Week 33, Year 2: The Clematis Files

Back to clematis. Last year's attempts were a disaster. I planted two varieties and both were fairly pathetic. One never bloomed, and the other finally produced a couple pitiful flowers after having survived my "pruning" (a.k.a. butchering). It should have been clear that clematis was not meant for my containers, yet, a glutton for punishment, I thought I would try again despite the evidence. If last year was a C, I think this year is closer to a B+/A-.

This year's hopeful is dubbed "El Presidente" and produces large purple flowers. I got smarter and bought this clematis a little later in the season, so it wouldn't whither from the cold again. It also had a couple flowers already in bloom, so I knew I would at least get to enjoy something. Clematis is supposed to bloom in early June, so I knew I didn't have much time to produce a winner. I planted it in a large container with a trellis for it to climb, instead of trying to force it around our deck spindles. I put pansies and the bonfire begonia at the bottom to keep its feet "cold." I also put it in a sunnier spot, hoping that would help force it along.

Early on, it seemed I had another failure on my hands. The flowers that had been blooming on the plant when I purchased it had wilted (see the rather pathetic drooping above), and the stems had turned a nasty shade of brown. We left for a week of vacation, and I was fearful that I would be returning to a rather nasty scene clematis wise.

However, to my surprise not all was lost in our absence. Despite the 100 degree days, there was new growth on our plant when we returned. By solstice, we had buds, which turned into a couple new blooms.

We saw another two flowers by independence day. After that, it seemed like the clematis went on hiatus again, but last week it produced another two blooms and more new growth. I'm not really sure how to interpret this, but I have reached the following conclusions:

- this variety of clematis only produces 2 flowers at a time (that or it just hates me specifically)

- the climbing trellis is a must have for a potted clematis

- always plant something exciting at the bottom to distract from any failures at the top (e.g., the spectacular begonias)

- I still don't know what I'm doing clematis wise, but I've progressed enough to justify more punishment next year

Week 32, Year 2: The Showstopper

This year, the clear winner in my garden is the lisianthus. Lisianthus is the cultivated form of eustoma, a native prairie flower. The plant first caught my eye because it's wildflower origins suggest it is easy to grow and could be a real stunner.

Early Days: Mother's Day to Solstice

Lisianthus is a slow starter, but the results were definitely worth the wait. I planted mine in early May; splitting my plants between a mono container and sharing residence with coleus and browallia in a western facing window box. The plants started out at 3 inches, but steadily grew over 12 inches by end of June.

At one point, the leaves started to brown, and I quickly realized that I was overwatering this hardy wildflower. I also had to stake the stalks as they became too tall and started drooping.

Almost Blooming: Solstice to Independence Day

Finally, in early July, I started to note buds. However, I was startled to discover the buds were green, and not the purple that was promised on the tags. This was merely a ruse, though as the buds opened they appeared as a light lavender and gradually grew darker.

Beauties in Bloom: Independence Day to Present

After another week, the buds finally bloomed into bright purple flowers with neon green seeds in their center. The flowers most closely resemble a rose and survive for up to two to three weeks. Moreover, they make tremendous cut flowers. As in soil, the cut flowers area hardy and have lasted more than a week in my recent arrangements. Now, in mid August, my lisianthus is still blooming. I had to cut one stalk out of my potted version, but continue to see blooms on the remaining three stalks.

I am absolutely in love with the finished product and hope I can continue to plant this beautiful prairie flower in my garden for years to come.