Clematis

Sometimes called leather flower or Old Man's Beard, this pointed purple flower is part of the buttercup family and grows thickly along trellises, like something out of a storybook.

Why We Love It

The "queen of vines" fills out sparse landscapes with a wild, whimsical flare. Their strange shapes and bright colors make them a fun feature for kids.

Requirements

Pick a spot with sun for the foliage and shade for the roots-- and of course, plenty of room to climb.

Spice Of Life

American pioneers used to call clematis "pepper flower," and would substitute it into dishes for the spice. (Today, we recognize many varieties of clematis as toxic.)

Bach To The Earth

According to the Bach school of flower remedies, clematis types are day dreamers and often absent-minded.