C den
COLUMBIA
THE STAR
i
° sc
Autumn clematis covers the entranceway to the Three Bears Homestead at the Carolina
Children's Garden.
Stopping
to smdl
tt flowas
ByArlene Marmrano
marturanoa ahoo. com
When we think of
autumn plants for the gar-
den, chrysanthemum, aster,
calendula, autumn sedum,
and goldenrod come to
mind. However, one vine
which stage s a spectacular
show in autumn should not
be overlooked.
From late August until
October, sweet autumn
e!m,s Glmatis terniflo-
ra, a vigorous semi-ever-
green or deciduous perenni-
al vine captures attention by
producing billowy showers
of fragrant 1" white star-like
flowers. As the flowers fade,
decorative silvery seedheads
appear.
: The native Japanese
vine that can grow 15-30
feet is best supported on
:.arbors, pergola, fences, or
trellises. At the Carolina
Childrens Garden, autumn
'clematis covers the arbor
,entrance to Three Bears
Homestead. The dense
leaves provide shade in the
heat of summgr. Some gar-
deners let the vine ramble
.as a groundcover to prevent
erosion on poor soil.
Autumn clematis pre-
fers well-drained loamy or
`clay-loamy soils but toler-
ates sandy conditions. A soil
pH of 6.5-7 is preferred.
While its foliage loves sun,
its roots like shade.
Mulching is recommended.
Maintain soil moisture
Autumn clematis stages sensory enchantment in the garden from
late August to October.
throughout the growing sea-
son. The hardiness zones for
this woody ornamental are
4-9.
The glossy green leaf of
the Japanese clematis has
smooth margins and is one
way to distinguish the non-
native from twO native
species of autumn clematis
with serrated leaves.
The vine has a reputa-
tion for being invasive.
Pruning back severely in
winter helps contain
growth. Pruning after flow-
ering prevents self-seeding.
The vine is easily propagat-
ed by seed, stem cuttings in
early summer, and layering
in late winter. The plant is a
good candidate for a plant
exchange.
The plant i s usually pest
free but can succumb to
wilt, rust, powdery mildew,
The dense leaf cover of autumn clematis
shades strategic garden spots.
and fungal spots. Leaves
need to be monitored for
earwigs, whiteflies, aphids,
and scale insects.
The late-flowering
clematis is one of the easiest
clematis to grow. The fact
that it blooms profusely and
is fragrant in fall adds sen-
sory enchantment tO the
landscape.
ConCribut by
City of Columbia
Nominations are now
being accepted for the
Treasured Trees Pro-
gram. The Treasured Trees
Program seeks to docu-
ment and preserve trees
that have significant value
to the greater community,
and promote the aware-
ington Metropolitan Area,
and preference will be
given to trees in locations
accessible for public view-
ing.
Nominations of trees
located on private property
require the signature of the
property owner granting
the Treasured Trees pro-
gram access to the proper-
ty in rder to examine,
ness, benefit, and value of measure, and photograph
trees to the community, the nominated treg:
Nominations are due
• Selection Criteria by October 26, 2009. Par-
Trees of superior size ticipants should provide
or stature, those associated their name and contact
with historical events, trees information along with a
noteworthy for their aes- description, location, and
thetic or sentimental value, photograph of the tree. If
their scarcity, or even 'available, please include
because they are great significance or history
trees to climb or from
which to swing can be
nominated.
Groups of trees will
also be considered for des-
ignation when their plural-
ity contributes to their sig-
nificance.
Nominated trees can
be located on public or pri-
vate property and can be
nominated by anyone.
Trees should be located in
the Greater Columbia/Lex-
related to the tree.
NominatiOns may be
delivered or emailed to:
City of Columbia
Forestry & Beautification
Division
Treastifed Ttg
2910 Colonial Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
Attn: CarrollWilliamson
cswilliamson@
columbiasc,net
This vine is between flowering and creating
seedheads. Heavy pruning is advised in late
winter to control growth.
"Fall means football"
Open House
Join Agap6Senior :as we kick off the fall football
and
• SU
Harbison Kathwood
990 Columbia Ave 4520 Trenholm Road i
(803) 749-89 : (3)'
Xingto.
5'422 Augusta Roa¢
(803) 520,5850, (803) 933
I.dep"de"t.. Living '
Agap6 Village- Patio Homes
128 Agape Village Court ,
Off Leaphart Road in West Columbia
(803) 454'3504
