How to use climbing plants most effectively is easier for some home gardeners than others. Where there are walls that need softening, trellises that require embellishment, or fences to be camouflaged, the problem is simple. Steep banks and inaccessible areas likewise may be covered effectively with vines of various kinds. Cedar posts used for accents, … Read more
Clematis is a subject that a gardener ought not to study too much, or they may be too frightened of trying to grow it. You may read that it is difficult, particularly about pruning, slow to get started, and perhaps not hardy where you live. However, in most cases and places, the opposite is true. … Read more
Never underestimate the value of trellises. They provide an excellent way to gain color and greenery in confined areas. They can be practical or pictorial; they will often be both. Spray paint takes the chore out of maintaining them, and there are aluminum types that never need attention at all. Sometimes you want your trellis … Read more
Prune your clematis to make it look tidy and produce a burst of flowers. But first, find out if it blooms on old or this year’s wood. If it blooms on old wood, prune it sparingly, cutting out only the weak, thin, or straggling branches after the vine flowers or early in February. If it blooms … Read more
Clerodendrum is a beautiful genus of flowering plants that gained popularity in the spring markets thanks to its brilliant spring color. It’s a tender, fast-growing tropical climbing vine belonging to the genus Clerodendrum and is a member of the Lamiaceae or Mints family. The plants were formerly identified in the Verbenaceae family but were transferred … Read more
For years, there was widespread use of Gloriosa rothschildiana in the florist trade. It was popular for corsage and bowl arrangements. It brought the arresting beauty of these exotic, tropical, African bulb-vine flowers to the attention of many thousands of American flower lovers. Many who might never have seen them outside of Florida and choice … Read more
We usually think of vines as most useful for house walls and arbors, yet they will sprawl along the ground and are particularly useful for spreading over terraces. They may eliminate grass-cutting of terrace slopes or soften the sharp lines of the terrace. On either side of the terrace steps, they may be a welcome … Read more
In the hierarchy of vines, large-flowered hybrid clematis rank close to the top. Their startling flowers, some measuring 10” inches across, in red, pink, blue, purple, or white, bring rave notices. Trained on a wall, a doorway trellis, a fence, a lamppost, in the perennial garden, or even in a large tub, they make a … Read more
The cobaea scandens (ko-BEE-uh SKAN-dens) is a perennial vine with purple cup-shaped flowers. The cabaea scandens is a phlox plant in the Polemoniaceae family. It is native to Mexico and has been sighted in other tropical areas in South America. Cobaea scandens is also known as the cup and saucer vine due to the shape … Read more
Its airy grace and exotic, eye-catching blooms of vivid crimson and bright chrome yellow make the glory-lily (Gloriosa Rothschildiana), the perfect accent for the patio, garden, or greenhouse. Although important to the florist, who uses the long-lasting blooms for arrangements and corsages, the glory lily can also be grown by the home gardener, indoors as … Read more