Robert...sometimes if you can I would love for you to share some of the Roses you are growing since I am a Rose Enthusiast!!..As well as Clematis combined with roses in my gardens...I think right off the top of my head..and I don't say this just because I am a proud Texas but Clematis "Texensis" (Texas) would be right at the top of my collection..because of it's historical significance in the Clematis World..Hybridizers from all over has used it's wonderful genes in producing some of the most beautiful clematis through the decades...Clematis "Patens" (Japan) is another that is often used..and of course George Jackmans famous Clematis "Jackmanii" which is so common but has historical value and used alot in it's day for hybridizing.
Clematis "Pitcheri","Virginiana","Cirrhosa"."Integrifolia" and "flammula"..That is all I can think of now...Jeanne

Depends on what you mean by classic heirloom clematis Robert. If you are referring to the species clematis, then the list that Jeanne provided includes a few of the US native clematis--texensis (love it like Jeanne does especially if you can get a really good red form), pitcheri, crispa, fremontii, glaucophylla, addisonii, and versicolor amongst others. All the ones listed are favorites of mine since they are not widely grown since most people think of clematis and the first thing that pops into their minds are the large flowering hybrids. Of course there are species clematis from other countries including integrifolia, viticella, fusca--the list is endless.

Then again perhaps you are referring to ones that are tried and true forms that have been grown for a while. In that case, there are quite a few of the viticellas that I wouldn't be without including Purpurea Plena Elegans, Polish Spirit, Minuet, Kermesina, Blue Belle, Etoile Violette, Alba Luxurians, Madame Julie Correvon--I could go on and on.

Miguel,

Actually I was thinking of the tried and true hybrids more so than the species..but, the species are good to have too.
Please go on and on...I've got most on your list except Minnuet and blue belle, I think.

Robert, I personally don't think a collection would be complete without the US natives. Some will be impossible to find as they are not commercially grown. They have always garnered more attention from the Europeans who have used them in hybridization quite a bit. Here in the US, the LFH are the ones most people know about since they are the ones in bloom at the nurseries when people flock in the spring.

Email me and I will send you an Excel file that I keep of the clematis I have and I will comment on any that you might find interesting and don't have. Much easier than trying to enumerate them all here. Email address is nckvilledudes@aol.com.

I second Clematis "Polish Spirit"..a truly vigorous blooming and growing THUG in my garden..where ever one plants it they should give it plenty of room...I don't know why more hybridizers don't use that one more as one of the parent ??..
"Mme Julia Correvon" as Miquel said..a Wonderful White clematis called "Huldine" and "John Huxtable" are two that are great in my gardens for me!!..
I love clematis "Dr. Ruppel"..that baby blooms off and one all season for me..two big flushes once in spring and fall!!
"The President" and "Multi-Blue" are nice and love the doubles such as "Crystal Fountain" and "Josephine"..gezzzzz...I could go on all day..OH yea and "Ramona" is another that blooms alot for me...Jeanne

'Daniel Deronda' is from the 1800's so is 'Nelly Moser'
x durandii is from 1870
'The President' 1873
'Etoile Violette' 1885
'Jackmanii' 1858
'Jackmanii Alba' 1878
'Madamne Julia Corovan' pre 1900
'Mrs Cholmondeley' 1873
'Venosa Violacea' 1883
'Ville de Lyon' 1889
'Ramona' 1888

Dates courtesy Chalk Hill's website, the list is by no means complete.....

Well, I definitely feel as though I'm on the right track. I've got almost all the clematis mentioned so far, except John Huxtable, Jackmanii Alba, Blue Belle, and Minnuet. I'll definitely check these out as well.

Robert

Wow Robert! It doesn't sound like you need much help. Are you growing the clematis on your roses? Although my experience is limited, I think the small-flowered viticella are more effective when grown to climb on a rose.

{{gwi:202057}}

Harry...just love your pic of Westerland with Betty Corning..scruptiously delicious!!..Jeanne

Harry,
I am growing my clematis on roses. I'm following some advice...a clematis for every rose. I've got MANY climbing roses, so I need many clematis. Clematis hide naked roses.

robert

These are my favorites that come to mind ...

Jackmanii Superba
Ville de Lyon
Victoria
Perle d' Azur