October Plant of the Month

I would say this clematis flowers most prolifically from August to September in my garden. It’s cheery yellow flowers smother a neighbour’s old apple tree (glad they don’t mind!) but, come the autumn, there’s the bonus of wonderful seed heads. They’re like little fluffy clouds when silhouetted against the sky and hang down over my flowering currant so that they’re within reach to touch. Soft and silky! 

This clematis needs room to grow, so too rampant for a fence or arch. Better on a big pergola or a tree where it can romp away. Having said that, I cut mine down in the spring as this clematis flowers on its current season’s growth. So, in February, I cut mine to a pair of strong buds about 20-30cm above ground cover then give it a mulch. For full sun or partial shade and most aspects. Easy and rewarding with seed heads that last through the winter months.

Posts from the blog:

Adding annuals

A selection of recommended annuals.

The bees are a’ buzzing!

The garden is alive with bees as they gather pollen from a whole host of flowers.

Unfurling ferns

Take the opportunity to get close up to your ferns and admire the fascinating structures that exist within this family of ancient plants.

Plant sleuth

This mystery plant had leaves that were still lush in October but with no sign of any flowers to give me a lead.