I was overjoyed to see blossoms on this clematis this year, mainly because it's a pretty special one. It's not an exceptional color, or even a very profuse bloomer, but it was John's grandmother's. By my calculations that makes the vine about 90 years old.
I've moved it three times in the fifteen years that I've had it, but I think I've finally found the perfect location. It has started to bloom and grow fairly well since the last move, and after seeing the flowers this year, it's staying put.
I was concerned because a lot of it died last winter and I had to carefully remove quite a bit this spring, but after some new mulch, a bit of tender loving care, and encouragement, I've been rewarded with more flowers than it's ever had before.
The flowers start out a deep shade of purple when they first open, gradually fading to a slightly lighter shade of lavender. Even after the flowers begin to look a bit bedraggled, I still love the seed heads. They remind me of little exploding fireworks!
Thanks to Mom-mom for her heirloom clematis, still providing magic even after 90 years. I think of her and her green thumb every time I look at it.
That's amazing -- I had no idea that a flowering plant could survive so long!
ReplyDeleteWow, Bonny! She looks very happy in her new spot!
ReplyDeleteThat is one beautiful plant Bonny. I love how the flowers fade into a lighter shade and your description of the spent seed heads is perfect!
ReplyDeleteOur 7 Sisters rose which climbs around a tree is from Fletcher's Mom's garden, and she got hers from her Mom's garden. Now Colin has asked for a cutting to plant on his property! I like to think of the stories those plants could tell.
Oh, that is the MOST MAGICAL kind of flower, Bonny! What a beautiful clematis -- tended with obvious love for 90 years. It brings chills . . . Just love clematis seed heads! (Once I was on a garden tour where the gardener had actually spray painted the clematis seed heads over an arbor with a metallic gold paint. It was totally over the top, but WOW . . . did those seed heads pop in a very magical way.) (The things some people do for a garden tour. Oh, man. . . ) XO
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful and clearly loving her new spot!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love that the flowers fade... the colors are so pretty. I think clematis seed heads are AMAZING!!
ReplyDeleteLove the colors! Like a painting!
ReplyDeleteEspecially with the fading colors! :-)
DeleteSo pretty! Clematis always look happy to me.
ReplyDeleteThat Clematis is incredibly beautiful and the story behind it makes it so special. I love heirloom flowers and I think it's wonderful that this one continues to thrive under your tender care.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you found the perfect place for your heirloom clematis. I have never had a clematis that lasted more than a few years, so I am very impressed with this one. It's lovely, and it induces all kinds of positive thoughts, so I hope it lives on for years and years.
ReplyDeleteA 90 year old plant so full of memories, rich in color and history--that truly is magical.
ReplyDeletewhat a sweet story to go with a beautiful flower that appears to love your green thumb!!
ReplyDeleteI love the plants that come with a story. The clematis is beautiful and the story is even dearer. How wonderful that you continue to tend that plant.
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