That is one pretty cool looking type III clematis that I sure would love to have. Unfortunately, I have never seen it offered for sale which is surprising since it was raised in 2004. It could be that it is one that someone grew from seed that is not yet, and may unfortunately ever be, available commercially. I will keep my eye open for it and report back if I ever see it become available. Just out of curiosity, how did you hear of it? I love perusing the listings on COTW but have never run across it before. There are quite a few unusual ones that are listed there including one called Yume which I found a couple of years back while scoping things out there.

Here is a link that might be useful: Barbara Ann's Lace

Just as an off chance, since I am a member of the American Clematis Society, I looked to see if there was a BA Fox listed as a member. There is someone listed as Barbara Ann Fox living in Fairmont, MI. I wonder if she is the one who raised this plant? There is no email address listed so may just send her a snail mail and see if she is one and the same and let her know that her progeny (if it is the same person)is widely admired.

I contacted Dan Long about this clematis and he provided info from the British Clematis Society where the owner of this clematis had asked questions on getting it patented and perhaps put into production. On the link below scroll down until you get to the next to the last question posted.

Here is a link that might be useful: Question about patenting clematis

Thank you for your research, nckvilledudes. Very interesting and such a beautiful clematis. Would love to have it in my garden as well. Perhaps we could volunteer to be test growers for B A Fox.

How DID you find this selection, tansy?

Wow! That certainly IS unusual. I wonder how well it grows?

Thanks, nckvilledudes for all your research, & mnwsgal for your question. I'll look into the BA Fox possible connection. As to how I found it: A couple years ago we began a year long episode of moving 90 miles. I had to leave my 20 acres (2+ in flowers) & move to property abounding in huge car size bolders. It has taken until this past summer to get rid of rocks & create a beginning garden. I brought upwards of a dozen clematis with me, gave some away to new neighbors & ordered some new. One I really coveted was c.florida Sieboldi. Not going to happen here in z5...possibly 5a! Move finally completed Nov.2007 & time to search the internet for something that struck my fancy as much as Sieboldi, but would grow here, I happened across Barbara Ann's Lace. I don't know where. Most probably on COTW. Spring & rock moving/garden building got in the way. Recently snowed in, I happened across my penciled note & began searching in earnest for a source. Thanks again, I appreciate the interest. I'll keep everyone posted if I have any success.

Tansy, I have sent snail mail to the Barbara Ann Fox that was listed in the American Clematis Society roster. She had no email address listed. She did have a telephone number listed but thought a regular mailed letter explaining the interest would go over better than a cold call from someone she didn't know from Adam. Will let you all know if I hear back from her.

Don't give up on growing clematis Florida Sieboldi in zone 5. I know of several people growing it in upstate Michigan and although I don't know what zone they are in, it is cold nonetheless. Hardiness ratings for most clematis are not known with any certainty. If it is one you want and you can get it at a reasonable price, I say go for it. You won't know if you can grow it in your zone or not unless you try!

nckvilledudes, I really do appreciate your writing Barbara Ann Fox. That was a very kind thing to do. I agree, the letter is the best way. Thank you.

This year, maybe I can concentrate on a micro climate in the garden & I will try Florida Sieboldii.

That is one cool looking Clemmie. I've never seen it before. I love it.

Will let you know when and if I hear from BA Fox and what she has to say!

Wow! I love that clematis and would love to have it in my garden. Maybe someday it will be available?

Carol

Still no word from the Barbara Ann Fox that I wrote to. Either she is not the breeder(which I hardly believe due to the uncanny similarities in her name, the fact that she is a member of the ACS, and the name of the clematis), she is not at home to receive the mail, or she has chosen not to respond.

Thanks for the update. Hopefully, she will write yet!

I guess time will tell Tansy. Still no word as of today 1/25/2009.

Any update on this?

I don't want to forget that I need this clem!

Mickie

Nope, no word whatsoever.

Hi Everybody,

I was also amazed by this Clematis raised by Barbara Ann Fox. I received the following reply form Edith Malek, President of the USA Clematis Society:

Dear Hannes,

Sadly, the clematis you are asking about was a one time occurrence. Barbara Fox registered her gorgeous clematis in 2004. She told me that it reverted back to its original form a year later. That is why it is not in commerce. What a shame!

Clematis forever,

Edith

Here is a link that might be useful: USA Clematis Society

Thanks for the follow up, Edith. I have been thinking about that clematis and wondering when it would be available. Sad, as it was so lovely.