Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Atropurpurium’ with NOID Clematis
I’ve become a foster parent to many plants that have lost their tags or have passed the point where they are attractive enough to attract buyers. One such is this Clematis. I had no idea what to expect when I planted it at the base of the Pittospermum acquired from Loree at the spring bloggers’ plant swap. Imagine my delight when it crept through the branches of the small tree and produced a bloom that could hardly be a better color to contrast with the elegant dark foliage.
It began unfolding its vivid, pale lavender petals to reveal a purple center…
..growing ever paler with each passing day, while the tight knot of stamens opened into a fluffy pom pom with dark tips and insects nibbled notches around the edges. What a happy surprise was the entire process. Eventually, that bit of Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ that you can see in the first photo will form a tight ground cover with yet another color echo.
Yay for surprises! Good of you to rescue a wayward clematis. Sooo lovely with the Pittosporum. Wow.
and this one came through too.
Hmm…my comment disappeared. Anyhow, what a lovely clematis! Good of you to rescue the wayward plants you do – and that combination of pittosporum and clem – WOW! Just lovely.
I was expecting to need to figure out what happened to your comment but here it is! Whew! Would hate for you to be lost in cyberspace.
Oh, that is a happy accident! The color combinations and the plant forms are great partners. The lavender of the petals looks luminous.
especially as it is just opening…good thing I positioned it where we can see it from many windows.
Very nice! Given a nominal success with one Clematis, I’m tempted to plant another to grow through shrubs, although the plant’s water needs remain a concern.
I’m not up on water needs. Guess it’s time to hit the books.
Nice! I have one of those Pittosporums too, except the leaves haven’t really taken on that shiny black appearance. Instead they are blotchy, in kind of a sickly way. I bet it doesn’t get enough light… Anyway, lovely combo, and when the Black Scallop fills in – yowza!!!
This one got blacker once it was in the ground (dappled shade)
Oh yes! The carpet of Ajuga under the dark Pittosporum will be a great combo! I have a handful of Clematis that grow up through shrubs, they work well as living trellises.
Working at Joy Creek, it’s impossible not to fall for Clematis…a first for me.
Happy accidents are the best. This is an especially nice one. The pale amethyst clematis really glows against the dark foliage of the Pittosporum.
I thought so too…thanks!
A masterful combination which garden visitors will be certain you painstakingly created.
Shall I resist the urge to confess an let them think I am that clever?
I love happy accidents. 🙂 Hey, are you supporting the young Pittosporum trunk with a tripod (or and X) of bamboo/stakes…of sorts? Looks like a good method.
There’s a bamboo stake propping up the Pitt and a smaller stake that came with the Clem to guide it to its destination. Thanks for visiting…it’s nice to see you here.
Love it! (and glad to see you back in the blogosphere)
Thanks, Loree…for the encouragement and for the Pitt.
I have that Pittosporum, it survived or half of it survived all those terrible winters we had. I’ve been sniping at it for years to get it back to a symmetrical shade. Maybe it needs a Clematis pal ?
If this one does well, there are a few others I’ve had my eye on. Clems are beginning to make inroads here…why not join in?