I always wanted a purple clematis because my Gran had one growing up the side of her porch. I loved how it highlighted the side entrance and provided some shade. She had superb taste in everything… furniture, food or flowers.

I purchased a bare-root Jackman Clematis decades ago. I still have its package. That’s how I remember what I have and when I got it. It is also why my office is messy.

The Jackman clematis is supposed to bloom in summer, mine is covered with blooms now.

Another anomaly is that its blooms have differing numbers of petals. There are many five-petal blooms, but about as many four-petal and six-petal flowers. This breaks some botany rules.

I have looked at many photos of Jackman clematis on the internet. The variation shows up in some photos. I do not know why this plant is a shape-shifter.

All I know is that it is lovely and reminds me of my Gran and her beautiful home.

FLOW

This Jackman Clematis should have five petals.

Petal numbers mean things in botany.

So when my clematis pulls the old switcheroo, I get a bit miffed.

Many blooms have four petals.

Some even have six petals.

I guess the Flower is going to have to go with the flow when it comes to this vine.

It’s beautiful, no matter the number.

Flow