I can't imagine Liatris not germinating. For me it's like a weed. And when I have wintersowed it, I get 100% germination. I don't know what specific variety I have. My seeds are from a plant that was growing at our cottage when we bought it. The seeds I've sent Bakemom for the newbie project are descendants from that plant. I have lots more I collected yesterday, or I could dig up bulbs if anyone wants flowers faster. In fact, I have volunteer sprouts scattered all through the garden that I could send. At least they have one year of growth behind them, but wouldn't weigh too much for postage. Let me know. Martha

Sissylougal, it really depends on the clematis you are talking about. Generally speaking, yes deadheading can prolong flower production in clematis. If I deadhead my Petit Faucon, it will flower from April until late August/early September. Other clematis you can deadhead and the plants may or may not rebloom. What I have found to be the best way to keep clematis in bloom is to cut the plants back by 1/2 to 2/3 after the first flush of flowers, water and fertilize the plant well, and it typically reblooms again in the fall. Also a point to note, just because the flowers fade and fluffy plumes start forming does not mean that the clematis is going to seed. Some clematis are sterile and can never form seeds, for example Purpurea Plena Elegans. Others have eggs that are fertile but their pollen is sterile, such as Betty Corning. To see if the plant is actually going to seed, you have to look past the fluffy plumes and look at where the styles attach to the stem. If you start seeing roundish objects forming there, then the plant has been fertilized and is producing seed. If you see this happening, then definitely cut them off since seed production zaps a lot of strength out of the plant. Some examples of fertilized seeds on the plant. Also, take note that seeds of different clematis are of different sizes.

Carol23, thanks so much. I believe Strophostyles hevlola is what I have. Although the part about growing in moist ground threw me, since here in Dallas we have been pretty dry. There are some "bright green" stems that didn't look like Clematis stems to me. I certainly was impressed with my ability to grow Clematis!! But I'm afraid most of this vine is "something else." Oh well, guess I'll cut it out and see what is left. Thanks again.

This is my first time to post. I recently bought a home on a quarter acre in Lehigh Acres and have almost a clean slate to plant on. I have been a follower of many of you since I stumbled on this site a few months ago. I found a source for seed for Marcia's clematis. Clematis is one of my wife's favorite flowers so I am going to grow it for sure. Has anybody had any luck in zone 10a with regular clematis? Here is the source: Hortus Botanicus 20103 Hanson Road Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Clematis crispa Seeds A lovely species deserving so much more attention. The 2-inch waxy, white flowers are blushed lilac-blue, and appear mid spring to autumn, on a decorative vine. Cut back hard in late winter to early spring, to encourage more vigorous growth and basal shoots. Hardy. Packet contains about 25 seeds. Clematis crispa Seeds HBCLCR $3.99 Bill