameronApril 28, 2013 at 12:27 PM

    An amazing clematis, but after pulling out Lady Banks Rose and yellow jasmine, I'm not brave enough to plant another evergreen vine! My Confederate Jasmin is enough to handle, so I've switched over to deciduous clematis this year for other spaces that need vines.

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  4. RandyApril 29, 2013 at 12:10 PM

    Just beautiful, Phillip. Mine keeps trying to climb into the maple tree next to it. It really takes off this time a year. I wish I had a space it could just go wild and crazy.

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