2017
Clematis and other plants in the garden by Aivars Irbe
Published in 2017 by Sol Vita, 2017, 240 pages, approximately 430 photos, language Latvian (but see review below), size 215 mm × 305 mm, weight 1112 gm, ISBN 978-9984-894-72-0, price €16.50 plus VAT (which when this review was written appeared to be 12%).
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
This is an update to Aivars’s previous book ‘Clematis in the Garden’ which I reviewed in 2005. As with his previous book, it is in Latvian, which I do not understand, but there is a one page summary in English explaining the concepts behind the book.
As the summary says: ‘This book is updated with new observations, information and experience from the gardens of Latvia and around the world.’ However, the new book is a completely different format from the previous book.
The majority of the book appears to be in the form of a diary written over a year from March 2015 to March 2016. There are comments and pictures of what is blooming in Aivars’s garden on a particular day. Some are clematis but there are many other plants featured. For example, on 23rd May 2015 there were clematis atragenes in flower and on 5th June, peonies, phlox and irises.
In the diary there is information about shows and events that Aivars has attended in Latvia and pictures and descriptions of a number of clematis books including The International Clematis Register and Checklist 2002 and a number of its supplements. There is advice and/or suggestions on growing clematis as some late flowering clematis feature early in the year with pictures on how they will be in bloom later on in the year.
After the diary there is detailed information on clematis subjects, for example on seeds, on growing clematis in the garden and in pots. One photo that caught my eye was of several clematis montana growing in pots, presumably so Aivars can bring them indoors for the winter. There is a section on using clematis as cut flowers and clematis memorabilia.
The different groups of clematis (atragenes, integrifolia, viticella etc.) are introduced and then covered in detail with a number of photographs. The book contains a table listing 230 clematis with the breeder, group, pruning group, height, blooming period and details about the flowers themselves such as shape, colour and size. Aivars also lists his top 25 large flowered clematis and top 25 small flowered clematis. Finally, there is a clematis index listing where the varieties are mentioned, where there are photographs and an ‘other plant’ index.
There are over 400 photographs in the hardback book and the majority of them are in focus and, I think, an accurate colour. Unfortunately there are a few photos, mainly of small flowered clematis, where the camera appears to have focused on the garden behind the clematis rather than the clematis itself. Some pictures are a full page and others are fitted three across a page to show different varieties. The photos show the wide range of clematis and other plants which Aivars grows in his garden. Overall it is an interesting book despite my lack of knowledge of Latvian.
[Editor’s note: Should you wish to purchase a copy of this book, one option is to visit the website of the publisher at www.solvitasgramatas.lv/index.php?pageid=1&bookid=177.]
2016
Plant Lovers Guide to Clematis by Linda Beutler
Published in 2016 by Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, USA, 254 pages, more than 275 illustrations, language English, hardback, 20.9 cm × 23.6 cm, ISBN 978-1-60469-659-2, price UK £17.99 or US $24.95
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
In summary, “A modern looking design with a traditional format but also a twist!“.
By modern design, I mean the way the photos and text have been put together. There are a number of large photos introducing new chapters with black edges and part of the photo is black and white. There are also panel inserts containing specific information.
The format is quite traditional in that there is information about how to grow clematis, a quick history of clematis (titled “Understanding the Genus”), growing and propagating including clematis for different situations, pests and diseases including wilt, growing from seeds and division etc.
The main part of the book, describing 196 clematis, is divided into two groups, Large-Flowered Hybrids and everything else. For each of the 196 clematis, Linda has given a description containing information relevant to the plant, as well as the normal info regarding height, light exposure, bloom time, pruning and zones. There is also a section on ‘Landscape Uses’ containing some interesting comments on growing the plants. Clematis which are listed in the Society’s Recommended Clematis (previously known as the “Clematis for Beginners List”) are also indicated.
The ‘twist’ in the book is brought by the author’s style and down to earth approach. Linda tells you about the plants attributes; good and bad. As Denise MacDonald said when we discussed the book, “Our President’s personality shines through!” One of my favourite sections is where Linda discusses the problems of growing Clematis armandii (page 58). She doesn’t mince her words. I read about the drawbacks of the plant and can hear her voice. Another amusing section is titled “The most challenging clematis you will ever lust after!” (Clematis florida var. florida ‘Sieboldiana’, page 47).
I talked with Denise and Roy Nunn about the photo quality. A number of the clematis look pale, e.g. ‘Étoile Violette’ (page 171), but overall Roy and I concluded the colours were acceptable. A few other photos appeared out of focus until you realized the small flower in the centre was sharp. We have only identified one as not being the correct flower.
Looking at the audience for this book, the general information and plant descriptions will certainly suit a beginner. However, the book has information for the more experienced grower too, especially one who wants a more ‘natural’ garden. There is interesting discussion on pruning and on the current groups – how they are not very helpful to the gardener or indeed to the plants themselves. Linda suggests how the plant pruning groups might be revised and we will see in the future if her suggestions are accepted.
2015
Puķu draugi by Aivars Irbe
“Flower Friends”, the feeling of joy, which you do not buy with money”
Published by Sol Vita (Latvian Publishing House), 239 pages, more than 450 illustrations, language Latvian with a 4 page English summary, hardback, 304 mm × 215 mm, ISBN: 978-9984-894-43-0
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
The first meeting of the “Flower Friends” was in 1978. To date they have met some 37 times, and the initially small group has expanded to over 2000 people.
They get together to swap stories, renew friendships, make new friends, pass on expertise, ask and answer questions, in fact share every aspect of their love of flowers. This book celebrates the history of the Flower Friends, documenting it through stories and photos.
For a small country (population just over 2 million) Latvian culture is surprisingly rich in arts and crafts, including horticulture and love of gardens and plants. The International Clematis Society saw this on our visit to Latvia in 1992. I can still remember being amazed at the number of new clematis cultivars we were shown, all bred in Latvia.
Whilst the language of this book is Latvian, it does contain a 4 page summary in English, giving a brief explanation of the history of Flower Friends and its activities. It contains a 4 page chapter dedicated to Clematis and Aivars kindly provided a translation, along with some suitable images. This is reproduced in this issue, starting on page 154.
Other than a few illustrations which are probably taken from old 35 mm slides, they are very good. And anyone who has visited Latvia will surely recognize many of the locations, and will be reminded of good times.
2014
Clematis – by Andrew Mikolajski
Published by Southwater books, 64 pages, more than 150 illustrations, language English, paperback, 20.2 cm × 23.5 cm, ISBN-13;978-1-78019-251-2 and ISBN-10: 1-78019-251-7, price UK £6.99 or US $9.99.
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
This book is advertised on the cover as ‘An Illustrated Guide to Varieties, Cultivation and Care, with Step-by-step Instructions and Over 150 Beautiful Photographs’.
The Author has edited RHS garden books and he has used Chris Grey-Wilson as a consultant for this paperback book. The chapters are all that one would expect in a comprehensive book and practical information is crammed into the space.
Practical advice on cultivation and growing against a wall or in a container is good. Small insets list clematis suitable for certain positions, which is useful.
The book does contain a large number of photos but somehow it does not have the ‘wow’ factor. There are a large number of pictures in the book with only a few pictures that are not quite the right colour or not sharp.
Although this book was published in 2013 all the varieties of clematis which are described are ones that have been available for a number of years. For example C. ‘Guernsey Cream’ which was introduced in 1989 is one of the newer varieties that I could find. This means that none of the more recent excellent garden varieties have been included, for example C. ‘Arabella’. The brief history at the beginning of the book mentions a ‘resurgence of interest in the genus after World War II‘ but goes no further.
A useful book for the ‘beginner’ rather than the ‘expert’ clematis grower covering all the standard topics. I found it disappointing.
Create Your Own Beautiful Clematis Garden – by Akihito Kaneko and Youma Oikawa
Published by Kodansha, 96 pages, many illustrations, language Japanese, paperback, 18.7 cm × 26 cm, ISBN 978-4-06-218191-4, price ¥1700.
Review by Fiona Woolfenden
For me, this book really has that “wow” factor, despite the fact I can’t understand most of the text. However, where clematis are listed, for example as being good for growing round windows or on walls, then the clematis variety name is given in English with the chapter heading. The rest of the text is Japanese.
This book is to persuade Japanese gardeners to use clematis in the garden as well as growing them in pots as is usual in Japan. There are suggestions of roses and other plants to grow with clematis and some lovely pictures of clematis growing in harmony with other plants in the garden. Instructions for growing clematis with roses suggest how far apart to plant the clematis and rose to enable the blooms to entwine for flowering.
Suggestions for clematis to grow around windows, on walls, on fences and over arches are all covered along with planting instructions.
The featured clematis include relatively recently introduced varieties (including C. ‘Arabella’!) and a few new varieties that I have not heard of, though some of them were exhibited at the Floriade in Holland in 2012.
There is also information on growing clematis in pots with one chapter showing how to plant a clematis in a pot for mixed container planting, using a pot divider so that the clematis roots are segregated at the back of the pot. Other low plants are grown in the front half of the pot. There are also comprehensive pictures showing how to re-pot a clematis back into the same pot after having removed the old compost and trimmed the roots.
Finally my eye was caught by chapters on persuading C. montana and C. armandii to bloom. This is a problem that I am not familiar with in the UK.
An interesting and attractive book showing many different ways to grow clematis.
2013
The Concise Guide to Clematis in North America – Clearview Horticultural Products Inc.
Published by Clearview Horticultural Products Inc., Canada, 68 pages plus covers, over 200 pictures of clematis plus pictures of some other climbers, language English, 21 cm × 27.8 cm, available from www.clearviewhort.com. Price $9.95 CAD + $3.95 Shipping & Handling for Canadian orders.
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
Although at first glance I thought this was the plant sales catalogue from Clearview Horticultural Products in British Columbia, Canada, it actually contains descriptions of cultivars not (currently) available from them plus additional information that makes it very useful, especially to customers in North America, both Canada and USA, at which it is aimed.
As well as advice on planting and pruning, there is also information on protecting clematis to ensure survival in colder zones by planting deep so that the top growth will rejuvenate from below ground level, as well as planting in shade to protect the plants from the sun in the height of the summer. There is a warning concerning growing montanas which in colder areas of North America may never flower due to the top growth being killed off every winter.
The book is nicely laid out on quality glossy paper, a photograph of each clematis variety (which look reasonably accurate) with a description and symbols providing advice on the amount of sun the plant requires and whether it is suitable for growing in containers or for cut flowers. Several clematis bred by Clearview are also featured. As well as featuring over 200 clematis the catalogue contains other climbers.
My only criticism is that a few of the names of the clematis are not quite correct, for example Fuji Musume as opposed to Fujimusume. However the book is a useful addition to the clematis book collection of any enthusiast.
2011
Clematis – An essential guide by Ruth and Jonathan Gooch
Publication expected early May 2011 by The Crowood Press, www.crowood.com, 256 pages, many pictures, language English, hardback, 18.9 cm × 24.6 cm, ISBN 978-1-84797-251-4. Price £25.00.
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
[Editor’s note: My thanks to Crowood Press for providing both a black and white proof copy and electronic colour copy of one section for this review, written prior to the publication date. However this does mean that it is not possible to give definitive comment on colour rendition of the pictures.]
This is a “must have” book for Clematis enthusiasts and although I’ve only seen a draft copy and an electronic version of a section, I’m eagerly awaiting a copy of the actual book. Ruth and Jon hope to have it available at Chelsea at the end of May.
It is a greatly revised version of the 1996 book, generally following a similar layout and chapters but with 440 photos which greatly improve the look and feel, especially the number of full page pictures of clematis, pruning, etc.
The chapter on Plant Hunters and Breeders has been updated. It is sad to see how much revision this chapter has needed when compared to the previous version, due to the death of so many famous names.
The chapters covering the many different ways of growing clematis, although somewhat similar to the previous issue, have been updated and continue to offer very sound advice. The suggested clematis for growing in different situations has been revised, although this wasn’t obvious to me initially as the list of clematis to grow with roses has changed little. Perhaps this shows how recent introductions are more suitable for containers than the garden.
The section that has been updated the most is Clematis Profiles, now containing details of 400 clematis cultivars (according to the press details, I did not actually count them!). There are three or four clematis described on every page including the essential details (flowering period, aspect, pruning, height etc.) plus, for some, a personalized comment from Ruth and Jon of their experience of growing them.
There are photos of most clematis and they look sharp and accurate for colour from the draft copy that I have seen. My only criticism is that the pictures within the clematis profiles are on the small side. But, of course, without doing that, the book would be twice the size – and probably twice the price!
The clematis are listed alphabetically under their “common name” to avoid naming confusion, with group information provided separately; including Diversifolia referenced as a separate group.
It is 10 years since “An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Clematis” was published. Since then there have been many new cultivars, the majority of which are probably listed for the first time in this book. Examples include C. ‘Tie Dye’ and C. ‘Celebration’, along with a large number bred by Raymond Evison and Wim Snoeijer, and introductions from Japan.
In fact this book probably contains the most comprehensive list of current cultivars of any recent publication (one or two nursery catalogues excepted!).
For those of us that like a book to browse this will be a very useful addition to our library, both for its advice and the up-to-date plant profiles.
Clematis – over 100 beautiful varieties by Andromeda Matz & Krister Cedergren
Published 2010 by New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd., www.newhollandpublishers.com, 157 pages, more than 100 pictures, language English, hardback, 19 cm × 22.5 cm, ISBN 978-1-84773-691-8. Price £15 but may be available online for less.
Review by Fiona Woolfenden
This book was first published in 2008 in Swedish. It has been translated into English in 2010 and there are some phrases that are not quite correct in English. It has all the usual growing information succinctly but adequately covered including comments from the authors’ experiences of growing clematis. The proportion of space taken up by photos is bigger than text so I would categorize the book as a nice present for a friend rather than an informative book for the clematis enthusiast – but I enjoyed reading it.
In the section containing clematis types to grow, most of the clematis featured are known as good garden growers, with the Viticella group presented first. The pictures in this section are large close ups of the flowers although there are some garden shots elsewhere in the book. Generally the photos are good though there are a few that are blurred.
The special thing for me about this book was the small section called “The originators of the modern clematis” which contains information about Magnus Johnson, Tage Lundell and John Gudmundsson; the latter is someone that I had not heard of before. There is also information on one of the authors, Krister Cedergren, and the varieties that he has bred, one of which I grow (C. ‘Jenny’). Also scattered throughout the book are mention and photos of other clematis bred by Krister.
ELULÕNGAD igasse aeda (Clematis To Every Garden) by Erika Mahhov
Published by Menu Kirjastus, 256 pages, over 300 pictures and illustrations, language Estonian, hardback, 19 cm × 24.5 cm, ISBN 978-9949-4700-2-0. Price believed around 20 Euro.
Review by Fiona Woolfenden
Written in Estonian this is a very well presented and substantial book with the text and photos attractively arranged.
Unfortunately I cannot understand it but a note at the end of the book in English says that it is based on the 35 year experience of the author’s family which I can believe as it looks to be full of information on different types of clematis, planting, pruning, propagation, training, growing on different types of supports, division and preparing clematis for the winter.
I can see from the photographs that the first chapter deals with the history of clematis, European breeders including Estonian breeders and clematarians such as Guido Toovere, Uno Kivistik, Erich Pranno and Eino Kala.
The pictures are generally good but I find that the grey background to a number of them, especially smaller pictures, makes the photo appear dark. However, this is balanced by a number of pictures of clematis growing in combination with other clematis or different plants in the garden which show good colour combinations and provide ideas on which plants to grow together.
The main part of the book provides information on about 90 clematis cultivars which look as if they are listed alphabetically within the usual Clematis Group classifications.
Generally there is one clematis cultivar to a page with a substantial description including information about its origins. For each of the clematis featured there is at least one large photo and there are only a few that do not look accurate.
The clematis featured are generally either well tried varieties or those of Estonian origin. There are quite a large number of smaller flowered clematis suitable for a hardy climate.
The Clematis as a Garden Flower by Thomas Moore and George Jackman
Published in 2010 by BiblioBazaar, an imprint of Bibliolife which in turn is a project of Bibliolabs LLC, www.bibliolabs.com, 206 pages, illustrated (but see review), ISBN 978-1-14-399943-7. Price approximately £17.00 or less.
Reviewed by Roy Nunn
[Editor’s note: The following statement appears within the product description of this book on at least one online shop from which it can be bought. “This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR’d book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artefact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.”]
A reprinted copy of the original 1872 book, the text is readable but not copied with care as torn pages are not repaired before they were scanned. It is also a shame that some of the illustrations were not unfolded before copies were made. This means only a third of some images are reproduced. [Ed: see below.]
The Book Cover is confusing as it depicts a field of wheat, what this has to do with a book about Clematis I am not sure. Having said this; this is a book for which the original is not readily available and therefore is likely to be expensive. Being a relatively cheap reproduction of the original text, it is a must for those interested in the history of Clematis.
This paperback version of the original has, I suspect, been digitally scanned and then laser printed to give a generally clear image of the text, but some areas of small text are only just readable, possibly due to the copying of unclear text in the original. The work consists of a forward of 13 pages (of which one page describes the possibility of “occasional imperfections” in the following main work of 157 pages, there are also 17 black and white reproductions of plates, 4 of which have been ruined, as they are folded plates that have not been opened up during the scanning process, of the 13 other plates 7 are of C. ‘Jackmanii’ this obviously being Jackman’s pride and joy which he wishes to advertise.
The book consists of 18 Chapters, covering subjects as diverse as;
- Modern (1880’s) hybrids from English and European Nurseries
- Classification into groups and definitions
- Selections for Conservatory, bedding out, for pillars pole rockwork and rooteries and exhibition work etc.
- General Culture of Groups, Montana, Patens and Florida; Soil, planting, manuring, Training and Pruning
- General Culture of the Graveolens type
- General Culture of Lanuginosa type
- General Culture of the Viticella type
- General Culture of the Non-climbing herbaceous types
- Culture of Clematis for the Conservatory
- Clematis as wall plants
- Clematis as bedding plants
- Clematis as Pillar Plants
- Clematis on Rock and root work
- Special culture of Clematis as Exhibition Plants
- List of Certified plants at Metropolitan Shows from 1862 to 1870
- Hints on Hybridizing and sowing seed
- Classified list of hardy species and varieties of Clematis
- Descriptive notes of species and varieties of hardy Clematis.
As to the readability of the book, it is in typical Victorian garb, as noted by its title (why use one word when more will do). It is interesting to see how many of the species are still available, but with name changes, C. angustifolia is listed having returned to this name after a period as hexapetala. It is interesting to note that lots of the hybrids have disappeared over the years, so it is worth seeking out those listed in the book that are still available, which will have undergone the test of time.
I was somewhat surprised at the lack of Atragene species or hybrids, but looking further into this it appears that only C. alpina may have been available to them at this time. The pruning groups are described, but I found the description of pruning group 1 or A clematis somewhat confusing.
The book also divides clematis into 8 cultural groups, which at the time was possibly a helpful consideration, but today this grouping would be considered outdated.
There is a glowing reference to C. viticella and subsequent hybrids which highlights their hardiness, ease of cultivation and generally prolific show of flowers, something I wholeheartedly agree with.
Overall I found the book informative and interesting to the Historian, shame about the inappropriate cover, torn pages and the folded plates.
Clematis Flammula by Lambert M. Surhone, Mariam T. Tenroe, Susan F. Henssonow (Ed.)
Published in 2011 by Betascript Publishing, owned I believe by VDM Publishing House Ltd., Mauritius, distributed by Morebooks Publishing through themselves and various other outlets, 68 pages, language English, paperback, ISBN 978-613-3-52210-7. Price 29 Euro.
AND
Clematis Lanuginosa by Lambert M. Surhone, Mariam T. Tenroe, Susan F. Henssonow (Ed.)
Published in 2011 by Betascript Publishing, owned I believe by VDM Publishing House Ltd., Mauritius, distributed by Morebooks Publishing through themselves and various other outlets, 68 pages, language English, paperback, ISBN 978-613-3-52237-4. Price 29 Euro.
Reviewed by Roy Nunn
[Editor’s note: I’d like to thank Betascript Publishing for providing the Society with electronic review copies of these two publications
I came across these titles, both by the same authors and publisher and both 68 pages long, whilst browsing the online book seller, Amazon. There appear to be at least 20 other titles related to clematis by the same authors and publisher and all are also 68 pages long. I do not know whether the content of the titles which we have not seen is the same as the two that we have seen.
Betascript state quite clearly that the content of these publications comes from the online website, Wikipedia.
Finally I’d like to thank Roy Nunn for agreeing to review these two publications.]
Having been sent the above two books to review, I was somewhat excited that a 68 page tome had been produced on a little known but recently rediscovered Clematis, but was a little suspicious that 68 pages could be written on any one clematis.
After reading the book on C. lanuginosa, which took all of half an hour, I thumbed through the second book on C. flammula, only to find that it had exactly the same content but arranged in a different order as the first book.
Basically the description for C. lanuginosa just occupies a few lines (100 words) on one page of each book. The C. flammula entry as expected has more information but only occupies 186 words, but in both cases there is no botanical description of the plant.
All entries seem to be directly copied from the Wikipedia Website, there is also a picture and basic reference copied from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) website, even the picture shown is not of species lanuginosa, but C. ‘Nelly Moser’. In fact the description in the Morebooks Publishing website, listed as the distributors, occupies more space than the text of C. lanuginosa in the book. The remainder of the book consists of various descriptions of other Clematis that also appear in Wikipedia, which amounts to about 37 pages plus pictures and classification from the USDA, the remainder being occupied by descriptions of some of the Ranunculaceae species and general descriptions of plant botany, also a few pages are taken up with rights issues and disclaimer (small print), plus three blank pages.
On looking at the Betascript website, it states that its information is openly obtained directly from Wikipedia and other open publications where it is lawful to do so. But it is worth bearing in mind that information produced on Wikipedia may not have been verified by experts in its field and the content of the book bears the same remit. In my opinion when buying books of a technical nature it is always a good idea to buy from a well-known author, or one that has been recommended by experts in its field.
Would I buy these books or recommend our members to purchase? As the content is readily available from the Wikipedia and USDA websites there is no point in anyone with internet access paying for it. For anyone else, at 29 Euros for one of these books, it’s a lot of money for a small amount of information that is unstructured, unfocussed and of questionable merit.
2010
Clematis Cultivar Group Classification with Identifying Key and Diagrams – Wim Snoeijer
Published 2009 by Wim Snoeijer (see Membership List for contact details), language English, 202 pages in full colour including 200+ illustrations, cover hard-bound, size A4, Price 110 Euros including P&P worldwide.
To order, please contact Wim Snoeijer on wimsnoeijer@zonnet.nl or see the Society website at www.clematisinternational.com.
[Editor’s note: This book was published in 2009 shortly before Clematis International 2009 went to press. Consequently, as I said at the time, I confined the Book Reviews entry (see CI2009 page 169) to a brief description. I am pleased to publish a number of reviews by members, which I believe reflect the breadth of thought and debate that this book has generated. In the following reviews, for readability I have abbreviated the book title to “Clematis Cultivar Group Classification”.]
In Clematis International 2010, this book was reviewed by Victoria Matthews, Deborah Hardwick, Ides Dehaene, Edith Malek, Aivars Irbe.
A Love for Clematis by Akihito Kaneko
Published in 2009 by NHK Japan, https://www.nhk-book.co.jp, 208 pages, many photographs, language Japanese, paperback. ISBN 978-4-14-645785-0. Price 1500 Yen.
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
This is packed with information and photographs of clematis, many of which look as if they are taken at Clematis-no-Oka, also known as the Clematis Hill White Garden, which the Society visited in 2008.
There is information about the different types of clematis with a number of pictures of specific cultivars, with English names. Most of the pictures have accurate colours but there are inevitably one or two that do not look quite correct. The garden photos really are excellent and even for the non-Japanese speaking clematis enthusiast worth buying the book for. Note: where clematis are featured in a garden or with other plants, the names are not in English.
There is a four page section where 12 species of Clematis native to Japan are described which again is interesting.
The sections titled Caring for Clematis and Freeing Clematis contain a number of diagrams on how to prune clematis – unfortunately as this is in Japanese it is difficult to work out exactly what is being explained and it looks interesting which is frustrating. However, the diagrams and pictures explaining how to train clematis around an obelisk, tree, wall as well as the more traditional canes in a pot (Andon-zukuri) are easier to understand. There is also information on layering, dividing clematis, sowing seeds etc.
A section on Roses as the “Best Partner” completes the book.
Clematis by Kozo Sugimoto
Published in 2009 by Gakken Educational Publishers, Japan, http://hon.gakken.jp/, 192 pages, many photographs, language Japanese, A5 paperback. ISBN 978-4-05-403946-9. Price 1500 Yen.
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
I would describe this book as a pocket sized reference book mainly filled with photos of Clematis cultivars and descriptions (in Japanese) with the names of the cultivars in English. Ideal for taking to the garden centre to check the flower colour, type etc before buying a plant. The clematis are mostly arranged by colour so all the purples, blues, whites, reds are grouped together which is unusual. The pictures are generally of good quality and colour.
There is a large section at the back that covers pruning and training clematis for growing in pots around short supports which is a growing technique known in Japan as Andon-zukuri. It also explains how to move a plant up from one pot size to a larger one using slightly larger supports. Suitable mixes of compost for different types of roots for different species of clematis are also covered briefly.
The book is topped and tailed by sections on growing clematis in the garden, taking cuttings, seed sowing and some pictures of clematis in the garden. It has an attractive cover covered in different clematis flowers
(Decorate the Garden with Climbing Plants)
Published May 2008 by NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), Japan, 157 pages, many photographs, language Japanese, 23.5 cm by 18.3 cm, ISBN 978-4-14-011247-2. Price 1200 Yen.
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
This book is primarily about roses, secondly about clematis and thirdly all other climbers. It should have been reviewed last year but unfortunately was missed out.
A number of cultivars of roses and clematis are featured with pictures and descriptions. The pictures are generally good with names also given in English. Planting, pruning, training and propagation information is given for both clematis and roses with information on pests and diseases.
The information on other climbers is limited.
Two things interest me about this book. Firstly it has some lovely photographs of roses and clematis, in particular in courtyards, in secluded places and on the edge of houses – which make me want to create something similar.
Secondly there are a few interesting diagrams of where climbers can be planted on the outside of the house and the surrounding area and trained up and over various supports. I do wish I could translate these pages!
CLEMATIS – F.M. Westphal
Hauptkatalog (main catalogue) 2008/9
A4 format, language mainly German but with extensive English translation, also symbols key in six other languages, cost 10.00 Euros
Reviewed by Werner Stastny
This is the latest edition of Westphal’s main catalogue. Manfred Westphal has produced this catalogue for many years and every new edition gets more book-like.
Manfred Westphal’s aim is to give as much relevant information on the subject, Clematis. All these clematis are available on the market. This nursery supplies a large assortment of hybrids and species.
The catalogue comprises 108 pages, featuring more than 400 hybrids and species. Every hybrid or species has an excellent colour-true photo and description. The description gives the following information; flower size, flowering month, growing height, growing width, seed heads, pruning group, container culture, position, price, and more information
The photos are in different sizes. Some photos are page sized, on some pages there are three photos per page and some have six photos per page.
New in this edition are descriptions in both German and English. Inside the back cover is a translation in six more languages; Danish, Swedish, French, Italian, Russian and Polish. You just open up the flap with the translation and see all the information. It is very convenient.
The catalogue is divided into chapters, for example, early and late flowering / small and large flowered clematis, the Viticella, Diversifolia and Texensis Groups and special clematis.
There are 10 additional pages with other useful information, including position, soil conditions, planting when and how, seed heads, planting in containers, general care, pruning techniques, placing clematis, supports and pests and diseases.
Additional to this catalogue, Manfred Westphal prints, for a second year, the Mini Katalog Sortenliste, a half size catalogue with similar content but with the addition of his latest cultivars – over 500 different cultivars, 104 pages).
Westphal Clematis also works in cooperation with Mr. Barry Fretwell of Peveril Clematis Nursery and propagates Peveril Clematis cultivars under licence for the market outside the UK.
Mr Barry Fretwell has a large range of new hybrids, mainly with C. texensis as a parent. Please see my article on page 172 for further information on these lovely small flowering plants.
2009
The International Clematis Register and Checklist 2002 – Third Supplement – RHS
compiled by Duncan Donald, International Clematis Registrar
Published in 2009 by The Royal Horticultural Society, 80 Vincent Square, LONDON, SW1P 2PE, Great Britain. Web site: http://www.rhs.org.uk/ ISBN 978-1-902896-96-0 Price £5.00 plus post and packing.
Also available as a free download from the RHS website (as are the 1st and 2nd Supplements) www.rhs.org.uk/Learning/Publications/registers/plantregisters.htm
Information by Ken Woolfenden
I am pleased to announce that The International Clematis Register and Checklist 2002 3rd Supplement has now been published.
The International Clematis Register and Checklist 2002 is a must for the bookshelf of every clematis lover. However, clematis registration continues year on year and the supplements provide an essential updating service.
The Third Supplement comprises a 52 page booklet, with 723 entries:
- 82 of these are for cultivars registered since the Second Supplement of 2006, as published in Clematis International 2007, 2008 and 2009,
- 91 are significant amendments to existing entries in either the 2002 Register and Checklist or the previous two supplements,
- the remaining entries fall into the “checklist” category, that is additions and/or amendments to common names, species, unregistered cultivars, trade designations, Group names, synonyms or mis-spelling found to be in use somewhere in the world.
This publication is available as a free download, as described above, or as a paper copy from RHS literature sources, including the RHS Wisley Gardens shop in Surrey, UK, at a cost of £5.00.
For the cost of post and packing and to place an order, please contact the RHS at RHS Enterprises Ltd, RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB, Great Britain, by telephone on +44 (0) 845 260 4505; by fax on +44 (0) 1483 211003, or by email to mailorder@rhs.org.uk.
Clematis Cultivar Group Classification with Identifying Key and Diagrams – Wim Snoeijer
Published 2009 by Wim Snoeijer (see Membership List for contact details), language English, 202 pages in full colour including 200+ illustrations, cover hard-bound, size A4, Price 110 Euros including P&P worldwide.
To order, please contact Wim Snoeijer on wimsnoeijer@zonnet.nl or see the Society website at www.clematisinternational.com.
Described by Ken Woolfenden
Wim Snoeijer is well known to many members from our visit to J. van Zoest nursery in the Netherlands where he is the clematis breeder, from the many lectures and presentations he has given to the Society, the fascinating workshop he ran on ‘Clematis Identification’ at our meeting in Cambridge in 2004.
Wim has been working on his Group Classification for many years and this book is the result of this research.
The book has only just become available and, given the content, requires more time to digest and review than is available to this issue of Clematis International. I propose therefore to confine this report to a brief description and leave reviews of the content to hopefully the next issue of this journal.
The book is beautifully produced, with many colour photographs, reproduced very accurately as far as I can see.
Wim says about his book: “This book contains a vast overview of my Clematis Cultivar Group Classification which I developed over the years. The Cultivar Groups are fully described including Cultivar Group Standards and illustrations.
The relation between the Cultivar Groups are explained by text and by diagrams, something never done before in Clematis and probably also not for any other cultivated genus. The Key to identify the Cultivar Group is also unique. Solutions are also suggested for several cultivar nomenclature problems.
Extra: There is an extra inlay of Diagram No 2 on A3 size, so the Diagram can be consulted while reading the text.“
Indeed the inlay is very cleverly done such that you can refer to it easily whilst reading any part of the book.
This book is a serious and technical treatise which will, I’m sure, encourage discussion and debate on the subject of the Group Classification of Clematis.
Kivistiku Elulõgaraamat Clematis – Aili and Taavi Kivistik
Published 2008 by Forma Media AS, Tallinn, Estonia. www.forma.ee, 120 pages, 369 photographs, language Estonian, hardback, 21.5 cms × 23 cms, ISBN 978 9985 9830 4 1. Price 350 Estonian Kroons (~24 Euros, ~23 GBP)
Reviewed by Wim Snoeijer
This is a book about Uno Kivistik’s legacy, his Clematis introductions, and about Clematis in general.
The most important pages are dedicated to the Clematis cultivars that Kivistik raised and introduced. There are 137 cultivars listed as such, all accompanied with a photograph and short description. Although the language is Estonian, which I do not read, the descriptions of the cultivars are clear enough to understand most of the information with the help of internationally understandable symbols.
Of course there are pictures of Uno Kivistik working in his garden – he also raised and introduced apples and roses, of which a few cultivar names are listed.
Other chapters are more general about care and planting and there is an A-Z listing of 142 generally known cultivars. At the end of the book there is a summary in English and Russian.
Overall the pictures are actually quite good. ‘Allanah’ is, perhaps, slightly overdone, true red and very distinct red colour compared with the red ‘Alexandrit’ on the same page. Another example of a difficult flower colour is ‘Royal Velours’ and this picture also is quite good.
The cultivars in both sections (Kivistik’s introductions & the A-Z list) are listed by cultivar name in alphabetical order and not under a supposed species, hybrid, or group name. What a joy and how easy to find a name. It is not necessary to use the index, a real plus!
The book is meant, obviously, for the national market and probably also for the adjacent regions such as Russia. It will no doubt raise the interest in Clematis.
For those living outside Estonia the book is worth having essentially for its pages about the cultivars that Uno Kivistik raised and introduced.
This book review was written on a signed copy which the authors kindly presented to Clematis nursery J. van Zoest B.V., Boskoop, The Netherlands. I bought my copy directly from the publisher as I could not find any internet bookshop (yet) that offered the book. Despite the European Union and all its supposed benefits for its inhabitants, I had to pay 30 Euro for bank costs.
Additional comments from Erika Mahhov
The book was published in 2008, in memory of Uno Kivistik who passed away 10 years before (12th July 1998). It tells the reader about the many years of clematis breeding that was carried out at Roogoja Farm, but more importantly, it documents all the cultivars created by Uno and Aili Kivistik, as well as the experiments performed by Uno Kivistik with apple and pear trees, roses and even grape vines.
Due to the fact that many of the pictures in the book are from the 1980s, the inconsistencies in classification and names is understandable and excusable. However it would have helped if the names would have been reviewed a little more thoroughly by the editor.
A fascinating detail in the book is the way the etymology (history and derivation) of the names of the clematis is brought out for many Kivistik cultivars, for example geographical locations in Estonia (Tartu, Kasmu), family members and acquaintances (Tiiu, Jaan), nature (Piilu), etc.
Clematis, i inne pnacza ogrodowe – Szczepan Marczyñski
poradnik o katalog o zestawienia o systematyka, Eskspert W Ogradzie, Pierwsze W Polsce Kompendium Weidzy O Pnaczach
Published 2008 by MULTICO Oficyna Wydawnicza, Warzawa, Poland, 280 pages, 639 photographs, language Polish, hardback, 21.5 cms × 26.5 cms, ISBN 978 83 7073 409 1. Price 55 Polish Zloty (~13 Euros, ~12 GBP)
Reviewed by Wim Snoeijer
Szczepan Marczyñski kindly presented me a copy of his book on his visit to the nursery in Boskoop on August 7th 2008. Clearly it is a book form of the author’s website and what he grows at his wholesale nursery in Poland. And for those that do not know; the nursery also grows climbing plants, from kiwi fruit to climbing roses as well as a lot of Clematis.
When you know Szczepan and when you are familiar with his website you know in advance what the book will be like; the content is both outstanding and overwhelming. This becomes obvious just by looking at the front cover. There is so much information in the book, I hope it does not put the gardener off buying a copy or indeed a plant.
And when you are finally at the end of the A-Z plant listing you will come to pages of tables on all kinds of matters which I fortunately do not understand as I do not read Polish.
The number of photographs is enormous and, except for a couple, are all taken by Szczepan, an exceptional task. The colours of the flowers are, in general, very good (the violet-blue flowers of ‘The President’ are as good as a photograph) and I can not remember that I have ever seen such an exquisite photograph of the fruits of Akebia quinata as on page 11. Of course there are general chapters as in any plant book on cultivation, pest and diseases, etc. The pictures taken of climbing plants in gardens, in houses, in streets, etc. provide an extra bonus to experience a little bit of Polish life. There are some drawings too, very clear indeed, and probably the best hardiness map of Europe on pages 22-23 that I have ever seen.
The number of pictures is more than enough to justify a copy, even for those that cannot read Polish. Considering the quality of the cover and paper, the very modern and easy to understand lay-out and the quality of colour printing, it is unbelievable that the book costs only 55 Polish Zloty.
My sincere compliments to Szczepan.
Klematis – Andromeda Matz & Krister Cedergren
– över 100 utvalda sorter
Published 2008 by Prisma, Stockholm, Sweden. www.prismabok.se, 160 pages, 113 photographs, language Swedish, hardback, 19.5 cms × 23.5 cms, ISBN 978-91-518-4590-6. Price 290 Swedish Kroner (~27 Euros, ~25.50 GBP)
Reviewed by Wim Snoeijer
The cultivars listed are divided into two groups, “small flowering clematis” and “large flowering clematis”. Within the &small flowering clematis” the cultivars are further divided into groups. Listing cultivars this way needs a very good index, otherwise a gardener that bought ‘Emilia Plater’ for instance is not able to find the description as the cultivar is described in the Viticella Group in the “small flowering clematis” chapter. But unfortunately an A-Z index is missing. There is an index, but this is in flower colour order. So, you can only find the page on which ‘Emila Plater’ is described if you know the cultivar has pale blue flowers.
This index, by the way, on 2½ pages gives a good overview if a gardener wants to choose a clematis by colour and there is also a list of fragrant clematis, very helpful.
A lot of the pictures are full page sized and most are good. I also like the layout in combination with the page-sized pictures. One or two pictures are out of focus, for example ‘Nelly Moser’ on page 35 but the picture of ‘Asao’ on page 119 is a little gem. The picture of ‘Natacha’ on page 19 covers the whole page and I guess is the most important picture in the book.
The cultivars with their descriptions and pictures take most of the pages of the book, 95 pages. The other pages are general chapters like care and planting and combinations with other plants. I do not read Swedish but there is a chapter devoted to three famous Swedish Clematarians; John Gudmundsson, Tage Lundell and Magnus Johnson. This chapter is surely well worth translating into English for the Journal.
Clearly the book is meant for the Swedish market and will, no doubt, boost the interest in Clematis.
This book review was written based on signed copy kindly sent to me by Krister Cedergren.
Clématites – Didier Willery
Comment les planter. Quelles variétés choisir. Comment les tailler.
Published September 2006 by l’Ami des jardins et de la maison. Hors-série. Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, 83 pages, 219 photographs, language French, paperback, 21 cms × 28.5 cms, ISBN 1277-7765. Price 6.90 Euros (~6.50 GBP)
Reviewed by Wim Snoeijer
The author is known for his prize winning book Clématites which he wrote together with Arnoud Travers and published in 2001.
This publication is similar to a magazine, part of a series on several gardening and plant issues of at least 24 different issues. As can be expected with such a series, the normal general topics are included but are quite brief. However the range is very wide, from habitat, different flower shapes, planting and cultivation and fragrant clematis. I particularly liked the brief chapter on combinations between clematis and other plants.
The pictures are quite reasonable although a few are over-coloured. All pictures seem to be of French origin.
For such a low cost the buyer gets a good amount of information.
2008
Clematis for Small Spaces – Raymond J Evison
Published 2007 by Timber Press Inc., 272 pages, ISBN-13: 978-0-88192-851-8. Price £20.00
Reviewed by Josie Hulbert
The marketing skills of Timber Press and the Evison-Poulson partnership are apparent as soon as you pick up this book. Even a non clematis fan will be impressed by the cover photograph.
The title “Clematis for Small Spaces” will certainly interest most people in new build houses with smaller gardens. Once you start to read this book however you find it covers much more than small gardens with most of the 150 photographs being taken at RHS Wisley and Abbey Dore Court, neither being small!
The photographs are good, however as with most books on clematis the colours are not always true with some of the photographs having more depth of colour than in reality. This I feel is a minor fault as the photographs give you a real feel for the ideas that the author is portraying.
Mr Evison is probably the most well-known author and grower of clematis. His use of the intimate term “for me” throughout the first part of the book gives the reader a sense of trust in his knowledge of the plant. This is yet another good marketing skill.
I enjoyed the History of Clematis section, perhaps not for everyone but something not all clematis books cover. Under Classification, Evison gives good rules-of-thumb for using various types of clematis in garden situations, very handy for the new gardener. The Morphology section covers the use of seed heads, another good idea for beginners.
In the middle of the book, in the section “Combining Clematis with Other Plants”, I felt Mr Evison’s enthusiasm for the plant went overboard, naming so many combinations it was hard to remember what went where and with which. From thereon, though, the book gets better and better, going back to the essence of the title through concepts such as Clematis for Indoors, Container Clematis, Clematis for Borders and Small Gardens.
There are also sections listing flowering time by season as well as on pests, pruning, cultivating and hybridizing.
As you might expect Mr Evison’s own clematis take forefront in suggested planting, including his Boulevard Collection and two compact clematis from his Flora collection. He is however gracious enough to mention many other clematis and their growers, often also the date of introduction. For the experienced gardener, knowing which “stable” a plant comes from and how long it has been around gives a more complete picture of what you can expect from the plant.
In conclusion this book is worthy of a place on the bookshelf of any clematarian. It is easily read and easy to refer to. and should appeal to a wide range of readers. And I’ve already ordered a few of the new Evison-Poulson clematis!
2007
Pocket Guide to Clematis – Mary Toomey
with Everett Leeds and Charles Chesshire
Published in 2006 by Timber Press, Inc., The Haseltine Building, 133 S.W. Second Avenue, Suite 450, Portland, Oregon 97204-3527, USA, 231 pages, over 300 pictures, ISBN 13: 978 0 88192 814 3 and ISBN 10: 0 88192 814 3, Price US$19.95 / £14.99, www.timberpress.com
Reviewed by Richard Green and Ian Lang
We are prepared to bet that 99% of people in a bookshop who pick up books like this will flick through them and look at the photographs first. If the photos are unappealing, the book will go straight back on the shelf. However, if there are photos which catch the eye, then the browser is likely to be drawn in. This book is richly illustrated with – at a guess – about half its printed area covered in photographs. Given that clematis colours are notoriously difficult to reproduce in print it is to the great credit of Timber Press that they have managed to reproduce so many so well. Of course, there are exceptions, but our overall impression is that there are very few poorly-reproduced photographs especially when compared with some in the mother-tome, the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Clematis from which this is derived. It is clear that great efforts have been made with this derivative to find new photographs in order to improve on the original. The striking exception to this, in our view, is the rather scrappy and unimaginative front cover.
The name ‘Pocket Guide’ is something of a misnomer in that you would have to have rather large pockets to fit this little baby in. Mary Toomey’s reference, in the preface, to a ‘mobile’ guide is probably rather more apt. Happily for us, however, your large pockets will not have to be terribly deep if you wish to own this one, as it is available on the internet for under £10 / US$16.
Once the browser has had their fill of photographs, there is a great deal in the text to delight. The authors have seen fit to make a very concise but wide-ranging introduction. Although we suspect that the main aim of the book is to appeal to those relatively new to clematis, more experienced clematophiles will still find this very handy. For newcomers and old hands alike, the introduction offers a plethora of advice. It starts with tips on how to site plants in a landscape and on how to plant the clematis when you have decided where they are to go. The great bugbear of the newcomer to clematis, pruning, is dealt with concisely but thoroughly and there is even a short section on how to deal with an unknown clematis – this would be very useful for people who have perhaps inherited an established garden along with a house move. The introduction concludes with advice on general care, transplanting, growing in containers, pests and diseases, and gives a summary of the main clematis groups.
The bulk of the book is a selective list of some 300 varieties of clematis in alphabetical order, where each individual variety is clearly described in terms of habit, height, flowering periods, flower type and colour, preferred conditions, growing tips, hardiness zone and other pertinent information. It is inevitable with such a short list that some personal favourites will be missed out but it is to the great credit of the authors that they have included within that short list a wide sweep of the best of what is available from around the world, covering clematis with widely differing habits, flower types and flowering periods.
Sadly, even such a meticulously researched book occasionally lapses into generalisations like ‘not-too-vigorous’ and ‘not floriferous’: these, for example, in the description of ‘Sealand Gem’. We are not convinced that exhaustive research would bear out either of those statements. We have two further niggles. The first of these is with the appendix, which includes a very odd list of nurseries around the world and, typically for a book of this kind, flatly refuses to admit the existence of that upstart newcomer, the Internet, except in the context of nursery sites. Our second is a niggle that we expressed when the authors’ Illustrated Encyclopedia of Clematis was first published, that the naming convention used in the book, whilst technically sound, is not helpful to a casual user. Consider, for example, a reader who has taken the book to a garden centre and finds there a clematis called ‘Wisley’. Will they find it in the book? Possibly not because, correctly, it is listed as ‘Evipo001’ and ‘Wisley’ will need to be looked up in the index. Why could not the main text have contained a one line entry “Wisley see ‘Evipo001′”?
Our minor reservations should not be allowed to detract from the fact that this is a very useful little book which, certainly at internet prices, represents good value for money.
A Celebration of Clematis – Kaye Heafey and Ron Morgan
Photography by Keith Lewis
Published in 2007 by Half Full Press, 1814 Franklin Street, Suite 815, Oakland, CA 94612, USA, 182 pages, 178 photos of Chalk Hill Clematis and floral arrangements and 162 photos of clematis, ISBN 0 9719552 6 3, US$34.95
Reviewed by Mike Warren
At first glance, the format (11 inches square) of this book might indicate that it was intended for the Coffee Table. Working through it however would indicate that whilst it would be at home in such a situation, it really is part biography, part Coffee Table, part reference, an unusual combination.
The Authors are involved with Clematis for the cut-flower trade, that in itself an unusual line although they have been doing so for some time in California, I have not seen evidence that it has spread to Europe although I understand in Japan, the Clematis is produced thus.
The Flower arrangements using Clematis and some fine pieces of porcelain, glass and antiques, make for some stunning displays indeed. I would commend these illustrations as making the book a worthwhile purchase. Without a source of cut clematis stems we would have to plant more Clematis ourselves in order to have enough material to achieve such displays in our own homes, the extra plantings will no doubt please our nurserymen with the increased sales of plants!
The lack of captions with these pictures initially annoyed me, but later I found them alongside thumbnails at the back of the book. A new idea? Certainly it makes for a very clean layout.
Finally, the varieties are described, in groups, in the conventional manner. This is a book which would make a splendid gift to a Flower Arranger or a Clematis enthusiast. It would sit on the Coffee Table comfortably and might well introduce a browser or reader to the fascinating genus Clematis.
[Editor’s note: The Fact Sheet for this book describes it as telling the story behind Chalk Hill Clematis, in words and pictures, as well as demonstrating the possibilities of Clematis as Cut Flowers. For information about the nursery, please visit www.chalkhillclematis.com, whilst for information about this book, please contact Half Full Press at the address above or visit www.halffullpress.com.]
Clematis Gallery – Akihito Kaneko
Published in 2006 by SODO Publishing Co. Ltd., Mejiro LK Bldg 4-21-19 Shimoochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 243 pages, approximately 225 photos, ISBN-4-434-07099-1, Price believed to be Yen 2200.
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
Another lovely, compact (A5 sized) book from Akihito Kaneko. It contains many photographs of clematis from all over the world; not just Japanese varieties or the varieties from the UK that have been around for a number of years, but also a number from Germany and Eastern Europe of which some are less widely known than others.
The clematis are displayed in groups and there appears to be as many pictures of small flowering varieties and species as there are of the large-flowered group. Interestingly I noticed that no distinction is made throughout the picture section of large flowered clematis between early and late flowering, or light and hard prune cultivars.
There is a brief explanation of pruning but very little other text. The book is clearly meant to be a picture gallery of clematis.
Generally the quality of the photographs is excellent, with a number of pictures of clematis, often very floriferous plants, growing with roses and many close ups of small species clematis. My only two criticisms, both fairly minor, relate to colour and depth of field. Some pictures, such as ‘Prince Charles’, are too red and the depth of field in a few of the close up photos of smaller flowers such as ‘Betty Corning’ could have been a little greater.
2006
Clematis The Montanas – John Howells
A Book for Gardeners
Published in 2005 by Garden Art Press / Antique Collectors’ Club Ltd, Sandy Lane, Old Martlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4SD, UK. 215 pages. ISBN 1 870673 51 4. Price £12.95
Reviewed by Marianne Fistarol
“The Montanas” is a birthday present to all of us! Clematis montana was brought to Europe in 1805 by Francis Buchanan. That event is celebrated by this book!
The book is based on decades of the author’s experience with Montanas and Clematis in general. It sets standards in excellence and John Howells’ enthusiasm will appeal to everyone with an interest in Clematis.
The first chapter covers the characteristics of the Montana group with a detailed description of the plant. Already here the outstanding pictorial value of the whole book is manifest, colours match and the sharpness is superb.
The author has had to work hard to gather all the historical features for the next chapter, which is full of fascinating data. The reader cannot help sharing the author’s affection for history when he says that he shares the excitement of Buchanan, when he found his first Montana in Nepal. Also historical links always close the general description, technical data and photographs of each Montana.
Who of us was not yet confronted with plants with wrong labels?
As the author did in his former book about Viticellas, he shows us photos of flowers of the same colour and shape of different Montanas side by side, which is most helpful for identification.
A chapter with very promising introductions and little known hybrids of other Continents follows. The list consists of two categories: of plants not completely evaluated and plants not yet generally available.
The final part of the book includes full guidance on growing, maintenance and displaying.
Indeed the publishers rightly point out that their books are published “for collectors – by collectors – about collecting”.
I am convinced, that this book will generate more Montana addicts!
Clematis – Akihito Kaneko
Published in 2005 by Shufunotomo Co Ltd., 127 pages. ISBN 4 07 244239 9. Price Yen 1200 (so I believe)
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
Another well presented small book from Akihito Kaneko. A good mix of European and Japanese clematis are illustrated by type in the section titled “A Pictorial Guide to Clematis”.
In general, the photography is excellent. However there a few pictures of blue/purple clematis which suffer from the common printing problem of colour reproduction and are not quite a true representation of the actual flower.
The “What is Clematis” section gives examples of different types of clematis. Finally the section “Care of Clematis” is packed with information on planting, potting, training, pruning, propagation and pests and diseases.
The International Clematis Register and Checklist 2002 – Second Supplement – RHS
compiled by Victoria Matthews, International Clematis Registrar.
Published in 2006 by The Royal Horticultural Society, 80 Vincent Square, LONDON, SW1P 2PE, Great Britain. Web site: http://www.rhs.org.uk/. ISBN not yet available. Estimated price about £4.50 + post & packing.
Information by Ken Woolfenden
I understand that the second supplement to “The International Clematis Register and Checklist 2002” is ready for publication and will probably be available in late April or early May 2006.
The International Clematis Register and Checklist 2002 is a must for the bookshelf of every clematis lover. However clematis registration continues year on year and the supplements provide an essential updating service.
This publication should be available from RHS literature sources, notably the RHS website at www.rhs.org.uk/ and the Wisley Gardens shop in Surrey, UK.
The Society is aware that, assuming the cost of post and packing is broadly similar to that charged for the first supplement, purchasing one copy for a non-UK resident member can be prohibitively expensive. As before, the Society strongly recommends that members consider grouping together and placing a single order for multiple copies. The Society is willing to assist members if it can, please contact the Editor.
2005
Gardening with Clematis – Design and Cultivation – Linda Beutler
Published by Timberpress, Portland, Oregon, USA and Cambridge, Great Britain. ISBN 0-88192-644-2. Price $34.95 US / £25.00
Reviewed by Iris Clarke
If you want to improve the look of your garden, then read Linda Beutler’s book on garden design and cultivation.
It is a mine of information on plant association, whether it’s in the border or in pots. I knew when I saw the front cover that this was just the book I’ve been looking for. I have both plants on the cover, but not together. My mistake! I always knew I needed a helping hand to plant my Clematis in the “right place”. Linda’s book will help immensely. The photographs are stunning, the plant descriptions precise and written in a friendly, understandable way. The gardens she tells of in Portland, Oregon where she lives make one want to fly straight off to investigate.
This is a good book for the novice as it is very encouraging but also helpful for the more experienced. One can never know enough about this genus, but Linda certainly knows lots. The “ten best plants” in each chapter are a good guide too. The book also covers other plants of the Ranunculaceae family. Perennials and bulbs too come in to the equation, along with annuals and other vines, helping the gardener to mix and match and to try something new. There is also a section on “Clematis in Containers”, which I found interesting as half of all my clematis are grown in pots.
Linda’s writing flows like a river and the book is very hard to put down. I thoroughly recommend it to everyone interested in the ebb and flow of garden arranging. I wish Linda every success with this book. For my money, it’s great value.
Clematis – Charles Chesshire
Inspiration, selection and practical guidance
Published by Quadrille Publishing Limited. 160 pages. ISBN 1-84400-113-X. Price £20.00
Reviewed by Helen Hadley
This is an impressive looking book, you won’t be disappointed when you delve in. I indulged my passion and read this book on a snowy February day, reclining in a chair.
The clematis story is an interesting one, I particularly like the idea that Morel’s ‘Cast offs’ were sent to William Robinson. Anyone got any ‘cast offs’?
The section “Clematis in the Garden” shows the diverse range of size, textures, colours and growing habits, so that with careful selection clematis can add interest all through the year.
My favourite section, “Ways of Growing”, is packed full of ideas and ways to use clematis with other shrubs and plants to produce fabulous combinations, I will definitely be trying a few of the ideas out on my new garden.
There are over 170 delicious clematis photographs by Andrew Lawson. The pictures are stunning and I am sure you will end up with a long list of clematis to try out. Best image is that of C. ‘Fascination’ (page 125), which shows the lovely thick fleshy sepals. The only photo I found disappointing was of C. ‘Pink Champagne’ (page 81), which does not do it justice. It’s one of my favourite early, large flowered clematis and in real life has a strong pink edge to the flower and a pale pink or white central bar, quite different from photo, or is it the growing conditions I have for my clematis?
The third section of the book “Choosing Clematis” covers the different groups, evergreen, atragenes, montanas, early large-flowered hybrids, late large-flowered hybrids, viticellas, texensis, late-flowering species, orientalis and herbaceous clematis.
The “Good Practice” section provides information on planting, pruning, training, feeding and watering, propagation, hybridization, giving the complete beginner the best possible chance of successful cultivation.
The only drawback was that I find the book slightly too large. I am a busy mum – daylight hours are filled with other chores. I tend to take books to bed and this book just feels too cumbersome to snuggle up to in bed and read. Overall an excellent book, well worthy of a place in my library, I am now filled with inspiration to tackle my garden for the spring. I would buy this book as a gift for a special gardening friend or to encourage a new gardener. I am sure it will initiate more clematis addicts and help to continue the clematis story.
Clematis in the Garden – Aivars Irbe
Published in 2004 in Latvian by Izdevniecîba “Sol Vita”, Registracijas apl. Nr. 2-0714, Bruninieku iela 57, Riga, LV 1011. 143 pages. ISBN 9984-759-16-4.
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
[Editor’s note: It was very pleasing to receive a copy of this book from Aivars Irbe, renowned Latvian clematarian. In spite of the important place of Latvia in clematis history, as far as I’m aware, there has been relatively little published by Latvians. This book appears to be aimed at the ordinary person, to impart knowledge and encourage more clematis growing for pleasure. I hope it succeeds.
Please note, due to limitations with the commonly available web character set, the publisher details above are an approximation to the correct spelling shown in the journal.]
Reviewing a book written in Latvian is a challenge so I am very grateful to Aivars and/or the publisher for an English summary of the contents of the book. It is an A4 paperback with a number of big photos. Unfortunately the quality of the reproduction of the photos is variable; although some photos are good, some are less satisfactory, both in their colour match and sharpness of reproduction. I suspect this is due to the quality of printing equipment and supplies currently available within Latvia.
The book describes:
- the history of Clematis in Latvia and in the world,
- the people who started to spread the culture of Clematis in Latvia,
- the morphological characterisation of Clematis, describing the root systems, shoots, leaves, flowers and seeds,
- multiplication and growing peculiarities,
- potential diseases and pests, and how to fight against them.
Aivars’s experience of 30 years of growing Clematis in his garden provides answers to the following questions:
- why you wish to plant and grow these plants,
- where is their right place of growing,
- how significant they would be in your garden.
As the book summary states: “Very often gardeners find Clematis to be complicated, capricious and labour-consuming plants. The author of the book gives you useful advice on how to grow them according to their demands and desires, using less labour, choosing the appropriate cultivars, the place, supports and special trimming methods.“
A wide range of species and cultivars is described in the book and detailed descriptions of around 300 Clematis are provided.
Clematis – Akihito Kaneko
Published in 2004 in Japanese. 96 pages. ISBN 4-06-274301-9. Price 1400 Yen.
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
A well presented A5 sized book which is packed with photos, drawings and information. Although written in Japanese the book contains a number of titles and Clematis photo names in English. The pictures are generally of excellent quality with the clematis being the correct colour.
The book contains sequences of pictures on a number of aspects of Clematis cultivation such as planting Clematis and re-potting Clematis. These pictures although very small provide a good example of what to do.
There is a section at the end of the book on how to cultivate clematis in ‘black and white’ with a large number of diagrams that look very interesting. Unfortunately the text is totally in Japanese so I am unable to comment further.
An unusual item that caught my eye concerns where to grow Clematis in your garden. There is a picture of a house with a small surrounding garden with Clematis on the walls, around the door and growing in a number of other situations. This is an interesting way to suggest how Clematis can be grown.
This book is small but beautifully formed. In spite of the obvious language problem, I love looking through it.
Clématities – Arnaud Travers & Didier Willery
Published in 2001 in French by Ulmer, 5 rue de Charonne 75011 Paris, France. 96 pages. ISBN 84138-147-1. Price 14.95 Euros.
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
[Editor’s Note: In spite of its history of clematis breeding, (coincidentally we have an article on this topic on page 131) until recently there has been little interest in France for growing clematis. However now there are some signs of change. With this in mind I thought it would be useful to mention and briefly review both of these books by Arnaud Travers.]
An attractive A5 paperback book with a number of pictures of clematis. The photos of individual clematis give the effect as if they have been ‘cut out’ of a photo and then placed on the page. This is very effective for many large and small flowered clematis but in a few cases the black edge is visible and it does not work well. Overall, though, it is very pleasing.
The text with some diagrams and picture sequences contains growing information including Arnaud’s recommendation for a simpler way of pruning than by the usual group-dependant rules. Arnaud’s method is to take a pair of stems and prune the older, each year at the beginning of the growing season. It is a very simple rule designed for non-gardeners and although it will never give the best plant, it should also never fail. It is an interesting idea.
About 30 Clematis of all types are featured in the book. For every Clematis cultivar featured there is a pair of pages when the book is opened, the left-hand side featuring information about the cultivar and the right-hand side suggesting a number of other cultivars which are similar. This provides easy to understand information ‘at a glance’ for the novice grower.
Plantes Grimpantes – Pépinières Travers & Didier Willery
Published in 2002 in French by Hortcolor, 10-12, espace Henry Vallée – 69007 Lyon, France. 144 pages. ISBN 2-904-176-09-8. Price 34.30 Euros.
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
[Editor’s note: “Plantes Grimpantes” means “Climbing Plants”.]
An A4 format hardback book with information on all types of climbing plants as well as clematis. It is an attractive ‘picture’ book with about 50% devoted to clematis.
The book does have growing information about the various climbers featured but mainly contains individual information about a wide range of cultivars with their pictures. There are a number of large photos of many climbers including clematis in a garden setting. Generally the photos are good with only the odd one being slightly disappointing. It is a good reference book for French clematarians with details of a useful selection of available clematis cultivars.
2004
Choosing your Clematis – John Howells
Published by Garden Art Press, a division of Antique Collectors’ Club Ltd, Woodbridge, England. ISBN 1-870673-47-6. Price £12.95
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
What a difference presentation makes! We first reviewed ‘Choosing your Clematis’ in Clematis International 2001 and this reprint just shows how much better a book can look with greater attention to detail by the publishers. This edition was published last year, just after CI2003 was sent to the printers.
In the previous book review in CI2001, Ruth Gooch and I commented that many of the photos were printed slightly out of focus. Some still lack sufficient depth of field for my liking, though this is not uncommon when taking a shot of a flower against a background plant. However, in this edition many of the pictures are considerably improved. For example, C. ‘Sir Trevor Lawrence’ is so much more velvety than previously and therefore so much more attractive.
The presentation of some pictures has also been improved by using a white border. Although not completely enclosed, they are bordered on three sides and the effect is much more attractive.
The advice is still good for beginners with suggested varieties which match reasonably well with our own Recommended Clematis . You could give a friend a present of this book with a list of our Recommended Clematis and between them your non-clematarian friend should not go wrong. In addition your friend gets advice on 12 plants to start their collection and lists of suggested clematis by colours to flower throughout the season.
The chapters and sections on buying clematis, with pictures of the all too common plug plants and liners, and advice on wilt, provide comprehensive information for the uninitiated and I found the advice sound and sensible.
Dotted throughout the book are a number of photos on growing clematis with other plants. Plant combinations that we can all try are of great interest these days. For example, the white of C. montana var. grandiflora with the mauve of wisteria are very attractive together.
In conclusion, we said before that this was a good book for the beginner. It is even better now the photos have been improved.
Clematis from Seed – Brian R Collingwood
Published by the author, 75 A4 Pages, 36 Colour Illustrations, Price: UK £21 inc. p&p : Europe £22 inc. p&p: USA $36.75 inc. p&p (@ £1 = $1.5), Credit Cards accepted – see web site at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/bcollingwood/index.html
Reviewed by Everett Leeds
Clematis seed sowing enthusiasts who do not possess computers will find this little volume extremely interesting. Possibly aimed at the rank amateur but even those used to growing clematis from seed will find the advice and data will supplement what they already think they know. How true is the phrase “You can learn something new every day”. For those on the Web, find Brian’s site at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/bcollingwood/index.html and you will see all the text of the booklet and probably better reproduction of the illustrations. Furthermore, you will be able to see up-to-the-minute additions and comments too.
The author’s seed sowing experience is set out and data recorded as to germination times, potting on, health care, pruning to produce more shoots and technique for seeing that all important first flower at the earliest possible time. Once germination has begun advice is given to ensure they survive and come to that magic moment of fruition. General greenhouse hygiene is also covered – something that I always seem to neglect on a personal basis!
Hybridisation is also covered for those amongst us who like playing with nature and a theme running through the volume is to keep a good record of what you are doing and what you have done. There is nothing more frustrating for the raiser and for future generations of clematis enthusiasts than not being able to remember details of crosses done yesterday or years ago! Of course this applies equally to seed sowing and keeping a record of sources of seed obtained and used.
I found the differing text sizes and sporadic highlighting of some paragraphs for no apparent reason a little irksome but it must be remembered, this is a copy of the web site and on that, these points are not so apparent. The illustrations are reproduced on ordinary paper, not glossy photographic paper, and as a result lack definition and clarity. However, these are minor points and what is very apparent is the overwhelming enthusiasm of the writer for his hobby. I am sure once read, this volume will tempt more into the fascinating world of raising plants from seed. Just to prove a point as I write this in February 2004 with a hard frost on the ground, I have noticed germination of seeds sown in October 2002 of C. ‘Peveril Pink’ one of Barry Fretwell’s hybrids. I wonder what they will look like as they were open pollinated.
Photographs of Clematis Flowers – Satomi Kuriyama and Yoshiaki Aihara
Published March 2003 by Hekitensha Co., Ltd, 1-2-5-5F, Kandajimbo-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan, www.hekitensha.com. 191 pages. ISBN 4 88346 170 X. Price believed to be between £20 and £25.
Reviewed by Mike Warren
As the title clearly says, this is a book of photographs of the genus Clematis that is not only a record of over 400 Clematis but also a worthwhile addition to anyone’s bookshelf for identification reference. Caption names do have the benefit of English names where appropriate. Without a text as such, a review like this must naturally be brief. I can say that the photography has been undertaken with care. The majority of the pictures are sharp with good colour to help with identification. There are quite a number of small-flowered species and cultivars illustrated, an area often overlooked in more popular publications. Certainly this is a book I would quite like to have on my bookshelf for reference and I can recommend it to our members.
Clematis – Walter Hörsch
Published in 2004 by BLV Verlagsgesellschaft mbh., München, Germany, 96 pages. ISBN 3 405 16212 2. Price 7.95 Euros.
Reviewed by Hugh Leader
[Editor’s note: This book is written in German. My thanks to Hugh Leader and his German language skills for this review. Should you have any difficulty in obtaining a copy, please contact Walter Hörsch at the address in the Acknowledgements section.]
This paperback book, by the same author as “Success with Clematis”, is a completely new work, the result of knowledge and experience gained over the last 10 years since his previous publication. It is packed with information, photographs and descriptions of clematis.
Each species or cultivar is introduced briefly, with information on the pruning group, the size and colour of the flowers and the height of the plant. There is a year-round summary of the flowering sequence of the clematis varieties from month to month and a botanical and historical overview.
Helpful suggestions for choosing and buying clematis are given, with recommendations for using them on walls and pergolas, with roses, shrubs and trees, as ground cover, in shady places or in containers. There are also good ideas for combining clematis with other plants.
As stated in the opening paragraph, too many clematis plants die early because of unsuitable treatment. We have all heard about clematis being “difficult”. Walter Hörsch writes here for the gardener with comparatively limited experience. He deals with planting, pruning, pests and diseases and also offers suggestions for propagation by several methods.
So far this latest guide is available only in German, written as it is for those German gardeners who need practical advice but who may not be able to cope with the many books printed in English. This is a problem Walter has identified for some years and it is clear that interest in clematis is growing in Germany, as it is in other parts of eastern and northern Europe. Appropriately for a handbook written for the gardener rather than the expert, the book includes almost every one of the types recommended by the I.Cl.S. in our Recommended Clematis. There is also a short section giving useful addresses and a short bibliography. The book is of course indexed.
Anyone with some German would find this little book a useful addition to the Garden Library, even the experienced enthusiast. It is attractive, clear and nicely illustrated, with flower colours generally well represented. Perfection in that area is of course almost impossible to achieve every time, if only because Nature does it so much more accurately than we can.
A well organized if unpretentious book, it must be good value at only 7.95 Euros.
2003
The International Clematis Register and Checklist 2002 – RHS, compiled by Victoria Matthews, International Clematis Registrar
First published in 2002 by The Royal Horticultural Society, 80 Vincent Square, LONDON, SW1P 2PE, Great Britain. Web site: http://www.rhs.org.uk/ ISBN 1-902896-18-1 Price £19.95 + post & packing.
Reviewed by Wim Snoeijer
[Editor’s note: Victoria Matthews responded to this review in Clematis International 2004 in order to try and dispel some of the confusion illustrated by Wim’s comments.]
The long expected International Clematis Register is now published. The title is Clematis Register and Checklist, and indeed, covers more information than apparently prescribed by the International Society of Horticultural Science (ISHS) Commission for Registration and Nomenclature as published in the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants.
The book contains 368 pages. It includes several chapters starting with ‘Introduction’ which is divided into several paragraphs, ‘Horticultural Classification’, ‘The Register & Checklist’, ‘Generic Synonymy’, ‘Glossary’, ‘Abbreviations of Books and Journals’ and ‘Raisers and Registrants’. The bulk of the book is the alphabetical list of Clematis names, starting on page 15 ending at page 350.
The Register and Checklist (further called Register) is strongly connected with the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants – 1995 (ICNCP). This means, inevitably, that the Register has to follow the rules of the ICNCP. Since the publication of the ICNCP much debate is going around the world about many of its rules. Hence much debate is expected on this Register.
Becoming an International Cultivar Registration Authority (ICRA) is by writing an application to the ISHS. The ISHS will appoint the party as ICRA and the party has to appoint a Registrar. The task of the Registrar, prescribed in the ICNCP, is to register cultivar and cultivar-group names, hence the name ICRA. These records should be published on a regular basis in a so called Register which starts with ‘The Register’ to be followed by ‘Supplements’.
In this Register many cultivars are linked to a species, however the cultivar in question was not published being linked with a species by the breeder/introducer. In my view this is a judgement and judgements are excluded from the tasks for a Registrar as prescribed in the ICNCP.
Also the listing of species is not part of the tasks for a Registrar (see above). There is, however, a good reason to include the species that are in cultivation and for many users of the Register it will clarify a lot on this level. But by including species it can also lead to comments and critics as not all the used references for the species are botanically accepted.
From this Clematis Register you might get the feeling that anyone breeding and introducing new cultivars is obliged to contact the ICRA. However it is wise to do so to avoid misunderstanding of a proposed new name, it is not a law to do so. When you do not follow the Register or the ICNCP no one can bring you to court to sue you.
This also means that the Register should not be read and used as being the ‘Holy Bible’. The Register should actually work the other way around; to suit the breeders, introducers, the trade, the gardeners and the general public in the first place. An example of that the Register is published as being the ‘Holy Bible’ is the fact that the Register does not follow the Namelists published by the Experimental Station in Boskoop, Holland. These Namelists have been accepted by the European Nursery Association (ENA), who also advises the European Union, and therefore they should have been used as basis in this Register. This is not so and now we have to deal with differences in nomenclature.
Another clear difference in views is the use of the botanical term sepals in the Register. Internationally, the term tepals is used in scientific publications and anyone using the New RHS Dictionary of Gardening (1992) will learn from the Glossary that the term tepals is the correct term. The only relevant information the Register provides reads as follows: “In some publications they are erroneously referred to as ‘petals’ or ‘tepals’.” If there is anything erroneous about the Register then it is the use of the term sepals instead of tepals.
The main problem for the Registrar is that the genus Clematis is so long in cultivation and heavily hybridised in the last 150 years without hardly any Register-like publication that it is almost impossible to publish a Register which is complete, correct and pleasing to all those who will use it. With probably 5000 cultivar names known it is simply impossible. But differences in understanding and applying the ICNCP rules are easily found throughout the Register. Thus it will be useful if I address some of these to you.
Horticultural classification
Being a Register, a cultivar classification is very important and is prescribed by the ICNCP. The Registrar refers to the reference used but this reference is not followed completely. New is that the cultivar groups are divided into ‘Small-flowered Cultivars’ and ‘Large-flowered Cultivars’. This is not acknowledged in the ICNCP and will certainly not be approved by certain ICNCP Committee members.
Another comment on this classification is that the 2 groups in the ‘Large-flowered Cultivars’ have been named in a modern language (English) while all the other groups in the ‘Small-flowered Cultivars’ have a species related name. These 2 groups are named ‘Early Large-flowered Group’ and ‘Late Large-flowered Group’.
‘Heliotrope’ versus ‘Pansy’
The cultivar epithet ‘Heliotrope’ is unacceptable because of the ICNCP-1995 article 17.13 as referred to in the Register. This ICNCP article says (in short) that a botanical, common or vernacular name cannot be used as cultivar epithet. Both ‘Heliotrope’ and ‘Pansy’ are common English names for plants but there is no reference in the Register as if the epithet ‘Pansy’ is unacceptable. This example shows that in such large number of epithets, consistency of applying the ICNCP is very difficult.
‘Evitwo’ versus ARCTIC QUEEN
The Registrar has included ‘trade designations’, which is a trade name only to be used by a limited group of nurseries under a contract. But, any cultivar should have a cultivar epithet so that the plant can be identified and so two names are in use for one cultivar. Unfortunately, trade names are becoming more and more used in Clematis which might put off the customer simply because it is too confusing. But as the task of the Registrar is to register only cultivar epithets, the plant in question is quite rightly alphabetically listed under the cultivar epithet, in this example under the e of ‘Evitwo’ and not under the a of ARCTIC QUEEN.
‘Ladybird Johnson’ versus ‘Lady Bird Johnson’
This cultivar raised by Barry Fretwell and named ‘Ladybird Johnson’ is rewritten in the Register as ‘Lady Bird Johnson’. The motivation for this reads in the Register as follows : “Misspelling: ‘Ladybird Johnson’. This name was originally published as ‘Ladybird Johnson’, but it was named after Lady Bird Johnson, so under ICNCP Art. 29.2, the name must be corrected to ‘Lady Bird Johnson’.)”
This ICNCP article 29.2 reads as follows: “An unintentional etymological error in a cultivar or cultivar-group epithet is to be corrected.”
There are two reasons why the epithet ‘Ladybird Johnson’ should not have been ‘corrected’:
1 – The breeder had by no doubt a good reason to choose for this writing and so there is a good chance this writing was deliberate. Next to this is the fact that in the Register there is no reference in the description that the breeder was consulted for the proposed ‘correction’. My view is that the breeder’s/introducer’s choice should be respected and without consultation a name should never be corrected.
2 – The difference of interpretation of the ICNCP article 29.2 by the RHS (being involved in the ICNCP) is remarkable, as in the motivation in the Register the term ‘name’ is used while the ICNCP article reads ‘epithet’. When the ICNCP article is about the epithet, then this article is quite clear because the term epithet covers the complete cultivar name, so every part written in between the single quotation marks. When this article is about the name in the sense of a person’s name or a name of a place, then this part should be corrected when it was incorrectly published. The name ‘Ladybird Johnson’ is in honour of Claudia Alta Taylor, wife of former USA president Johnson. The part of the cultivar epithet ‘ladybird’ is not part of her name, neither her name of birth or her name when she married, and the spelling Johnson was correctly published by Fretwell (the h in the right place, with one s, etc.). So there is no reason to rewrite the part ‘ladybird’ being no part of her name.
A future problem by applying this ICNCP article is when modern names are used for new introductions, like for instance ‘I Luv U’, ‘All 2Get+her’ or ‘VViM Snoeije?’. I hope such names are not ‘corrected’, either by the Registrar or the Editor of this Journal.
‘Durandii’ versus Clematis × durandii
A hybrid between two species may be written as Clematis × durandii or Clematis ‘Durandii’, according ICNCP article 16. Such a botanical hybrid is written like a species with a multiplication sign. The writing used in the Register for Clematis ‘Durandii’ is Clematis × durandii, because, as referred to in the Register, the origin of the hybrid is Clematis integrifolia × Clematis lanuginosa, two species. In my view, such botanical hybrid written like a species should be applied only to hybrids occurring in wild locations. The plant in question is clearly bred and raised in cultivation and so should have been regarded as a cultivar. Lack of information on one of the parents (was the integrifolia used for this breeding a white flowering plant or a blue one?) does not necessarily mean that the plant used should be regarded as ‘a species’. The description on the flower colour of the species Clematis integrifolia in the Register reads “blue-mauve to dark violet, rarely pink or white”. I suppose not all colours were used for this crossbreeding but only one selection, and a selection in cultivation is called a cultivar, including its offspring.
‘Aljonushka’ versus ‘Alionushka’
The cultivar ‘Aljonushka’ was raised by Volosenko-Valenis and Beskaravainaya in 1961 and named in 1963. On a visit to Mrs Beskaravainaya, Mr John Fopma was given a plant and the name was spelled out as ‘Aljonushka’, a transliteration from the original Cyrillic name also presented by the breeder. Fopma introduced the plant in Western Europe quickly under the provided name, so this cultivar is known in the ‘western world’ as ‘Aljonushka’ for over 30 years.
Article 28 of the ICNCP prescribes how to deal with non-Latin names. This article, published in 1995, has a retroactive status, which means it also deals with cultivar epithets published before 1995. So what should we choose? The Register provides the answer, which reads as follows: “An unaccepted spelling is one that results from the transliteration of a name, using a system not specified by ICNCP. It is not intrinsically incorrect, but is not accepted in the Register & Checklist. E.g. ‘Alionushka’ is accepted [in the Register] but ‘Aljonushka’ is not.” This explanation implies we can choose either ‘Aljonushka’ or ‘Alionushka’.
I think it is impossible to accept a new spelling of a name introduced in 1963 because it is overruled in 1995. Again (see ‘Ladybird Johnson’), respect for the breeder/introducer has preference, so for me it is ‘Aljonushka’.
Published reference
One item used within a description is that of ‘published reference’. This information is of incredible value. Unfortunately, the reference listed under a particular name is not always the correct place and should have been presented elsewhere.
For instance; Clematis ‘Tibetan Gem’ is referred to Clematis tibetana subsp. vernayi var. laciniifolia ‘Tibetan Gem’ with the ‘published reference’ being the Clematis Catalogue 1991 of Jan van Zoest. I am the compiler of this catalogue and I never had and never will publish such a name as Clematis tibetana subsp. vernayi var. laciniifolia ‘Tibetan Gem’. So the published reference given is not correct. In fact, it is the first publication of such a combined name and so the Register itself should have been stated as ‘published reference’.
I do not understand that the Registrar will link a cultivar to such a botanical name. It is unusable for authors of books and articles, unusable for breeders, introducers, nurseries and label companies and the gardening public will certainly not understand such a name.
The used example is just one of the many epithets linked to a species (a judgement made by the Registrar but which is not a Registration task) and using the wrong reference. Any one should bear in mind that many combinations of a cultivar linked to a species are in fact published for the first time in this Register while this cannot be learned from the caption ‘published reference’. Other examples are for instance: Clematis cirrhosa var. purpurascens ‘Jingle Bells’ has the BCS Spring Supplement 1995 as ‘published reference’ but this name was not published as such by the introducer Robin Savill, and Clematis × diversifolia ‘Heather Herschell’ has John Howells’ 1998 book (Trouble Free Clematis; The Viticellas) as ‘published reference’ but this name was not published as such by the author, etc.
Lack of consistency in this matter is the question why ‘Tibetan Gem’ is referred as it is and ‘Nelly Moser’ not, because the latter should, for consistency, be linked with Clematis patens but it is not.
Nomenclature
Being the first Register published on the genus Clematis I would expect an international and modern approach of the nomenclature. Unfortunately, the Register shows a rather conservative approach, which for me being non British, is so typically English. Normally a Register is not rewritten and will be used for many decades. Supplements to the Register are used mainly for new introductions and usually contain no changes in views on nomenclature. This conservative approach will be by no doubt widely accepted in the UK but I wonder how the rest of the world will respond, with reference to the earlier mentioned Namelists from the Experimental Station in Boskoop.
But to conclude I must say at once that for the Registrar, Mrs Victoria Matthews, this work is a tremendous achievement. Knowing just a little of the expected (including computer) problems that only with outstanding effort it was possible to publish the Register. Being a long cultivated genus, any publication would be large with so many cultivars, but with the addition of extra information the Registrar fulfilled a major task.
Clématites du 3e millénaire (Clematis of the 3rd Millennium) – Raymond J. Evison
Published in May 2002 by Mauryflor s.a., 45330 Malesherbes, France, ISBN 2-9509816-4-X Price about 34 Euro.
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
A welcome book from Raymond Evison, in French, with a similar format to some of his previous books. I think that this is the first major clematis book produced in this language for a number of years and will perhaps re-awaken an interest in the country that gave us so many great clematis in the past.
There is one chapter that is different from his previous books. It details which clematis cultivars grow in the different European climates and which other plants to grow in association with Clematis.
When recommending Clematis to grow in the different European climates Raymond identifies four climatic zones from Seville to Stockholm. These are the Continental, Mountainous, Mediterranean and Atlantic Coast regions. He discusses which clematis of each group will grow well in each of these climatic zones.
A number of plant associations are suggested for growing in the different climatic zones relevant for the other plants that grow in that zone. For example, in the Continental Climate Zone a number of associations for clematis with trees, shrubs, roses, as ground cover, and over apple and pear trees and with conifers are given. However, in the Mediterranean Region just associations with trees and shrubs are given.
All in all I think that this is a well presented book that I hope will re-awaken an interest in French gardeners for Clematis.
Clematis – Climbers of the Future – M. A. Beskaravainaya
Published in 1998 by ‘Kvarta’ Printing House, Voronezh, 176 pages. ISBN 5-89609-001-3. Currently only available in Russian.
Reviewed by Kartashova L.M., Ph.D. (Biology), Senior Research Fellow at Voronezh State University Botanic Garden
[Editor’s note: This book was reviewed previously in Clematis International 1999 on page 111 (see web page ‘Other Book Reviews’). I have included this second review since it gives greater detail of the content.]
This book summarises the results of long-term successful introduction, selection and genetic experimental research in Clematis biology, conducted by the author in Nikitsky State Botanic Garden (NSBG) on the Southern Crimean Coast (SCC, Yalta, Ukraine).
This book contains quite a complete set of information on Clematis prevalence and utilisation, the history of their culture, classification and taxonomy, the features of their evolution and living forms, morphology, bio-ecology, etc. In particular, the data is presented regarding the duration of development and vegetation periods, florification terms in different Clematis species and varieties, the morphology of florets and anomalies in their structure are described; the features of seed germination as well as resistance to drought and low temperatures, fungal diseases and vermin and anti-fungal activity are also presented. For the first time scientifically developed recommendations are given in Clematis selection and primary investigation of varieties, as well as in usage of experimental mutagenesis in their selection.
The results achieved allowed the development of a scientific basis for Clematis selection, including experimental mutagenesis and immunity; the study of the variability of floret coloration and the composition of their pigments with the use of biochemical methods and experimental mutagenesis; appearance of heterosic effect in some interspecific hybrids, cytogenetic investigation of some types and varieties aimed at clarification of their low fertility, cytological examination of some varieties, perspective for selective work. The author of the book gives convincing evidence that Clematis varieties, different in morphological and biological features, in evolution progress and ecologo-geographical origin, can and should serve as modelling objects for investigation of many theoretical and practical issues in biological science.
In this book the assortment of the perspective Clematis species, varieties, and forms of Russian and foreign selection (approximately 100 names), agro-technical features of their cultivation in different natural and climatic zones of Russia, the methods of accelerated seed reproduction of species and vegetative reproduction of varieties and forms, genetic variety of Clematis in Russia is presented.
As a result of a long-term work in Clematis introduction and selection the author developed scientific recommendations in their selection, sort investigation, assortment selection, etc. About 50 new Clematis cultivars and forms of NSBG selection were delivered to the State for sort trial, from which 29 cultivars were earmarked for the first time in Russia and received the authorship certificates, and 32 species have International Certificates. Included in the supplements are: the list of the Clematis collection in NSBG (to 1988), the table for definition of 33 Clematis varieties, the morphology of florets of species, varieties and forms in NSBG, perspective variants of cross-breeding of different Clematis varieties, types and forms.
The list of the literature cited includes 164 references. The book represents a fundamental investigation, includes wide variety of facts, extensive information on the biological features of Clematis, original principles and methods of selection work with Clematis, etc., viewed for the first time and necessary for further efficient work in Clematis introduction and selection. It is well illustrated and contains many pictures, photographs, and colored slides. This book is directed towards a wide circle of specialists in biology, selectionists, flowergrowers, decorators as well as amateur gardeners and other admirers of nature.
Clematis The Genus – Christopher Grey-Wilson
Paperback edition first published 2002 by B. T. Batsford Ltd., 8 Blenheim Court, Brewery Road, London, N7 9NT, UK. ISBN: 0 7134 8726 7. Price £17.99.
[Editor’s note: The hardback edition of this book was first published in 2000 and comprehensively reviewed in Clematis International 2001 on page 134 (see web page ‘Other Book Reviews’).
This paperback edition is identical in page size, page format and content. The only two differences are that it is a paperback edition and it costs less.
As with any paperback book, it will not be as durable as a hardback and, with frequent use, must eventually suffer the consequences. However the cost savings are significant, this version is priced at 60% of the cost of the hardback, making it much more affordable.
Our original reviewer commented that it was for people who were not afraid of the price. I think that B.T. Batsford Ltd. should be congratulated for producing this edition since it puts this comprehensive work within the means of many more clematis lovers.]
2002
An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Clematis – Mary Toomey and Everett Leeds, Photography Editor Charles Chesshire
Reviewed by Brewster Rogerson
Long-time observers will remember a year – it was 1989, give or take a few months – in which the gardening literature of clematis took a sudden exhilarating bound, with the appearance of revised editions of the three standard English works at that time, the books by Jim Fisk, Christopher Lloyd, and Raymond Evison, and for good measure a brand new book with superb pictures by Barry Fretwell. Absorbed as we were by such riches, we would hardly have expected a stream of new books to follow, but in the next decade, spurred on by a rapidly growing public appetite for clematis, that is what we got. Most though not all of those books from the ‘nineties’ are still in print or on the shelves of bookshops. Last year’s edition of the U.S. Books in Print had nineteen titles in English listed under Clematis, and we can be fairly sure that these are reinforced by others currently available in Britain and Europe, along with several in Japan. But until now we have not had an encyclopedia.
Most of these books are intended for and addressed to gardeners. That has understandably been the principal thread in books about clematis. But in the decade just concluded we had two major contributions from the ‘other’ strand, the botanic or taxonomic one, first from Magnus Johnson, his Släktet Klematis, now translated as The Genus Clematis, and more recently Christopher Grey-Wilson’s Clematis the Genus. These two cap a series of systematic inquiries stretching back over two centuries, all the way to Linnaeus. Though we will have to wait to see how professional botanists deal with the points on which they disagree, it’s obvious that these books have opened up much territory that has been little explored in our Western gardens or our books, and stimulated our curiosity about it. How long it will take us as gardeners and hobbyists to profit from this is hard to say, since there is a lingering problem of supply, but it is clear that our clematis authors are drawing closer to our systematists, and picking their brains. This very book illustrates the tendency, for though it announces from the start that it is intended for the inquiring gardener rather than for an audience of specialists, it is drawing energy from fresh material advanced by that other side. We see it especially, of course, in the attention to ‘new’ species that still haven’t made their way into popular gardening.
In offering itself as an encyclopedia, a book promises us a comprehensive and detailed account of its field, with at least a major portion of its content presented in alphabetical order. We no longer expect such a publication to be a colossus in thirteen to twenty volumes, exhausting the subject in forbiddingly small type; instead we are more likely to think of a hefty single volume in which pictures take over much of the work formerly done by long pages of prose-the ID book in its highest form. To judge from the Internet, where a search for the term ‘encyclopedia’ yields just under five million hits (a few of them, we trust, irrelevant), the form is in no danger of becoming extinct. Nowadays that kind of book often has an extended introductory section setting up a background of information that applies to the whole subject. That is the pattern for this work. It begins with a substantial Part I, in seven chapters that range from the history and botany of clematis to the obligatory topics-cultivation and care, pruning, propagation, and pests (there seeming to be no way to avoid all that alliteration)-and including one on Clematis in North America by Maurice Horn and Linda Beutler. These are all well-judged and full of good information, and should be palatable to readers coming upon these matters for the first time. A special word should be said for the elegantly clear drawings throughout Part I by co-author Everett Leeds.
Part II brings us a brief overview of clematis groups and then the alphabetical ‘Directory’-almost four hundred pages of pictures and descriptions of clematis from ‘Abundance’ to ‘Yvette Houry.’ (What! no zemuensis?) The book is comfortably laid out in double columns, with one or two photographs to a page, and descriptions placing each clematis in its proper group and giving details such as its derivation (when known) and physical characteristics. Only two or three of the 550+ clematis included go without a photograph. Each description winds up with ‘recommended uses,’ a thought-stimulating feature that will no doubt be widely appreciated. These authors know their clematis and have done their research as well as their gardening, so the factual reporting is of a very high standard. (The one faulty ID is of an Estonian hybrid, C. ‘Pöhjanael,’ which is a different cultivar from the one shown and described there. A question has also arisen over the U.S. cultivar, ‘Mrs. P.T. James’, but we will all have to wait for an answer until the plants of it give us this year’s flowers!) As a consequence leafing through and consulting this handsome book is decidedly a pleasure.
That being true, this next comment is painful, but it can’t be avoided. There is a problem. It may do only minimal damage-that probably depends on the experience-level of each reader-but in a guide to the identification of plants (especially clematis plants!) inaccurate colour is a cause for trepidation. Some forty to fifty of the photographs seem far enough away from the directly-perceived colour of the flower (or the colours mentioned in the description) to confuse a person who is not already familiar with it. For example, though some of the whites register quite accurately, a considerable number (‘Arctic Queen,’ ‘Gillian Blades,’ ‘Sylvia Denny,’ terniflora, to name a few) appear in various shades of yellow. Some blues have their familiar descent into pale pink (witness ‘Blekitny Aniol’ or ‘Prince Charles’). It is sometimes difficult to see why one cultivar is called purple and another like it is called blue. But it’s invidious to go on offering examples; we all know from experience that clematis colours are treacherous-that the reds are likely to over-intensify in a photograph, and ‘Royal Velours’ seems doomed never to come out purple. And we know also that they vary with temperature and growing conditions. Still, there are limits. The troubles with colour-registration on these pages are not the fault of the co-authors or Mr. Chesshire, but of technical processing, and it must be added that the majority of the pictures are quite good; C. ‘Victoria,’ for instance, has never looked better in print. But it should be understood by authors, publishers, and consumers alike that we now have photo-editing techniques that can greatly reduce the problems with seemingly unrealistic colour. What it takes is knowledgeable editing in the last stage of the publishing process, and admittedly that is expensive. But it ought to be worth money to keep a book as well-equipped as this one from walking with a slight hobble in its gait.
At the end there are useful appendices, and an index that may at first glance seem complicated, but in fact could be one of the most serviceable features of all. By cross-referencing the names it helps readers find plants that may be named differently in other books or nursery lists they have consulted. In the present uneasy flux of names that is a convenience worth having.
Reviewed by Richard Green
Every year sees a steady trickle of new clematis books onto the market. Often, though, these are just ‘more of the same’, little more than collections of photographs linked by relatively shallow text. Occasionally a new book, thoughtful and well-researched, will provide more useful information for the clematis gardener and cover a wider range of cultivars than the norm. Only very rarely does a book come onto the market that lifts the quality of the genre to a higher level, setting new standards for potential authors to aspire to. An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Clematis is such a book. This weighty volume runs to 426 large pages. The first quarter of the book is devoted mainly to the practice of clematis growing. It starts with a brief history and botany of the genus and follows this with a heavily illustrated section on ‘Clematis in the Landscape’, a chapter which, through photographic examples, shows a wide variety of ways to grow and display clematis. The remaining five chapters in this section deal with cultivation and care, pruning, propagation and hybridisation, pests and diseases and include a chapter devoted to the particular problems of growing clematis in North America. Anyone familiar with Mary Toomey’s earlier ‘Clematis: A Care Manual’ (Hamlyn, 1999) will have some idea what to expect and will not be disappointed. The chapters are illustrated throughout with photographs and helpful line drawings.
The remainder of the book is devoted to a ‘Directory of Clematis’. Here, in alphabetical order, are more than 550 clematis. Each entry describes the plant, lists its origin and parentage, its habit and pruning needs, and its flowering period. In addition, there are tips on successfully cultivating it and where it might best be placed in a garden. By far the majority of the entries are accompanied by a full colour photograph. In an effort to make this section more user friendly, the authors have simplified the normal naming conventions in order that the reader may quickly locate a cultivar from its name. Thus Clematis viticella ‘Foxtrot’ is indexed simply as Clematis ‘Foxtrot’ with the information that it is in the viticella group under the main heading.
The book is generally very well produced. If I have a slight quibble, it is one that can be directed at the majority of clematis books on the market: on a small number of pages the colour reproduction is not as good as I should have liked. In saying this I know that the authors spent a lot of time and effort getting the best from the printers that they could.
Many readers will be familiar with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Encyclopedia of Garden Plants (Dorling-Kindersley, 1996); in many ways Mary Toomey and Everett Leeds have produced the equivalent for the clematis gardener. This is a book that any serious clematis enthusiast will want in their collection and one that is set to be a standard reference for many years to come.
First published in 2001 association with the British Clematis Society by Timber Press Inc., 133 S.W. Second Avenue, Suite 450, Portland, Oregon, USA. Web site: www.timberpress.com/ ISBN 0-88192-508-X. Price about £45 / US $60.
The Genus Clematis – Magnus Johnson
Reviewed by Shannan Read
When I was asked if I would review The Genus Clematis by Magnus Johnson, my first thought was ‘How can I ever do justice to this great book?’. Me, who has only been growing clematis seriously for little over a year! My second thought was ‘How can I encourage more people to get a copy of this great book?’.
When I began my first forays into the world of Clematis, I searched for a book like this. I wanted something that had a fairly complete list with descriptions of many of the major large flowered hybrids without ignoring the wonderful species to be found. I wanted general information about how and where to situate plants – what their growing requirements were and/or what was their native habitat. I really wanted a good variety of pictures to help identify some unlabelled pre-existing plants in my garden. I also needed this information in an orderly, clear cut presentation to help me make sense in my head of the incredible range and variety of this large group of plants. None of the books I purchased quite did the job, and I made due mostly with some of the well done nursery catalogues! Then I got my copy of The Genus Clematis.
This book had everything that I wanted from a clematis book, and more! It has become an almost constant companion of mine – out in the garden, on the table beside me as I plan additions for next year, to work with me where I read up on the species that I dream of growing, and even in bed as the first night that I had the book I stayed up until 2AM reading the first few chapters.
The Genus Clematis is well written and organised, and very well and sympathetically translated into English. It contains photos of many species and cultivars as well as illustrations from varied sources including drawings and gouaches from the authors own hand. It contains a wealth of information from quite broad topics such as the history of clematis and its cultivation, to very detailed descriptions of almost 2000 species and cultivars. The sheer amount of information could be quite staggering, however, I have found that this is an easy book to ‘grow’ into.
Overall, the book is divided into three sections. The first section is an overview, containing the chronological history of clematis, uses of clematis, planting and cultivation, suggestions of specific clematis for different aspects and location, hybridisation and propagation, and even includes tips and experiences in photographing clematis. Included in this section (and a highlight of it) are many original gouaches by Magnus Johnson along with numerous other illustrations and photos.
The second section of the book consists of a taxonomy, a review of the history in forming and classifying the genera, subgenera and sections of the genus. There is a clear and concise treatment of the rules of naming, the international code for cultivar names, and descriptions of the general characteristics of the plants, which helps in classification. The descriptions are helpfully accompanied by line drawings done by the author to help illustrate the terminology.
Finally, in the third section, we have the plant descriptions. Nearly 720 pages of plant descriptions! The astounding thing about this section is not only the sheer numbers of plants described, but that most descriptions contain such details as previous synonyms, where this has appeared in previous texts, and where the type specification is kept. The physical description is broken into habit, stems, leaves, flowers (and buds), tepals, filaments, anthers, achenes, and many others in some cases. The descriptions end with the geographic distribution including, in many cases, the type of habitat where the native plants are found. Cultivar descriptions also include parentage (where known), originator, and supplementary information. If that were not enough information for you (!), at the beginning of each section description there is “an overview of the subsections and species, an explanation for the classification, distribution maps and keys for determination.” Of course, many of the descriptions are accompanied by photos included in the text, about 170 colour photos in all. Not nearly enough by any account, but understandably limited by both production considerations and sheer availability of photos of some of the species described!
If you are at all like me, you can begin by reading the general information in the first section and some of the detailed descriptions in the third section and be very happy with the book. However, then I found myself going back time and time again to read one more topic – such as the different classifications of leaves, buds or seeds found in the second section. Each time picking up more and more information, aided by the excellent and numerous drawings and illustrations that are there just for this purpose. It is then you really begin to see just how valuable this book is! I have no doubt that I will continue to refer back to this book for years and years to come as my knowledge and appreciation of clematis increases.
More information, including an overview of the book and background on Magnus Johnson, Bengt Sundström, Jan Lindmark, Dr. Mary Toomey and Rita Eustace – all of whom made the translation into English possible, can be found at:- www.clematis.sunstone.se/en/index.html
First published (in English) in 2001 by Magnus Johnsons Plantskola AB, Bränningestrandsvägen 63, 151 39 SÖDERTÄLJE, Sweden. Web site: www.clematis.sunstone.se/en/index.html. ISBN 91-631-1030-X. Price 560 SEK (see Editors note below).
[Editors note: This book is available direct from Sweden, SEK 560 plus postage and packing plus 25% tax for European Union citizens only. However you may be fortunate to have a more local source, for example I understand the RHS Book Shop, Wisley, Surrey Great Britain have had some copies.]
Clematis – Plant Portraits of Species and Selected Cultivars – Monica McAllen and Robin Savill
Reviewed by Doris Warmhold
When this book was given to me both for my visual pleasure and for writing my opinion about it, I was surprised and loved it immediately.
There are two reasons I loved this book: The first is that I love works of art – Dr. Monica McAllen’s soft watercolour paintings are so good and very realistic. The second: This book pays surprising homage to the small blooming Clematis.
Since I love short informative notes – here I find them written by the clematis expert Robin Savill, also well known for his collection of more than 700 species and cultivars. Yes, many books have been written, but this edition is different to all the others and needs a spare place not only in your bookshelf, but better yet, always out in the open every day to enjoy another painting.
So, just enjoy this book!
[Editors note: This book contains 45 paintings of different clematis by Monica McAllen, each accompanied by a description written by Robin Savill, often with historic references and anecdotes. Monica McAllen is a celebrated and award winning botanical artist. Robin Savill runs a specialist clematis nursery in Essex, Great Britain where he also holds a National Collection of Viticellas.
A measure of the quality of this book, Doris Warmhold now has her own copy!]
First published in 2001 by The Book Guild Ltd., Temple House, 25 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2LU, Great Britain. Web site: www.bookguild.co.uk ISBN 1-85776-502-8. Price £25.
All of the Clematis – Kozo Sugimoto
Reviewed by Ruth Gooch and Fiona Woolfenden
Compiled for Japanese clematis lovers, this beautifully illustrated book, although written in Japanese, would be appreciated by clematarians around the world. The majority of the photographs bear the clematis names in English, which makes the book of universal interest. There are many photographs of Japanese clematis cultivars not commonly seen outside Japan, as well as other less well known cultivars from around the world. The photos are generally accurate in colour, apart from one or two, for example C. PETIT FAUCON™, and extremely attractively laid out.
Although the sections are in Japanese they are colourful and reasonably self-explanatory. They include information on Clematis and roses, featured growing together, as well as information on growing other plants with Clematis.
I found the section on Japanese native species especially interesting. It features some which are well known in other parts of the world, such as C. terniflora and C. fusca, and others which are less well known such as C. tosaensis and several forms of C. japonica.
The book contains more pictures and descriptions of herbaceous and species clematis than large flowered cultivars, which is unusual. The cultural information appears detailed and comprehensive. The pictures of Japanese flower arrangements are always interesting as well as decorative.
A rare treat and something different is the History of Clematis section containing clematis in old paintings, drawings and magazines. Some of these are from Japan and others from England.
Elsewhere one picture that caught my eye was a Japanese ceiling decorated with what looks like C. florida. Fantastic!
This is a book that is well worth looking through – even if you cannot read Japanese, you will certainly appreciate the pictures.
[Editors note: Whilst this book may not be readily available through normal sources, it should be orderable through specialist book shops. We are aware of at least one such shop in London. Any UK or European Member who is interested in a copy should contact Fiona Woolfenden for further details.]
Published in Japan by Fujinseikatsusha. Web site: used to be www.fujinseikatsusha.co.jp, but this link does not work any more! ISBN 4-574-80408-4. Price about £25.00.
Clematis and Climbing Plants – Akihito Kaneko
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
We received a copy of this small but informative book last year, shortly after Clematis International 2001 had gone to the printers, so I’m pleased to be able to review it here. The book is A5 format with over 100 pages and written in Japanese.
The book is really aimed at the beginner rather than the expert. However, it is packed with information concerning growing clematis in pots and ‘Andon-Zukuri’ (see Clematis International 1998).
A number of pages have descriptions of Clematis and close up photos from each of the groups. The clematis names are given in English and amongst the familiar are several cultivars that were previously unknown to me.
Some of the pictures of purple clematis are have not reproduced very accurately, being too red, for example, C. ‘Romantika’. However C. ‘Venosa Violacea’ appears correctly coloured.
There are a few descriptions of non-clematis climbing plants but this little book is really about clematis.
Published in Japan by Shufunotomo Co. Ltd 2001. Printed in Japan. ISBN 4-07-228878-0. Price unknown.
CLEMATIS-ZEITUNG: Ratschläge und Informationen für den Clematisfreund – Walter Hörsch
(Clematis Booklet: Tips and Information for Clematis Friends)
Reviewed by Doris Schreck
Why this clematis booklet? Aren’t there enough essays and books already?
15 years ago, one had to travel to England, if one wanted a book on clematis, because there were none available in the German market. Luckily this has changed over the last few years and now there is quite a selection to choose from for clematis amateurs and experts. So why another booklet on clematis? The author of this one, which consists of six pages, is Walter Hörsch – that’s what makes it special!
Everybody who knows Walter and his (among others) clematis garden, also knows that this booklet will give valuable information. His membership of several plant lover’s societies including the I.Cl.S. as well as his own gardening experiences, have made him one of the sought-after consultants in the clematis-world. He is able to write about clematis because of his own observations, experiments, successes and also failures. He doesn’t have to copy from somebody else and that’s what matters most.
In this booklet you will also find the dates of garden trips, clematis meetings, seminars, seed- and plant exchanges. New species and cultivars are introduced, pest control methods, the use of fertilizers and the explanation on the various pruning groups are given. Everything the avid amateur or expert gardener wants and needs to know about clematis in a short and comprehensive way. Walter is also the author of the book: Clematis, so blühen sie am schönsten published by Gräfe & Unzer in Germany.
The next clematis booklet, No. 7, will be released at the beginning of April 2002 at a cost of 2.20 Euros. If you wish to order any or all of the previously published booklets, please contact Walter Hörsch.
Available from Walter Hörsch, please email hoersch@t-online.de.
2001
Clematis The Genus – Christopher Grey-Wilson
Reviewed by Timo Löfgren
The book is a Clematis flora (list of plants), where the species are the main subject. An effort is made to present them simply for amateurs, but in such detail, that the book could also serve the botanists. The cultivated species are marked with *. From many of them also cultivars are presented. The large-flowered Clematis are covered suitably briefly.
The fresh colour photographs show how many different-looking species there are within the genus Clematis, and how they look like in the wild or natural-like environment.
In the beginning of the book there are typical instructions about how to take care of Clematis, propagate them and about their problems. This should not be necessary in a flora, maybe with an exception of the cold hardiness based on the coldest temperatures during the winter.
The genus Clematis is in the book divided in nine subgenera, most of them further in sections and subsections. The species presented are numbered from 1 to 297. Among the descriptions there are some strange-looking symbols. They prove to be a handsome tool to bond together relative species on basis of their common properties. As a comparison it should be mentioned, that Magnus Johnson divides the genus directly into 19 sections, many of them having subsections. There is a dispute between the two into which section the subsection of the African Clematis, Africanae is placed.
At end of the paragraph on C. barbellata (p.153) it is written, that in some literature this species has been connected to C. alpina and its relatives. The cultivar ‘Bletina’ is named. This may be in connection that C. fauriei, a cultivar of which ‘Betina’ is, has by mistake over time in Sweden been spread as C. barbellata (MJo p.193). Another small lapse in the book is the statement (p.194), that C. x jouiniana (C. tubulosa x C. vitalba) is the only hybrid of the latter species. The book also describes C. ‘Paul Farges’ SUMMER SNOW (C. potaninii x C. vitalba), popular here with us. Grey-Wilson says, that C. ‘Durandii’ is a hybrid between C. integrifolia and C. ‘Jackmanii’. That is questionable. Johnson, after researching the case, states that the latter part nearly certainly has been C. lanuginosa (MJo p.584).
The new book is about half of the size of Johnson’s book, which in addition to a comparable presentation of the species contains a wide ‘package’ about growing and about the cultivars, among others 168 pages about the cultivars of the section Viticella (Clematis viticella and the large-flowered Clematis), and information about growing clematis from the northern perspective.
Grey-Wilson has also skipped the historical surveys and many original references, which are found in Johnson’s book. Also the picture material is rather different from Johnson’s. These books thus complement well each other. Those unable to read Swedish language have missed a modern Clematis flora. That’s why one can predict this book a future reaching to several editions.
Recommended especially to those interested in natural species and small-flowered Clematis, and who not are afraid of the price of the book.
First published in 2000 by B. T. Batsford Ltd., 8 Blenheim Court, Brewery Road, London, N7 9NT, UK. ISBN: 0 7134 7659 1. Price about 30.00 GBP in 2001.
Clematis For Everyone – Raymond J Evison
Reviewed by Ruth Gooch and Fiona Woolfenden
This is an updated version of ‘Making the Most of Clematis’ published under a different title. It is the usual high standard that we have come to expect from Raymond.
There are a number of new photos but overall the book is the same size and with the same chapters covering all aspects of growing Clematis in various situations.
However, the chapter on ‘Growing Clematis in North America’ is larger with a page of ‘Suggested Clematis for North American Gardens’.
The list of Clematis at the end has been updated and its nice to see that Raymond has marked which Clematis have been given the British Clematis Society’s ‘Certificate of Merit’. (For more information on this award please read John Maskelyne’s article in this Journal).
In summary, it is a very nice book which is packed with information and reasonably priced. It is excellent for beginners and it is comprehensive enough to appeal to more experienced gardeners.
First published 2000 by Burall Floraprint Limited, Wisbech, UK. A fully revised sequel to ‘Making the Most of Clematis’ originally published in the UK by Floraprint Limited, Nottingham. ISBN: 0 903001 70 5. Priced at 8.95 GBP in 2001
Companions To Clematis: Growing Clematis With Other Plants – Marigold Badcock
Reviewed by Helen Proulx
Mrs. Badcock writes in the introduction to her book ‘It occurred to me how useful it would be to have a list of clematis by season, colour and height to help me to select clematis to grow through existing shrubs and to plan combinations to enhance many aspects of the garden throughout the year.’
However, in Chapter 1, instead of listing Clematis by season, she has organized the clematis into 11 groups: ‘The Evergreen Climbers’, ‘C. montana‘, ‘Early to Mid-Season Large-Flowered Cultivars’, ‘C. viticella‘, ‘Late, Large-Flowered Cultivars’, ‘Herbaceous Species and Cultivars’, ‘C. orientalis‘ (she should have named this group ‘Nodding, Bell Shaped Flowers’ because she also lists C. tangutica, C. tibetiana, and C. tenuifolia), ‘C. texensis‘, and ‘Late, Small-Flowered Species and Cultivars.’
Within each of the groups, she describes the Flowering season, Flowers, Aspect, Cultivation, Pruning, and Background; and then lists the species, cultivars or hybrids with Variety, Colour, Features, and Height. It is an extensive and useful list, and the groups are in the order of their blooming cycles through the seasons. Perhaps I am being too picky!
Chapter 2 is about the cultivation of Clematis. It is only when we reach Chapters 3, 4 and 5 that we read about partnering Clematis with shrubs, roses, herbaceous plants and other vines, in the Spring, Summer and Autumn, so as to enhance the blooming season of each. It is a useful discussion.
Mrs. Badcock is an accomplished photographer. The photographs alone are worth buying the book. Every page has at least one photograph and most pages have more. The line drawings and coloured illustrations are nice as well.
Mrs. Badcock would have benefited from having a knowledgeable Clematis breeder read her text for correct spelling and form. Her editors let her down in this respect. There are not many errors, but they are there.
All in all, I found it a useful book and will add it to our library.
First published by Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd, High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1XU, UK. ISBN: 1 86108 151 0.
Choosing Your Clematis – John Howells
Reviewed by Ruth Gooch and Fiona Woolfenden
This small book has a very appealing front cover of a Clematis in full flower growing up a pergola. The format inside is also attractive with generally a large ‘garden’ photo of each Clematis described and two smaller photos showing the flower shape and form.
The book is excellent for beginners particularly the sections on ‘Selecting your Clematis’ and ‘Buying your Clematis’.
John divides Clematis into a number of groups and suggests the seasons when these flower. This helps make the book more relevant to non-UK readers. He recommends 12 clematis from these different groups as a starter collection. There are also examples of a number of ‘colours’ throughout the seasons.
The section on ‘Buying your Clematis’ is especially welcome as John explains what to do with ‘liners’ and ‘plugs’ which so often tempt gardeners due to their low price.
There are a number of very nice photos taken by the author. However many have been printed slightly out of focus.
In conclusion, it is a nice book, especially for a beginner, but a bit expensive due no doubt to the number of colour photos.
Printed in England by Antique Collectors Club Ltd., Woodbridge, Suffolk. ISBN: 1 870673 37 9. Priced about 15.00 GBP in 2001.
Clematis – Members Of The Japan Clematis Society
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
This book was produced by a group of members of the Japan Clematis Society. It is packed with information and photos.
The photos make the book very appealing. There are a number of good ‘garden views’. I was delighted to see pictures of Jon and Ruth Gooch and the gardens at Thorncroft Clematis Nursery.
There are a number of good close-up photos of Clematis including varieties not often seen outside Japan. The display of seed heads is also interesting.
One unusual section compared to European books features clematis growing in pots and hanging baskets. The style is different to what I’m used to.
There are a number of pages showing Clematis as cut flowers. (Members interested in the cut flower trade in Japan should read Maurice Horn’s article in the 1998 Edition of Clematis International).
My only criticism with the book is that the colour reproduction on some of the blue clematis is not good. For example, ‘Fairy Blue’ which is a nice blue very similar to ‘Multi Blue’ looks almost pink.
Despite the fact that I can not understand Japanese it is a lovely book to dip into and enjoy the pictures, a number of which are unusual compared to European Clematis books.
Clematis So Blühen Sie Am Schönsten / Success With Clematis – Walter Hörsch
Reviewed by Doris Warmhold
I regard this book as a good and inexpensive opportunity to inform all beginners about all things Clematis. All instructions are accompanied by illustrations and are easy for everyone to understand. Walter Hörsch – well known and competent in things Clematis – has joined the most important things together with good photos. The success of this book shows in that, in 1999 the 5th edition appeared and it is also translated into English.
Ich betrachte dieses Buch als eine gute und preiswerte Gelegenheit für alle nfänger in Sachen Clematis sich hier zu informieren. Es sind alle anletungen auch mit Abbildungen und Zeichnungen für jedermann gut verständlich. Walter Hörsch – kompetent in Sachen Clematis und bekannt dafür – hat hier die wichtigsten Dinge mit guten Fotos zusammengefügt. Dass dieses Buch bisher ein Erfolg war, zeigt, dass es 1999 in der 5. Auflage erschienen ist.
First published in Germany in 1995 – Publishing house Gräfe und Unzer, German Price DM 14,80 – 63 Seiten – ISBN 3-7742-1791-2. In the UK it is priced around 4.00 GBP in 2001 – ISBN 1-85391-583-1. This book has now been published in 5 languages in total.
Schöne Clematis Kletterpflanzen Für Jeden Garten – Andreas Bärtels
Reviewed by Doris Warmhold
A very detailed, though not so extensive a book, with many good photos. He not only describes the large flowering Clematis, but Andreas Bärtels also inspires the readers for the ever more popular lovely small flowering forms. As is fitting for a well-known dendrologist such as Andreas Bärtels, it is a book developed for it scope, which should not be missed by any German-language Clematis lover.
Ein sehr ausführliches aber trotzdem nicht zu umfangreiches Buch mit vielen gelungenen Fotos. Hier sind nicht nur goßblumige Clematis beschrieben, sondern Andreas Bärtels begeistert die Leser auch für die immer beliebter werdenden kleinblütigen Formen. Wie es sich für einen bekannten Dendrologen wie Andreas Bärtels gehört, ist es ein für seinen Umfang ausgereiftes Buch.
First published in Germany in 1989 – Publishing house Eugen Ulmer, Germany 128 Seiten – ISBN 3-8001-6576-7 – German-language.
Clematis – The Vines of the Future – M. A. Beskaravainaya
Reviewed by Ian Lang
I have had the great fortune to borrow a copy of this comprehensive book by the renowned Russian Professor and to dip into it at my leisure. Let me start, however, by confessing that my Russian is by no means as good as it ought to be. For a fluent reader of the language, the book presents the whole range of clematis knowledge, from cultivation and gardening advice for the amateur enthusiast right through to scientific descriptions of the Professor’s genetic experimentation for the professional botanist.
My initial interest in the book came about through Magnus Johnson’s magnum opus, where he lists many clematis from the former Soviet Union – some have made it to the West while some exist to us only as names. I was fascinated by the range of these cultivars and wanted to find out more about them and, in particular, about what the names meant or referred to. The Professor’s book has helped greatly in this as she explains the origins of the names of many of her introductions, from those honouring family members, colleagues and Russian pioneers to those evoking colour and atmosphere.
Of course, the book is aimed at a Russian audience but could a reader with little or no Russian get anything out of the book? I believe so. The book is well illustrated with line drawings and photographs. The monochrome photographs and line drawings give very clear examples of important clematis features such as leaf, bud, flower and root shape.
However, there is one factor which should put this book on every clematis enthusiast’s table – in a central colour section there are photographs of many of the Russian cultivars, particularly those introduced by the State Nikitsky Botanical Gardens in the Crimea. Out of more than 35 photographs, there are nearly thirty of which this reviewer has never before seen a photograph and which certainly are not for sale in this part of the world. Whilst we may well be familiar with ‘Aljonushka’ and ‘Kosmicheskaia Melodiia’, who has come across ‘Bal Tsvetov’ (Ball of the Flowers) (lanuginosa group) or the stunning ‘Zagadka’ (Enigma) (Hexapetala group), the very first introduction resulting from the Professor’s experimental mutagenic method, which has been reported in English in various publications?
This book has gone onto my personal wish-list. If only it were readily available Likewise, will ‘Zagadka’ always remain a stranger to my garden?
Footnote: For anyone who is interested, I have compiled a list of the Russian, Baltic and Japanese cultivars listed in Magnus Johnson’s book. I have included translations of the names where possible as well as indications of their origins. Also included is a long list of those for which I have no translation or information and I welcome more information from anyone who cares to give it. The list can be downloaded from our website at www.thenook.karoo.net
[Editors note: This year both ‘Bal Tsvetov’ and ‘Zagadka’ have been registered with the International Clematis Registrar and appear in Vicki Matthews article earlier in this journal. Professor Beskaravainaya has also kindly sent us pictures so we can enjoy looking at them even if we are as yet unable to buy them.]
Published in Russian by Kvarta Publishing House, Voronezh, 1998 172pp.
2000
RHS Practical Guides – Clematis – Charles Chesshire
Reviewed by Ruth Gooch
An A5 size paperback book which, as the title suggests, is a practical guide. In a ‘pocket-sized’ book, aimed at the ‘gardening public’ a huge amount of information is given. It covers all aspects from selection, which clematis to grow where, to planning colour combinations, and planting and caring for clematis.
Whilst each section of the book is covered briefly, it describes the main points clearly so that gardeners who have not grown clematis before are given a good insight into the genus and how to grow and look after them.
The colour photographs are of a high standard with all but one or two, namely the blues, accurate for colour.
An excellent book that does what it is aimed to do, giving ‘expert advice’ to the novice gardener.
Published in England by Darling Kindersley, price £4.99. www.dk.com. ISBN: 0-7513-0686-X.
Growing Clematis: A Complete Guide – Bridget Gubbins
Reviewed by Brewster Rogerson
For some months last year this engaging paperbound book appeared in booksellers’ lists simply as “forthcoming,” with no details, and it was only on its recent distribution, two years late, that most of us learned what an attraction it holds for lovers of clematis: it brings us Australia.
Members of this Society well know how much the clematis world has expanded in little more than a decade, with growers and gardeners of several nations much more a part of a single community than in the past. New Zealand has played its part in the advancing awareness-but for most of us Australia has remained out of the picture. Now we have word from an acknowledged expert on gardening there with clematis, and there is much that is fresh and interesting.
Ms. Gubbins’ book begins with the obligatory coverage of the four P’s- planting, pruning, propagation, and pests-all briefly but clearly handled for Australian gardeners, whose growing conditions in regions near the coast are likely to be somewhat warmer on the whole than those addressed by the impressive armful of British books on clematis.
However, her most arresting contribution in these early pages has nothing to do with a difference in climate. After some years of gardening on two dissimilar sites she is convinced that all the large-flowered hybrids react well, and in their true character, if pruned exactly alike: down to the second-from-the-bottom pair of healthy-looking growth buds, every winter. No more A, B, and C! She has more on this point, not to be revealed here. Tolle, legge.
The midsection of the book has short descriptions of some 140 clematis, with photographs mostly by the author. The pictures are usually small, but quite clear and accurate in color, and often include enough of the foliage to help with identification. Most readers from outside Australia will probably find this the most interesting section, partly because the comments rest on personal knowledge, but also because it is sprinkled with species and hybrids that are scarce or even unknown at present in the international trade. Who has heard of C. rhamnoides? Or C. ‘Mauve Beauty’? The pictures of them are enticing.
There are others that we discover we know, but by different names. The Australian ‘Blue Boy’ is not Skinner’s ‘Blue Boy’, but ‘Elsa Späth’. Their ‘Gabrielle’ is not the American ‘Gabrielle’ presumably listed in the RHS Plant Finder or is it possible that some sources have one and some the other? And ‘King of the Belgians’, long thought to be extinct, appears here among the living, though under the odd name of ‘King of the Belgiums’. It is a shame that so much here has to be window-shopping for most of us.
The book closes with a chart of all the clematis discussed, giving vital details somewhat in the manner of Raymond Evison’s Making the Most of Clematis, and including what must be heaven-sent for Australians, a column indicating the relative availability of each one. There is also a “short list” of specialist nurseries that supply clematis, with a substantial portion from New Zealand. All in all, a most welcome addition to the clematis bookshelf.
Published in South Melbourne: Hyland House, 1997. ISBN 1-864470-23-2.
The Rose and the Clematis – Dr. John Howells
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
This book has been available since 1996 but we have never reviewed it and it is relevant to include it in this edition of the Journal with so much discussion on growing clematis with roses.
The book contains a number of lists that should make it easy for non-English speaking clematarians to follow. The rose varieties mentioned are ones usually found in Great Britain but the colours are given so local equivalents should be easy to find.
This book is packed with information on growing clematis and roses with suggestions on contrasting combinations and harmonious partnerships, including a colour wheel. Some I have already worked out for myself, such as Rosa ‘Golden Showers’ and Clematis ‘Ascotiensis’ but I found a number of interesting combinations which I would like to try in the future, for example, C. ‘Victoria’ with R. ‘Galway Bay’ and R. ‘Handel’ with C. ‘Star of India’.
The majority of the book is composed of sections on growing clematis and roses in different ways. The first sections cover growing clematis on climbing roses before the roses flower, when the roses flower and after the roses flower.
More sections cover growing clematis under climbing roses and near climbing roses. Growing clematis with shrub roses and bedding roses is also covered. Further sections include growing clematis in containers with roses and finally combined as cut flowers. Finally there are a few cut flower arrangements by John’s wife, Ola Howells, which are a delight to the eye.
In summary, this book is packed with information and good combinations for gardeners of today.
Printed in England by the Antique Collector’s Club Ltd., Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1DS, GREAT BRITAIN priced 19.95 GBP in 1996, reprinted in 1999. In the USA at Market Street Industrial Park, Wappingers’ Falls, NY12590. ISBN: 1-870673-19-0.
En Trädgårdspark I Södermanland. Antroposofernas Trädgård I Ytterjärna – Arne Klingborg
Reviewed by Lennart Jonsson
What has a book on a garden designed in accordance with Rudolf Steiner’s ideology Antroposophy to do with Clematis? Well, in Scandinavia, we say garden, but in reality we mean gardens, and one of these is devoted to Clematis, in particular Mr Magnus Johnson’s selections – the grand old man of Clematis – but Clematis are found all over the gardens.
In 1964, a group of people inspired by the antroposophy gathered at an estate of beautiful scenery called Ytterjärna, only 50 km south of Stockholm, where they started to construct gardens, green-houses, fields, institutions for education and health care. Briefly, the ideology is to live close to the nature; e.g., all cultivation is to be done without the use of any chemicals so common in modern agriculture. As an illustration on how important the compost is it has been placed in the centre of the gardens. The human being shall find the essentials of life by living in harmony with nature and the cosmos.
From the very start the author, Arne Klingborg, has been the designer, head-gardener and the book might be read as his report on all the efforts that have been made to restore earlier cultivated areas and to create new ones: the fruit, vegetable, herb, rose, medical garden, etc.
The Clematis chapter has the heading: The Master of Clematis on Visit! Of course, in a remote country having such a harsh climate, there are not too many persons who will recognize a world wide master of a plant genus. In this case the Maitre de Clematis, Magnus Johnson, lives hardly more than a few stone’s throws away. It makes sense that he will be sought for advice in designing a Clematis garden. It is interesting to note that Arne Klingborg learned to appreciate wild Clematis in New Zealand and grown in many gardens abroad e.g. Great Dixter in Kent, Christopher Lloyd’s garden. It must have been a great surprise to realize The Specialist was a close neighbour!
I guess the day Arne met Magnus in the jungle surrounding Stockholm, his first line must have been, ‘Dr Johnson, I presume!’. What then occurred should not be too hard to imagine. In short time, a place for a Clematis garden was found, and within a hedge of hawthorn and blackthorn, a trellis was built. Here above all Clematis viticella cultivars were planted. Since then several more trellises have been constructed, and many more Clematis were brought in from Magnus’s nursery to be planted in the Clematis garden and on other sites. Arne describes Magnus visits inspecting the plantings as times of solemnity when all notes the Master’s comments.
Arne’s drawings and Jan Lindmark’s snapshots outstandingly illustrate the Clematis garden. The trellises have caught the attention of others, too. The wood trellises are so well designed that many visitors want to copy. Like many Scandinavians, I prefer a trellis of wood because in winters the trellis stands naked. It is then that the wood gives a warm and solid impression instead of ugly, rusty, flat bars, etc. In climate like ours, we have to take into account all the four seasons, and a plant support must have its own aesthetics.
Enjoy the illustrations in particular Jan Lindmark’s Clematis ones. They do not need any explanations. If you ever pay a visit to Stockholm allocate one day of your itinerary for a visit to Ytterjärna where gardening, aesthetics, medical, pleasure, and other aspects of the antroposophy ideology is practised; a life in harmony with nature.
This book is published in Swedish by Wahlström & Widstrand, Stockholm 1999, ISBN 91-46-17077-4
The American Clematis Society’s Guide to Growing Clematis – Edith Malek
Reviewed by Ruth Gooch and Fiona Woolfenden
The book’s layout makes it simple to see and information that is helpful to the gardener new to growing clematis. Written specifically for the American gardening market it usefully gives a guide to hardiness zones with the US. Other information is appropriate to growing clematis worldwide and much would be of interest to novice clematis growers across the globe. Some of the terminology however is likely to be only understood by Americans, for instance, the size of the plant is given in gallons!
Sadly some of the photographs have not reproduced as well as one would like, but they give a good idea of the range of cultivars available.
Only available in the USA. ISBN: 0-9670538-0-3.
Clematis – a hamlyn care manual – Mary Toomey
Reviewed by Fiona Woolfenden
In the Introduction Mary states that the main aim of this book is ‘to address the problems that face gardeners and to engender a love for this very special genus of plants’. Mary appeals to gardeners to grow more of the ‘exquisite and floriferous and often trouble-free small-flowered species and hybrids, which belong to the alpina, macropetala, viticella, tangutica and texensis groups’.
This thought is continued with the ‘Plant Directory’ which states that it does not aim to be a comprehensive list of all large flowered hybrids. Most of the large flowered hybrids featured are varieties that have justified over time why they are still with us today. There are some new varieties as well, presumably because the author has first hand experience of them. The ‘Plant Directory’ includes a number of herbaceous varieties and species, as well as a ‘Connoisseur Collection’.
I have looked at several specialist Clematis Nursery Catalogues and I think that it should be possible to obtain all the varieties mentioned in England. However, many of them will require some searching. The range of species featured is similar to those in Barry Fretwell’s book.
My first impression of this book is that it is well presented. It is full of a number of spectacular photos. The photograph of C. cirrhosa ‘Lansdown Gem’ is particularly striking – unfortunately there is no description of this cultivar of C. cirrhosa included in the ‘Plant Directory’. The text is nicely laid out in narrow columns, which may be easy to translate, and is easy to dip into.
For the adventurous and patient there is a step by step guide to hybridisation. It is good to see a reference to registering your new hybrid. Photographs illustrate the pages on morphology, which is good. The sections on growing and planting clematis have a number of ideas for growing clematis through trees and shrubs, roses etc. and on posts and fences etc. Sections on ‘Choosing Clematis’ give helpful hints on ‘Best Clematis by Colour’ and ‘Best Clematis for different locations’. However, it is disappointing that many of the varieties recommended are not included in the ‘Plant Directory’. Personally I think that it is unreasonable to expect that all available varieties should be listed but I would like consistency within the book.
In conclusion, I think that Mary succeeds in her stated aim. And for those of us that know her you can hear her talking while she shares her expertise and enthusiasm for clematis with the reader, particularly the species and small flowered varieties.
As you will see in the following review, a German version of Mary’s book has been published recently. It’s hoped other languages will appear in the future.
First published in Great Britain in 1999 by Hamlyn, a division of Octopus Publishing Group Limited, 2-4 Heron Quays, London, E14 4JB, Great Britain. Price £14.99 ISBN 0-600-59624-9 hardback.
Clematis – Kultur und Pflege – Vermehrung un Hybridisierung – Die schönsten Sorten – Mary Toomey
Reviewed by Horst Weihrauch
Here is a new book on clematis coming from the British Isles, correctly said from Ireland, as the author lives near Dublin. Mary Toomey studied Biology, is working as lecturer, has written several books and now a book on her favourite plants.
The foundation for her interest on clematis was laid by her teacher at primary school. As a young student she planted her first Clematis montana at the university in 1968. In the following years Mary Toomey planted and propagated innumerable plants in her gardens (and in those of neighbours). As a student Mary had just some books on gardening available in her library. Thus she took a scientific-botanical approach to the cultivation of clematis. The last years she has been Hon. Editor of “The Clematis”, the journal of the British Clematis Society and keeps contact to the world of clematis as member of the International Clematis Society.
Her book is a mirror of rich garden experience and enthusiasm with and for her beloved plants. Step by step in text and guiding pictures follow successful cultivation of clematis: choosing, planting, training, pruning and keeping further care on them.
What makes this book different:
1. A new book incorporates newest cultivars and first experiences with them.
2. Mary Toomey takes 17 pages for propagation and hybridizing with the experience of practical gardening in background and nine pages for garden intruders small as White Fly to big ones like rabbits as well as microscopic small ones like fungi.
3. The generous book size of 23.5 by 28.7 cm provides the chance for eye-catching pictures and interesting variation in layout which had been successfully realized so that the reader will stroll along the pages upwards and downwards and forget the time by viewing and reading.
4. A number of “Clematarians” have distributed help and assistance as members of the British Clematis Society and of the International Clematis Society. So the author thanks Richard Stothard, Everett Leeds, Mike Brown, Dr. Brian Cromie, Jan Lindmark and Ruth Gooch. Pictures had been provided by renowned plant photographers, one of them is our member Michael Warren. Just after the book was on sales table, a German edition is coming from the printers. Besides a number of publications on clematis in books and garden magazines this is the third ‘true’ clematis book in German language on my shelves. I do not want to miss one of these and just one of twelve clematis books in other languages.
Mary Toomeys book is as well a welcome supplement with more information on well known and new plants and a joy to read after a day’s work, though the translation bears some weak points.
Two examples: The tepal margins of ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ are not “geknittert” (creased). I think Mary Toomey has written ruffled, crimped or waved. One unfortunate translation is continuing through the book, when the English word “pruning” is translated by “Beschneidung”. Gardeners here say “Schnitt” (cut) and “Winterschnitt”(winter pruning), “Sommerschnitt” (summer pruning) or “Schnittgruppe” (pruning group).
Indeed my dictionary translates as well “pruning” by “Ausputzen” (clean out) and “Beschneidung”. In the other section of the dictionary “Beschneidung” is translated by ‘cutting, clipping, circumcision, curtailment’.
The problem seems, that the verb “beschneiden” occasionally is used by amateurs for pruning (plants), while the noun “Beschneidung” in the language of today means the religious circumcision.
Later on page 98 the correct translation Schnitt”was chosen for the headline.
Nevertheless: German plant friends find a well readable, vivid and pleasant text. This is the more considerable, when the translator probably was not much familiar with gardeners’ language.
I keep one book for myself and recommend all plant friends to do the same.
Published by Augustus Verlag München 2000, 128 pages, Price 29.90 DM ISBN 3-8043-7374-4 hardback.
1999 – Book Reviews by Ruth Gooch & Fiona Woolfenden
Trouble Free Clematis – The Viticellas by Dr John Howells
Although this book will appeal to the ‘average’ gardener, it is very much an ‘enthusiasts’ book also. The cover is very appealing and the book is packed full of information. An innovative feature is the allocation of one variety per page, with the use of a standard page format showing a close-up, a group, and in-situ views, with many good photographs. Each of these pages has additional details, such as the history, the hybridizers, etc.
There are substantial sections on the culture and care of viticellas, followed by guidance on their display, positioning of them and how to use them in the garden. A novel approach however has to be the inclusion of many varieties that are not regularly “labelled” as viticella. I hope that this naming does not lead to confusion.
As one should expect from this well respected scientist and clematarian, it is a professionally presented and in-depth treatment of the topic. Many people will wish to find a space for it in their bookcase.
Published by Garden Art Press, 5 Church Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1DS, GREAT BRITAIN priced 19.95 GBP; in the USA at Market Street Industrial Park, Wappingers’ Falls, NY12590. ISBN 1-870673-24-7 (hardback).
Clematis for all Seasons by John Feltwell
A good ‘starter’ book which should encourage novices to start growing clematis. The book is easy to pick up and dip into. The chapters on Clematis by Colour are particularly unusual and enable the reader to contrast forms and shapes as well as colours. It is well laid out with really excellent and sharp photographs, as you would expect from a photographer. However, we would query the accuracy of a few of the variety names, this could lead to disappointment and confusion.
The section on pests and diseases is again excellent and should be very useful for gardeners, the photographs should aid pest identification.
This book would be ideal for gardeners who enjoy looking at a large number of photographs of clematis.
Published by Collins and Brown priced 16.99 GBP hardback. ISBN 1-85585-668-9 (hardback) and 1-85585-699-9 (paperback).
Clematis – Climbers of the Future by M. A. Beskaravainaya
For a book one is unable to read the black and white illustrations of leaf forms and comparisons of roots are of particular interest. The two pages of flower-forms illustrate the many varied shapes of clematis blooms and makes you realize that the shape of form of a flower is pleasing as the actual colour. Unfortunately, the quality of the pictures is not very good which is particularly sad, there being a number of less well-known varieties.
Published in Russian, but may be re-printed soon in English and we hope to be able to re-view it in full then. ISBN 5-89609-001-3.
Clematis by Brother Stefan Franczak
A little booklet packed full of information about the history of clematis and how to grow them. Included, along with a number of descriptions of the more common varieties are full descriptions of Brother Stefan’s varieties and a number of photographs, some of which look unusual.
Published in Polish by HORTPRESS Sp. Z o.o., ul Rakowiecka 32, 02-532 Warszawa, Poland. ISBN 83-86384-11-5.
Books Reviewed Previously by Fiona Woolfenden
The Gardener’s Guide to Growing Clematis by Raymond J. Evison.
One would expect a book by Raymond Evison to be polished and professional and this is no exception. But don’t be put off by the ” coffee table ” image, nor that it’s in the same series as ” The Gardener’s Guide to Hardy Geraniums “, a book which I had been disappointed with. As well as being very accessible to the ordinary person, this is also a book for the clematis lover, with a wealth of detailed information, excellent photographs, descriptions of recent introductions and some very readable history.
One unusual, but very useful and instructive, feature of the book is a number of double spread photographs of similar cultivars, laid out side by side for comparison and identification. For me the texensis and viticella plates are the most interesting as they contain a large number of the varieties commonly available. I like this idea very much as it shows the reader comparative flower size and relative colour.
There are a good number of other photographs of clematis varieties spread throughout the book, including Clematis Josephine™ ‘Evijohill’ (N) (see the article on 1997/8 Clematis Introduction from Raymond Evison). On a personal note I was pleased to see a photograph of clematis growing in the garden of Uno Kivistik in Estonia, quite probably taken on a Society visit. There is another photograph of C. integrifolia ‘Rosea’ which, I suspect, was taken in Eerich Prannos’s garden, also in Estonia. I’m look forward to visiting both of these gardens later this year with the Society.
As with most clematis books, this contains chapters on ‘Cultivation’, ‘Propagation’ and ‘Garden Uses and Plant Associations’, though it’s always useful to get a slightly different perspective on these matters. I found the drawings of different seed heads in ‘Habitat, Classification and Botany’ particularly interesting. However for the clematis enthusiast, the ‘History of Clematis’ is perhaps the most valuable chapter in this group, though it is, perhaps, a bit light on details of some of the newest varieties and breeders from Eastern Europe and Japan.
The North American chapter is the largest I’ve yet found, following on from Raymond’s previous book ‘Making the Most of Clematis’. There are specific recommendations on which varieties of Clematis to grow in climatic areas with very low winter temperatures. It is interesting for the UK reader to note that several viticellas are recommended for containers and that advice is given on how to protect tubs from frost.
The A-Z of species and cultivars is one of the most comprehensive, up to date and detailed I’ve seen. As one would expect quite a lot of the information is similar to that available in other Clematis books and some descriptions are quite concise, as though they’ve been written to fit the page space allocated. However there are some lovely details which I haven’t seen elsewhere. Over his many years involvement with clematis, Raymond has amassed a great store of detail which he draws on in the book. For example, where other books refer to a cultivar as being introduced by Treasurer’s, Raymond is able to be say when it was introduced and whom it was named after.
In conclusion, while the book would make a stimulating present for any gardening friend you wished to introduce to clematis, it is also for the enthusiast as a reference volume, particularly with it’s up to date information on many of the latest introductions.
The Gardener’s Guide to Growing Clematis by Raymond J. Evison is published in the UK by David & Charles Publishers, Brunel House, Newton Abbot, Devon, hardback edition at £16.99 ISBN 0 7153 0639 1. First published in North America by Timber Press Inc., 133 SW Avenue, Suite 450, Portland, Oregon 97204, USA, ISBN 0-88192-423-7.
Clematis, The Complete Guide by Ruth Gooch
A paper back version of Ruth Gooch’s book is also available.
My criticism of this book (see below) was mainly its appearance which the paper back copy has addressed – with its much more attractive format.
The paper back version is priced at £9.99. ISBN 1 86126 392 9 Published by The Crowood Press Ltd, Ramsbury, Marlborough, SN8 2HR.
This is a new guide to Clematis, aiming at inspiring gardeners to ‘open their eyes’, not only to the vast range of clematis available today but also the many different ways of growing them. The content of the book is excellent, with detail on some interesting ways on growing Clematis, especially the section on ‘bedding out’, as practised by Victorian gardeners. The section on the history of Clematis is one of the best I’ve seen so far, listing many varieties grown by the Victorian gardeners over 100 years ago and still being grown.
The first 120 pages are text printed with line diagrams, followed by 8 pages of photos with over 24 Clematis, all excellent quality and including Clematis florida and Bees Jubilee, with a bee! There are also a number of ‘Clematis Profiles’ featuring most of the large flowered hybrids and smaller varieties found in the UK. My only criticism is the layout and appearance of the book, it doesn’t present the contents in the most favourable manner, especially when compared with other glossy publications, and having the photos together lessens their impact.
However, on balance, it will make an excellent addition to any Clematis enthusiasts library.
The Crowood Press, 1996, £14.99, ISBN 1 85223 928 X (hardback)
The Genus Clematis (Släktet Klematis) by Magnus Johnson
Magnus Johnson has been active as nurseryman and landscape architect since 1932. In his early years he specialised in alpine plants and woodland gardening, but the interest in clematis has thereafter played a dominant role in Magnus Johnsons Plantskola AB (the Swedish name of his company). His achievements in hybridisation are revealed by descriptions and illustrations in his book.
It is a summary of the author’s knowledge of clematis, acquired during more than 50 years as a botanist, landscape architect and nurseryman. The purpose is to provide a picture of the history, the use in gardening, cultivation of clematis and to gather descriptions of species and cultivars.
Originally published in Swedish, an English translation is also now available, making this epic work much more accessible to serious clematis lovers. This version is only available from Magnus Johnsons Plantskola AB in Sweden, please visit http://clematis.sunstone.se/index.htmll or contact Bengt Sundström at the address below.
The review below is of the Swedish version. The English translation will be reviewed for Clematis International 2002.
The first part contains the history, horticultural aspects and treats the cultivation and propagation of clematis.
This is followed by a scientific description of clematis, giving an overview of different characteristics in text and drawings, followed by a historical review of the classification by different scientists. The view of the author is given at the end.
In the third part each section is introduced by a description of general characteristics, diagrams showing the distribution of the section and some comments on their use in gardening.Each description starts with literature references and treats 323 species with about 180 varieties and around 1400 cultivars. The book, with a total of 896 pages, contains 24 gouaches, about 100 illustrations from classical literature and ink drawings of the author. Colour pictures of around 170 species and cultivars are grouped systematically and, in general, following the order in the text.
Whilst the book is written in Swedish, the basic terminology (around 200 words) is translated into English, French and German in a glossary and the main reference section, some 25% of the book, uses primarily internationally understandable language. The Latin terminology is also given.
This book, one if not the most important reference work on Clematis to appear for many years, is now published and available, coinciding with Magnus Johnson’s 90th birthday. It should be available through good book shops, ISBN 91-630-5121-4, but if you have any difficulty I suggest you contact Bengt Sundström at
Magnus Johnsons Plantskola AB
Bränningestrandsvägen 63
S-151 39 SÖDERTÄLJE
SWEDEN
or by email at bengt@hallf.kth.se.
The nursery expects to be selling copies at SEK 600 plus post and packaging.
Making the most of Clematis, Third Edition, by Raymond Evison
Yes, a 3rd edition with 14 more pages. More photographs, change of page layout, and how to plant Clematis shown not just by diagrams but with photographs of Raymond. The major addition is a chapter on growing Clematis in North America, of particular interest to our USA and Canadian members. Clematis appear to be ideal for growing on mailboxes! The latter chapters, describing varieties and how to care for them, have also been rearranged and expanded.
In summary, a lot of useful information packed into a compact publication at a reasonable price.
Burall Floraprint Ltd, 1996, £8.99, ISBN 0 903001 69 1 (paperback)
Other Clematis books available, listed in order of latest date of publication, include:
Clematis as Companion Plants by Barry Fretwell
Cassell Publishers Ltd, Villiers House, 41/47 Strand, LONDON WC2N 5JE, 1994, ISBN 0-304-34424-9 (hardback).
Distributed in the USA by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 8810, and in Australia by Capricorn Link (Australia) Pty Ltd, P O Box 665, Lane Cove, NSW 2066.
Growing Clematis by Dr John Howells
Ward Lock, Villiers House, 41/47 Strand, LONDON WC2N 5JE, 1994, ISBN 0 7063 7238 7 (paperback).
Distributed in the USA by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 8810, and in Australia by Capricorn Link (Australia) Pty Ltd, 2/13 Carrington Road, Castle Hill, NSW 2154.
Clematis, Queen of Climbers by Jim Fisk
Cassell Publishers Limited, Villiers House, 41/47 Strand, LONDON WC2N 5JE, 1994, £12.99, ISBN 0 304 34327 7 (paperback).
Clematis for Colour and Versatility by Keith and Carol Fair
The Crowood Press, Ramsbury, Marlborough, Wilts. SN8 2HE, 1990, £6.95, ISBN 1 85223 284 6 (paperback).
Clematis by Christopher Lloyd and Tom Bennett
Viking published by the Penguin Group, 27 Wrights Lane, LONDON W8 5TZ, 1989, £14.95, ISBN 0 670 80233 6 (hardback).
Also from Viking Penguin Inc., 40 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010, USA; Penguin Books Australia Ltd, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia; Penguin Books Canada Ltd, 2801 John Street, Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 1B4; and Penguin Books (NZ) Ltd, 182-190 Wairau Road, Auckland 10, New Zealand.
Clematis by Barry Fretwell
William Collins and Co. Ltd, London-Glasgow-Sydney-Auckland- Toronto and Johannesburg, 1989, £14.95, ISBN 0-00-411335-7 (hardback).