Take a summer drive along meandering roads and discover there’s nothing quite as captivating as the sight of masses of lovely clematis climbing up mailboxes, trellises and fences throughout the yards and gardens of Paradise Valley Arizona .

Clematis, known as Queen of the Vines, is a member of the Ranunculaceae buttercup family and is known for its slender, flexible stems and colorful, long lasting blooms. Finding its way to our shores by way of the Far East and Europe, this spectacular flower creates show stopping beauty wherever it is found.

The blossoms are star shaped and have fluffy contrasting centers resembling the spidery feet found on the underside of starfish. The blooms lie open faced adding a delicate accent when paired against the round shape of roses or peonies. The vines have natural curly q green tendrils which add a touch of whimsy to any cut flower arrangement.

Clematis can be used to create cascading bridal bouquets draping nearly to the floor, if desired, and the flowers on the vine spill over for an opulent waterfall effect. Queen Elizabeth of England carried a medium sized bouquet containing clematis, calla lilies and cornflowers, to celebrate her 1947 wedding day. Smaller sized bouquets can be made by combining clematis with geraniums and herbs or by making a simple bouquet out of clematis tied together with a chic tassel.

Clematis bloom in a wide variety of vivid colors including single hue and bi-color shades of pink, purple, red and white. A charming bouquet can be had by blending blue tinged clematis and delphinium with silvery and lacy textured dusty miller. For a bohemian themed occasion, pair deep burgundy clematis with ranunculus, eucalyptus and pampas grass.

For centerpieces worthy of a Dutch master’s still life, arrange lilac, snowball viburnum, fennel leaves and purple sage amid blossoms of clematis. Or place a single tulip amid a cluster of peonies and clematis for similar effect. A clematis blossom or two placed in a pewter container with raspberries is yet another unique way to showcase its beauty.

A variety of clematis called the Duchess of Edinburgh was bred specifically as a flower to be used for weddings and anniversaries. It has soft white double layers of petals with a fluffy yellow center. Ingenuity is another feature attributed to clematis. There are multitudes of ways to be ingenious when using the candescent clematis in your own floral creations.

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