Lady Waterlow – a perfect rose for a pillar, post or low fence…

A rather beautiful rose in bloom today - as it is in the gardens of Petersham House - but a chance here to study it up close. Large-flowered climber Origin -Nabonnand, 1903 Parentage - 'La France de '89' x 'Mme. Marie Lavalley' Color - Pink & white blend/gold stamens Foliage - Medium green Thorns -…

Lapageria rosea – hidden delights at Kew

Lapageria rosea Asking for directions in the Woodland Garden today, at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, I was directed along one path, down a smaller curving side passage to a brick shed and along one side of this small utility building, practically hidden from view, is this spectacular flowering vine, the Chilean Bellflower. My thanks…

Liver spots – Clematis cirrhosa ‘Freckles’

C. cirrhosa var. purpurascens 'Freckles' Clematis cirrhosa species is an early-flowering, evergreen climber from southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. The flowers are cream, cup-shaped, often red-flecked and up to 7cm (3in) across, appearing in winter or early spring, and followed by attractive seed heads. This attractive, vigorous cultivar was raised by Raymond Evison of Guernsey…

The Porcelain Berry Vine, no less…

Ampelopsis brevipedunculata var. maximowiczii 'Elegans' A compact climber with attractive variegated leaves and gem-like berries - and a tongue-twisting name to boot! The leaves of this outstanding, if little known, little climber are outstanding in themselves - emerging pale copper with reddish rim, vaulting off pink leaf stalks, later turning fresh green. As they mature…

Wisteria

If the rose is the King of Climbers, and Clematis, the Queen, what High Rank must the wisteria hold? Beautiful, fragrant & vigorous - in May and early June, it is surely unsurpassed for sheer Impact. The Laurels nursery, near Cranbrook in Kent, specialises in Wisteria (and birch) and featured in The Garden magazine recently…

Chinese Wisteria

Wisteria sinensis -  a vigorous, deciduous twining climber, suitable for growing on trellises, pergolas, and walls; also it can be trained as a standard - and the examples I have seen, in full flower with heads more than 4' across - magnificent. I'm reading from the RHS Encyclopedia of Planting Combinations for further information... The…

Clematis macropetala Propertius

  I don't remember this particular plant looking as lovely last year, but here it is, in a shadier spot with hints of sunlight picking out the detail. I've posted about other macropetalas (Jan Lindmark most recently), so I don't need to repeat any details about staminoids and tepals, fascinating though they are. Nor do…