so that's what it does!

When we moved in, a large and shaggy plant had eaten one of the porch columns. We cut it back thoroughly (in August 2008), not least because there was a wasp's nest in it. It responded with vigor, and is once again a force on the porch.



I discovered it was a "perennial clematis" by recognizing one for sale at the GA Botanical Garden plant sale last spring, but Googling this name got me nowhere in particular. It didn't bloom in 2009.

But it's blooming now!


I'm not in all honesty wild about it - I think I prefer hybrid clematis, or sweet autumn clematis (clematis paniculata). But it's certainly vigorous! Perhaps it will go when we rebuild the porch (which needs it.)