New Clematis to be Unveiled

Raymond Evison, otherwise known as the “Clematis King,” is planning to make a special appearance at the Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show (Mid-Am) in Chicago, January 19-21, to introduce his new royal clematis for 2005.

Evison, who is credited with cultivating more than half of all clematis sold in North America, will present his Raymond Evison Patio Clematis Collection, the first clematis bred specifically for containers, at the Hines Horticulture booth. He will speak about his new introductions and demonstrate innovative new garden uses for the “queen of the vines.” On Thursday, January 20, he will speak about his new introductions and what he has in the pipeline during a private gala for a select group of Hines retailers.

The new clematis reaches approximately 3 feet and is covered with jewel-toned blossoms, making them ideal for small spaces and containers.

Last year Hines introduced the long-blooming Raymond Evison Royal Horticultural Society Bicentenary Clematis Collection, featuring four clematis that are heartier, easier to grow and bloom much longer than traditional clematis sold in the United States, according to Hines.

In 2000 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II appointed Evison an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to Horticulture on the Isle of Guernsey, Great Britain. With more than 40 years of experience growing clematis, Evison raises 4.6 million clematis a year, producing 25 percent of the world market and 50 percent of North America’s. At the height of production in April and May, 90 employees produce 45,000 cuttings a day.

These new Raymond Evison clematis collections are being introduced in partnership with Hines Horticulture. For more information, visit www.hinesvines.com.