Purple leaved grape vine and Jackman’s clematis
‘There is a harmony in autumn’. So wrote Percy Shelley, and how right he was, I have long noticed that autumn seldom needs help from me. It’s true that I planted these two climbers originally but they were both intended to grow in the opposite direction: one through a rose and the other through a shrub that has since died but they made their own pairing this year and it beats anything I could have dreamt up!
The beautiful vine takes on all hues from burgundy to plum-purple and even crimson as the temperature drops; and depending on the time of year and time of day, also its position in the garden, its colour will shift further. Hugely adaptable, it will romp along a pergola, drape itself over an arch, and grow happily against a wall or fence providing there is some support. It also looks good growing through an established tree or shrub especially where it will catch the late afternoon sun.
Clematis ‘Jackmanii’needs no introduction from me, it flowers intermittently into September – these precious late blooms being all the more valuable for their scarcity. No special pruning is required for either: the clematis is in Group 3 so just take it down to the lowest set of buds in February, and the vine can be pruned back to its framework at the same time. A sunny position is preferable for both but mine aren’t complaining too much on an east facing wall!
It was only when I typed the two names as my title, did I realise that they both have the seal of approval from the RHS: not for nothing have the pair been awarded the AGM!
NB Louise has published a beautifully produced book of her plant profiles – A Plant for Each Week of the Year. It costs £9.99 and is for sale in our online shop here.
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