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Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back.  'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini
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Pruning Clematis



Is there a plant more confusing to prune than clematis? Not only are there numerous types but they are all pruned differently. Fortunately, there is a helpful resource and it is Linda Beutler's wonderful book "The Plant Lover's Guide to Clematis". I have referred to this book so many times that it is literally coming apart. In the book, the author lists all the cultivars (well, not all but close) and tells how to prune each one.

Our largest clematis are on the front gate arch and they were spectacular this year, blooming for a record amount of time (I am crediting the mild temperatures). On one side is 'Jackmanii Superba' and 'Madame Julia Correvon' is on the other.

In the photo above, 'Madame Julia Correvon' is on the right. It is not as strong a grower as 'Jackmanii Superba' but I expect it to catch up next year. After blooming, it is recommended that it be cut back half-way and you will have more blooms from autumn to frost.

Of the two, 'Jackmanii Superba' seems to be the most vigorous grower. In the book, 'Jackmannii' is listed and the instructions say to just cut it back in late winter or early spring. No mention is made of cutting it back half-way after bloom, so I just cut off the spent blooms.

The end result is a much neater archway. I fertilized with Jack's Blossom Booster and await more blooms later in the season!




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowJuly 21, 2020 at 4:20 AM

    My Jack was cut back during winter and it didn't bloom as profusely as it usually does. However we are in a slight drought so that probably affected it. I am with you regarding know when and how to trim clematis. I might have to invest in this book.

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