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.
