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A Visit to Cistus Nursery

I rarely go to nurseries anymore since I work part-time at one and another reason being that I don't have much room for additional plants. When a garden fanatic runs out of room, the brain goes into overdrive, dreaming up ingenious ways to incorporate more plants. And another thing happens - a burning desire to obtain rare and unique plants. I've been moving plants around, a tricky process that has a domino effect. A plant is unhappy - it is getting too much shade or perhaps too much sun. There is a plant that did not get as large as you thought it would or it is just a slow grower and now it is hopelessly hidden behind a taller plant. Sometimes a plant is just a dud for reasons unknown (Rhododendron 'Golden Gate' anyone?). I find the plant in question a better home, but it means that another plant will have to be moved. And the merry-go-round continues to turn... However, for those plants that are to be discarded, a space opens up for a new one! I decided to move a Mou...
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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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