Feature Flower for June - Clematis

Purple Clematis Bloom

For my latest flower of the month I chose the Clematis. I purchased my first plant last summer. Not being much of a green thumb, I  just prayed I could keep it alive. Not only did it survive the summer, I was happy to see it come back this spring. This summer it seems to be doing extremely well (see pictures). Clematis flowers grow on a vine and blooms range in size from 1" - 7". They grow best in cool, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. I have noticed that my humming birds really like them as well. Available in purple, blue, pink, white and bi-color, clematis are becoming more popular in floral design. Clematises add that wild flower/garden feel while still providing a unique, elegant flower. Most clematises have Chinese or Japanese origins.

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My Clematis Vine

Common Name: Clematis
Botanical Name: Clematis (KLEma-tis)


The Western white clematis was called pepper vine by early travelers and pioneers of the American Old West. Taking a tip from Spanish colonials, seed and the acrid leaves were used as a pepper substitute. Unlike black pepper or Capsicum, however, the compounds in clematis cause internal bleeding of the digestive tract if ingested in large amounts. Despite its toxicity, Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis as an effective treatment for migraine headaches and nervous disorders. It was also used as an effective treatment of skin infections. 

Interesting Fact: Some clematis plants will change the color of their blooms though out the season.

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