Clematis: What is my name?, 1 by TwinLakesChef

TwinLakesChef wrote:
Pretty clematis, Marie. I have 4 or 5 clematis in Iowa and they always start out looking really healthy but eventually have leaves that turn black (usually toward the bottom) but I don't think it is mildew like the peonies get. When I am ambitious I just cut it off but sometimes I don't get around to it.

Good that you look into what type before pruning. I have had a porcelain berry vine for about 4 years and every fall I would trim it back. It never did much. Then last fall I didn't get around to it.

This spring I went out to do the work I thought I should have done last fall and . . wow . . . it was sprouting on the old wood. That vine has grown up over my pergola and is hanging down with the beautiful little berries. how pretty (and how dumb of me).