I am building a pergola this spring.....one we can sit under. I am in a zone 4 but my gowing season is probably a lot shorter than most of yours. I am looking for something that is vigorous and that I could grow up my pergola....I am not fussy for colours - I LOVE clematis period but any ideas you would have would be greatly appreciated. Oh yeah the clematis will be planted in the ground and go up the pole and hopefully go over top of the pergola.
Need your help Clematis lovers!!
Dawn,
I am sure both Jeanne and Shirley will have more suggestions than I, however there are a couple that I do know of that would be charming to grow up a pergola.
Both Clematis Vitacella vitacella http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/new-clemdetail.cfm?dbkey=559 as shown on the Clematis on the Web website and Clematis Vitacella Campaniflora, http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/new-clemdetail.cfm?dbkey=99 would be would be wonderful on a pergola. One would be able to look up at the clematis bells and they could be viewed from underneath. Both of these are hardy to zone 4.
I have Campaniflora on order, which I plan on growing through my dogwood tree and I put Clematis Vitacella Vitacella in last year. Vitacella is a nice hue of purple and I have it planted in with my climbing Iceberg Rose. I just love the bell shaped clems!
Good luck to you.
Carolyn
Well Dawn,
If I were you I would pose this question to Debbie of Silver Star Vinery. She has some very vigorous vines and great prices. I have over 100 vines but few are vigorous enough to climb a Pergola and in effect cover it.
Some of those bloom only once! I would mix several cultivars for Height, color, and bloom.
The idea would be to have it bloom all the time and have the pergola covered for shade!
Send her the question she will guide you even if she does not grow it!!
Julie
http://www.silverstarvinery.com/
Silver Star Vinery
Dawn,
I ran a search on varieties that will grow in zone 4. Here are the suggestions from Chalk Hill Clematis Nursery. Hope this helps. http://www.chalkhillclematis.com/nursery_shop/plantsbyzone.htm#Zones4thru9
I'd go with a variety, too. The montana's do not need pruning and they climb and spread fast so they'd get my vote.
Thanks folks - you have been very helpful!
Montanas would be a very good possibility if you lived in a warmer climate. I don't believe that any Montanas would be able to grow in zone 4. They are generally rated in zones 6-9.
Betty Corning, Baltyk, Allanah, or Jackmanii grow quite large which might be some possibilities.
Oooh, I just found Viticella "Chadsworth", which grows to about 12 feet and grows in zone 4. http://www.prideofplaceplants.com/vines/clematis_chatsworth.html. Also, Viticella "Kermesina" will grow in your zone and attains a height of 12-15ft. http://www.clematis.com/html-docs/varieties/Kermesina/kermesina.html
There are probably other possibilities to consider too, but these should give you a good start.
This message was edited Apr 6, 2008 11:32 PM
Jackmanii.. is so pretty, grows fast and gets huge.
I recommend Duchess of Albany.
This was her last summer and it was only her second year in the ground. She got so heavy she pulled down the very thick and sturdy trellis I have her on. The trellis is way too small for her and I intend on putting up some lattice to to have her run up the side of my chimney. I had her looping back on herself and she was trailing down across my mulch bed. She would totally grow over a pergola or an arbor.
Oh, and even though I am listed as a Z5a, because I live on such an open, windy site, I think I have more of Z4-type climate happening here.
This message was edited Jun 4, 2008 11:01 PM
"Polish Spirit" is a thug and gets huge!!...
in zone 5b where i garden, polish spirit is vigorous but not a thug like paul farges. it needs to have room though,which is why i recommend it for coverage vs the routine sweet autumn terniflora. in texas it probably is thugish!!!!
Knowing your gardening zone is extremely important!!! A Clematis that is a thug (Sweet Autumn) in my area (zone 7) is under control in a colder zone. Obviously, other Clematis' such as "Polish Spirit" & "Paul Farges" need extra thought prior to planting.
it is worth the work to keep them under control. here is paul farges, which has been moved several times and is now down by the road where it can scramble and not bother anybody! the blooms are so much earlier than terniflora sweet autumn i consider it necessary to the collection!
I've had my eye on Consort for a while. You can see it on the SSV website -- plus Debbie is having a sale :-)
http://www.silverstarvinery.com/vines.asp?letter=C