I remember many years back describing with great affection my take on Autumn clematis (or clematis paniculata) “vivacious…embracing…enveloping…a bit free with her favors…and goes by the honeyed name, Sweet Autumn Clematis”. Am I describing a lady of questionable behavior or a trailing vine that appears with great enthusiasm just at this time of the year?
And so, I found myself this mid-September rising to the challenge of locating new scenes of this lovely horticultural treat — in the early morning to capture the soft light of dawn or late afternoon on the way to a cocktail party (which always prompts a grumble from hubby). Nothing is too precious for my weekly posts!
With her fresh lime green buds that open to a beguiling five-petaled white star that grows in vast abundance (enveloping might be another word) she rambles and gambols over anything in her path. It’s become a bit of a game to find differing examples of just what I’m describing, but so rewarding.
One can easily forgive her wanton ways, though, when you view just how dreamy and romantic she makes everything look. “Bridal veil” is another popular name for her.
She complements architecture…
as well as framing romantic garden features, like a Federal Revival gate.
One never knows where they might run into this joyous display, or around which corner she may have decided to alight.
I remember specifically walking through downtown Newport on a route I hadn’t traveled at this time of the year, and there she was…perfectly at home on the hedges of two Colonial homes in Queen Anne Square, in the shadow of Trinity Church, adding appreciably to this historic Newport site. A meant-to-be moment…
As the years go by, I’ve come to appreciate another merit of the Private Newport posts — documenting houses, gardens, etc. that have been changed considerably (or no longer exist). Autumn clematis is a perfect example. The glorious display on a dear friend’s small “reading room,” that was posted way back in 2016, is no longer draping itself around the folly’s balustrade. So, for old time’s sake, I’m including some of those images here. I think you’ll agree that they are too special not to include.
If not already, I hope you’re now awakened to the possibilities of the Autumn Clematis, for “to see her is to love her.”
She sounds like an “All American Girl!!!” Beautiful!!! ❤️
franki
I live in the Midwest, specifically Nebraska. When is the best time of the year to plant Clematis. I have a fence that runs the length of my backyard that I would love to cover in Clematis. I so love Newport that I have planted 5 Hydrangea bushes and a plethora of Daffodils to give just a small sense of that Newport feel in my yard.
Never shall I forget the first time I saw Sweet Autumn Clematis. My future mother-in-law brought a swath of it in water in the car from Lynchburg, VA, to Columbia, SC, and artfully placed these fragrance rich flowing vines descending from two tall glass compotes on the tables for our rehearsal dinner. The results were breathtaking and I have adored “clinging vines” ever since.
Your Clematis special answered my question! As I drove around recently and saw this beautiful white creeper on many walls and bushes I thought I need to find out about the name of his plant to try it on the stone wall…… Eventually will let you know if i was successful. Next batch I encounter I will stop and smell…..