Correct Growing Zones For Clematis In The United States

The American Clematis Society, originally the Southern California Clematis Society, was founded in 1996. It is the first clematis society in this country. The purpose of forming the society was not only to promote clematis, but also to help educate American gardeners about how they grow in this country as well as how to care for them. American gardeners have been left out when it comes to understanding these incredible flowing vines, and we are dedicated to acquiring all the information available that is out there and sharing it with our members. We are a non-profit organization with members throughout the United States and Europe.

"The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps - We must step up the stairs." - Vance Havner

My vision for clematis in America is to give gardeners a clear understanding of where clematis can grow here. This can be accomplished through research and documentation and even experimentation. It is all right to take chances and not just follow the flock. Be a pioneer.

With the continued exposure in articles and books, the popularity of clematis will increase. With increased popularity there comes more demand. With more demand there comes more selection. With more selection there comes more recognition. And this recognition will fulfill my dream of making clematis as "Recognizable as the Rose".

I believe by changing attitudes and proper education, more American gardeners will come to enjoy the pleasures of clematis. Considering what those pleasures bring, the future looks bright!

Since one of the key objectives of our society is identifying the correct growing zones for clematis in the U.S. I would like to share with you an article I wrote on the subject.

Correct Growing Zones For Clematis In The United States

The United States is made up of many diverse growing regions and they are divided into climate zones. The most frequently mentioned reference guide to these zones is the Official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which has our country divided into 11 climate zones.

Until the American Clematis Society's Guide to Growing Clematis in the United States was published, there were no books available to American gardeners that address our diverse growing zones correctly. Sadly, this is still the case. It is most alarming to me that there are still books on clematis being produced that are utilizing these incorrect zones.

The question is, "how did these growing zones first originate?", particularly since there has never been a comprehensive study conducted in the United States that legitimately answers where clematis will grow successfully in our 11 climate zones. There was a study conducted in Chicago to find how clematis grow in our USDA Zone 5b but, unfortunately, I believe its conclusions weren't based on enough sufficient data to formulate an accurate evaluation (For more details see page 10 of May/June 2000 The Clematis Chronicle).

Why am I so concerned? Because the number of correct growing zones directly correlates with the future of how popular clematis will become in the U.S. The American Clematis Society will never realize our goal of making clematis, as "Recognizable as the Rose" in the U.S. until we have the correct growing zones. I believe American gardeners deserve this information so I will continue to be a vocal advocate to rectify the use of improper growing zones and my ultimate objective is to help lead the way for conclusive studies of our approved growing zones for clematis success in America!

Hopefully articles such as this and the work of our society and its members will help rectify this problem so that clematis will step to the forefront as a staple in American gardens.

Faithfully yours,

Edith

Return to index