Senko, the two varieties of montanas that you are looking at are considered to be some of the smaller varieties of montanas but just realize that smaller means 10 to 15 feet or so depending on the sources that give clematis information. They are much smaller than some of the varieties that can get 20+ feet tall and taller. So as long as you realize by what you mean small and your garden can handle them, I say go for it. They do tend to bloom in early spring and are an early harbinger of spring.

I have ordered from Debbie since she opened her nursery and have even supplied pictures for her to use on her website (Tie Dye is the latest picture that was supplied). Her plants are huge with great root systems. Robin, you learned a great lesson. Never wait to order clematis. If you really want a specific variety, it is best to order as soon as the nursery posts their updated lists either in late winter or early fall. Waiting to catch something on sale is a great way to lose your chance to purchase it!

Those two from Silver Star Vinery, TWILIGHT and H F YOUNG arrived yesterday but it was too rainy to do anything about it. So I planted them first thing today. As far as the prunning groups, mine used to be all prunning group two. Not that I actually DID any prunning! I just left them. They seemed to have done fine in spite of my errors. I will try to do better and now I know I will have to at least prune my group threes. Group three is new to me but it sounds pretty easy. Cut them way, way back come early spring. Let them grow again. They must be very fast growers. Kay, I didn't remember the name of the clematis you posted pics of, or maybe you didn't give the name. I was just trying to add the right complementary colors to my mix of clems that I grouped together to cover the garage trellis. Since I did that clematis tower and I loved the results I grouped two or more together on the same structures as much as possible to have a riot of colors. You know I love lots of color.

So far my "stars" have been things I pulled out of the privet and lilac on the fringes of our property. Our yard has gone through a few microclimate changes over the years due to tree growth and changes in the neighborhood. Hydrangea, centaurea montana, tiger lilies and roses that I have pulled out into the sun all look spectacular. Things I've planted that I can rely on are the annuals that are no-fail, like zinnias, bachelor button, cosmos and such. Mini-petunias also find their way into almost every flower bed, and this year I discovered Persian Shield.