ARCTIC QUEEN and JASMINE OFFICINALE
In spring 2011, and this spring 2012, the clematis Arctic Queen struggled for life after two harsh winters. It was growing against the fence on the shadier side of my garden and I had hoped that it would thrive as it grew with its roots in the shade and its head in the sun which is what, I understand, clematis plants like. This year I thought it had died altogether after a dreadful winter and I decided to move it to see if would show signs of life elsewhere. It did. I carefully dug it up and planted it in a large clay pot. I placed the pot behind the swing, where it could grow up the side of the shed. By the shed, the clematis would again have its feet in the shade and much more access to the sun. It's a lovely clematis and well worth saving.
The clematis is now over 6ft tall in its pot and doing well although looking rather leggy. It is also showing signs of making flower buds which will be lovely if the weather allows them to mature and open. As you can see from the image above, last year in September it was in full bloom. Arctic Queen is not a giant of a climber although its flowers are double and massive. It grows to about 8ft high according to the label.
I admit I am a bit concerned about it being in the pot over winter but I shall wrap garden fleece around the pot in the hope that the plant will survive. I have no doubt that we shall have yet another awful winter with very low temperatures.
It's a funny thing about plants, they are full of surprises. I planted a Jasmine Officinale a few years ago and it has been quite pathetic until this year - this year with lousy weather, lots of rain, miserable skies, relatively low temperatures. The jasmine has taken off and is displaying its first lot of flowers which smell divine. Who would have thought it? I understood it can be tender but I have placed some flat stones near its roots and I have a feeling that they help protect it and keep it warm as they retain heat. Who knows?
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| Arctic Queen, Sept 2011 |
The clematis is now over 6ft tall in its pot and doing well although looking rather leggy. It is also showing signs of making flower buds which will be lovely if the weather allows them to mature and open. As you can see from the image above, last year in September it was in full bloom. Arctic Queen is not a giant of a climber although its flowers are double and massive. It grows to about 8ft high according to the label.
I admit I am a bit concerned about it being in the pot over winter but I shall wrap garden fleece around the pot in the hope that the plant will survive. I have no doubt that we shall have yet another awful winter with very low temperatures.
It's a funny thing about plants, they are full of surprises. I planted a Jasmine Officinale a few years ago and it has been quite pathetic until this year - this year with lousy weather, lots of rain, miserable skies, relatively low temperatures. The jasmine has taken off and is displaying its first lot of flowers which smell divine. Who would have thought it? I understood it can be tender but I have placed some flat stones near its roots and I have a feeling that they help protect it and keep it warm as they retain heat. Who knows?
