Commentary
The panel consisted of 34 volunteer members from 10 countries - Australia, Canada, Holland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA, West Germany. They were asked the question "If friends were to consult you on buying just 10 clematis for cultivation in their gardens, which 10 would you recommend?" This question concentrates the mind! 'Perle d'Azur' obtained the top points. It had good support everywhere. Presumably its clear blue colour and profusion of bloom is found attractive. The small flowered Viticella varieties were a strong second. 'Marie Boisellot' took number 3 place and must appeal for its large clear white bloom and strong growth. Number 4 place was filled by the Orientalis varieties of which two thirds of the mentions were of 'Bill Mackenzie'. Only in number 5 place did we return, with the Jackmanii varieties, to the traditional dark blue colouring. In these first 10 places there were four small flowered types. Of the large flowered varieties 'Perle d'Azur', 'Marie Boisellot', Jackmanii types, 'Lasurstern', 'Dr. Ruppel', 'The President', only one, 'Dr. Ruppel', was a recent introduction. It is of great interest that all but one clematis were available in the 19th century. It is also of interest that some well known varieties from the 19th century, for example 'William Kennett', 'W.E. Gladstone', and 'Lawsoniana' received no support; perhaps they are associated with the traditional purple colouring. Does any reader know the precise year in which 'Marie Boisellot' and 'Lasurstern' were introduced? I am grateful to the panel for their great help, prompltly given.