Photo of the Month - November 2014

My Stolwijk Alpina Clematis seed heads are so beautiful right now. Having flowered in late May, they still bring interest to my little garden in November.

Plant Profile: Stolwijk Alpina Blue Clematis

There are disadvantages to having a shaded garden. Yet, this new cultivar of clematis has given a dark corner some real delight. Even without the flower, the contrasting yellow foliage is welcome in my garden.

Clematis alpina "Stolwijk" - Photo taken in early May. An early flowering clematis, with blue nodding blooms.

They hold this shape for about 2 weeks.

Then, when conditions are favourable - each bloom unfurls fully to reveal more beauty.

As the flowers age, the centre swells and reveals a lovely tuft of feathery seed heads. The outer blue petals will fall off and the seed head remains, adding textural interest until the autumn.

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