So, what would I do if I were in charge of printing tags? Ideally, I would produce tags suited for all the various growing conditions in our country, but due to the cost factor and the likelihood of it being a logistical nightmare to distribute them properly, I would probably have to forgo implementing that plan. Clematis cannot read and more than likely they are going to do their own thing despite what the tag says. By not pigeonholing them on the tag with one-size-fits-all statistics, it would go a long way in eliminating false expectations for clematis gardeners. Ultimately, it means that they will be compelled to seek some advice to learn more and then be guided in the right direction for the locale they garden in.
My solution to the problem is a “less is more” approach which is listed in order of importance below in the Clematis Queen’s Labeling Suggestions for Clematis Tags.
1st It goes without saying that its botanical and trade name be listed. (If there is some confusion about the correct spelling, I would include synonyms.)
2nd Use the most accurate colored picture possible.
3rd I know this will be controversial to many as you should never mention something negative when marketing an item, but I believe this is imperative for the future of the genus! So that uninformed gardeners will not think they have lost their plant, include a word of warning that clematis will appear to be DEAD in the winter.
4th Include a description of the flowers and their attributes, but do not overdo it (the picture should do the job).
5th Address light exposure. When necessary, caution gardeners in hot locales to shade pastel colored and/or barred clematis.
6th Show planting instructions with an illustration.
7th Give them a source for more information.
8th Omit Blooming Times link to http://clematisqueen.com/content/when-do-clematis-bloom and Pruning suggestions. This way the customer will seek pertinent advice for their specific area which a generic tag won’t motivate them to do.