Gardening with Clematis

Design and Cultivation

Clematis are among the more versatile and diverse plants for any garden; few flowers can fill so many garden niches, from specimen plants to dwarf perennials, or container selections to multistory vines. Wherever they are found, their blooms never fail to induce rapture and awe. The carefully chosen clematis can't be equaled when planted in the right situation and pruned in the right way, but horticultural horrors can ensue when beginners (or experts) overreach and force plants where they do not belong. Linda Beutler provides instructions for newcomers and master gardeners alike on plant selection, cultivation, and design, and debunks a few myths along the way. With a distinct nod to the wonderful traditions for growing clematis in the British Isles and Europe, she may be the first author to provide a distinctly American perspective on the subject. Filled with 115 beautiful photographs and the incalculable wisdom of hard-won experience, Gardening with Clematis will be required reading for all adventurous gardeners.

Media reviews of this book:

"I grew clematis for years without much success ... then Linda Beutler wrote Gardening With Clematis: Design & Cultivation, and my life with clematis changed forever. She demystifies these gorgeous and varied plants in a very accessible — and fun — way."

—Kym Pokorny, Oregonian, June 29, 2006

"I highly recommend [this book] ... which is a thorough guide to all things clematis."

—Valerie Easton, Seattle Times, April 5, 2006

"Beutler's ability to conjure word images of clematis colors and forms growing with all sorts of other plants is impressive... There are abundant ideas for ways to use clematis throughout the garden."

—Ethne Clarke, American Gardener, May/June 2005

"She writes with wit and zeal."

—Dulcy Mahar, Oregonian, November 25, 2004

"I love this book because it's written as if you're having a conversation with your best friend, who just happens to know everything there is to know about clematis."

—Valerie Easton, Seattle Times, September 16, 2004

Customer reviews of this book:

"I've grown clematis for many years but learned even more from this beautiful book."

—John K. from Kansas City, Missouri, June 20, 2008

"Very informative book. [I] refer to it often."

—Tom J. from St. Joseph, Missouri, March 20, 2006

"Informative with great down-to-earth humor. Linda is a fine writer."

—Sandra S. from Forest Grove, Oregon, February 24, 2006

"Excellent."

—Jon C. from Patagonia, Arizona, March 28, 2005

"This book has answers to all my questions about clematis, and practical observations to boot!"

—Suzanne W. from Merrick, New York, March 22, 2005

Read more media and customer reviews

An excerpt from this book:

Once you have decided on the function you want your clematis to serve, as well as their color and texture, you can begin the search for the species and cultivars that will meet your needs. If you are new to clematis, it is best to start with those vines recommended as being easiest to grow. You will see several cultivars and species repeated on more than one of the lists throughout this book, including a list of my ten favorites for beginners at the end of this chapter. These are your guides to which varieties are most accommodating and rewarding. If the clematis that strikes your fancy sounds like a challenge, however, do not underestimate the power of beginner's luck! For now, let's start with the basics: selecting your new plant ...

Read the whole excerpt