I just picked up a teeny baby "Tidal Wave" clematis. Looks like it's also known as "MultiBlue" (Clematis 'Multi Blue' and http://commons.wikimedia.org/w... ). I see that it's Zone 2 (prune after blooming). But when I look at the pictures on the plantfile, some of the pictures are .. well, very different from each other! Is that the way clematis' are? this is my very very first one. I really wanted one of those that are purple on the outside of the petals & fuchsia on in the inside.. I may see if I can find one of those this year too. I think I know exactly where I can plant this so that the roots are in the shade but the vines will be in the sun.

MultiBlue varies in how double it is throughout the season. Mine starts out double and later puts out some single blooms. Some of those pictures show what it looks like when the outer petals fall off and the fluffy center is left. That center can last quite a while.

Ooohkay.. that makes a LOT of sense now! I know not a damned thing about clematis other than I tried growing Sweet Autumn one time & it croaked almost immediately.

If you want a really tough one, try Jackmanii or Polish Spirit. But both need plenty of room.

If you want to try something different, try Vienetta. It's not supposed to be hardy here, but it's survived for me for years now on the northeast side of a spruce tree. It doesn't get huge, but it does put out interesting white/purple blooms all summer.

ooh, that is definitely interesting. http://www.clematis.be/vienett... I like that one. Wonder where I can get it. I'll have to check out the nurseries for that one. The Jackmanii is the one I was thinking of with the purple & fuchsia. Really pretty!

Fuchia? Mine just looks purple to me.



That's my daughter and cat in there.

hmm.. I'm probably 100% wrong then. This is what I'm thinking about: http://www.gardencrossings.com...

But I like this one too. http://www.donahuesclematis.co...

But that's probably 'Shopped.

I can vouch for this picture of Bourbon since it's mine, but it has since died. It never was really strong:


Dr. Ruppel is gorgeous. I've had it for quite a while:
Clematis 'Dr. Ruppel'

THIS is the one I was thinking of!! This one exactly!! I've seen it at Tagawa's, but didn't want to spend $40 for it (I'm cheap )

Yeah, Dr. Ruppel. You can often find it at Lowes for cheap, but be sure and buy one that is blooming so you get the right one. I've also seen it at O'Tooles for a lot less than that, and other places. I like mine a lot.

Dr. Ruppel is hardy and blooms well for me
Love your enthusiasm ! This clem was one of the few bargains I ever got locally

I have the Dr. growing in the window here right now and it has buds on it ! I'm just waiting for it to stop frosting at night so I can plant it out side ;0(