Truth be told, Steve and Danielle don’t grow many clematis. But over their many, many years at Fine Gardening, they’ve researched and written a lot about this genus. In doing so, they’ve formed strong opinions about the species and cultivars that are truly top-notch. Their picks may not include the huge, in-your-face star-flower-types folks first think of when they hear “clematis.” Instead, our podcasting duo offers insight into selections that have unique habits or interesting flower colors and shapes. By the end of this episode you’ll come away wanting to try at least one of these gorgeous vines and wondering why you haven’t planted them before.

Expert testimony: Dan Long is the owner of Brushwood Nursery, which specializes in vines and climbers in Athens, Georgia.

DANIELLE’S PLANTS

‘Princess Diana’ clematis (Clematis ‘Princess Diana’, Zones 4–8)

Blue Angel clematis (C. ‘Blekitny Aniol’, Zones 4–9)

Harlow Carr™ clematis (C. ‘Evipo004’, Zones 4–9)

Bush clematis (C. recta, Zones 3–9)

STEVE’S PLANTS

‘Betty Corning’ clematis (Clematis ‘Betty Corning’, Zones 3–9)

Pitcher’s clematis (Clematis pitcheri, Zones 4–9)

‘Purpurea Plena Elegans’ clematis (Clematis ‘Purpurea Plena Elegans’, Zones 3–11)

‘Bill Mackenzie’ clematis (Clematis ‘Bill Mackenzie’, Zones 4–9)

EXPERT’S PLANTS

‘Arabella’ clematis (C. ‘Arabella’, Zones 4–9)

Cadmia clematis (C. cadmia, Zones 4–9)

‘Liberty’ clematis (C. ‘Liberty’, Zones 4–9)

‘Madame Julia Correvon’ clematis (C. viticella ‘Madame Julia Correvon’, Zones 4–9)

‘Mayleen’ clematis (C. montana var. rubens ‘Mayleen’, Zones 6–9)

Expert picks

Expert testimony: Dan Long is the owner of Brushwood Nursery in Athens, Georgia, which specializes in vines and climbers.