Hummingbird Farm

Hummingbird Farm

Cindy and Brian Tibbetts, owners of Hummingbird Farm, added clematis to their line of interesting plants in 2001 and soon discovered that many of their customers were intimidated by these flowering vines. Other customers wanted hard-to-find varieties. Since then, the Tibbetts have researched and experimented, constantly looking for rare and reliable varieties and the best techniques for caring for them.

In 2006, Hummingbird Farm will carry over 100 varieties of clematis and their website, is packed with information on selecting, planting and caring for The Queen of Flowering Vines. The staff is always ready to answer questions and help solve problems. Garden tours and presentations to garden clubs and other organizations are available by arrangement.

Hummingbird Farm has dozens of clematis planted in display gardens and time has shown several varieties to be exceptional, both in terms of beauty and dependability. Read on for a few examples of top notch plants!

Clematis 'Mme. Julia Correvon' is a customer favorite at Hummingbird Farm. 'Julia' begins blooming in late June in Maine and often continues through until a hard frost.

Covered with elegant, dark reddish blooms, she is reliable, disease resistant, winter hardy and a joy to behold!!

The brand new clematis, 'Kilian Donahue', is a luscious two toned pink - and this one appears to be as tough a plant as you'll find anywhere.

The Kilian Donahue starts blooming as a very young plant, growing vigorously and tolerating cold weather well - it is bred in Minnesota, after all, so it is very happy in Maine!

'Arabella' is another unusual and reliable clematis. Belonging to the integrifolia group of clematis, she is an herbaceous perennial that doesn't climb! Instead, she will sprawl in a perennial bed or wind through a small shrub.

Arabella has dark purple buds that open into flowers that fade to almost blue. Add in tremendous flower production over a long period of time and you have a keeper! Plant her with a gold leaved spirea - a delicious combination!

In 2005, Hummingbird Farm began carrying a line of clematis from Estonia in Northern Europe. Treasured both for their beauty and extreme hardiness, these plants were bred by Uno Kivistik and are collectively known as the "Kivistik clematis".

One of the loveliest varieties is 'Minister', a handsome and vigorous plant, growing 6 feet tall and blooming well.

Hummingbird Farm is located on Bean Street in North Turner, Maine. Directions, along with a wealth of other information, can be found on their web site, www.HummingbirdFarm.net.