CLEMATIS: Always called the "Queen of Vines," nothing else makes the spectacular show of a clematis in full bloom. In almost all zones, these magnificent plants decorate mailboxes, trellises and porches with cascades of some of the most beautiful blooms in the flower kingdom, and they're not difficult to grow. There's no reason you can't add them to your landscape. Clematis 'Earnest Markham' - A very popular cultivar of Clematis in America and abroad. Ernest Markham has cheery magenta flowers from midsummer to mid autumn. Best grown and shown in full sun except in warmest climates. There is an old saying with Clematis; "Tops in the sun and feet in the shade." In other words the vine blooms best in the sun and benefits from a cluster of small plants, planted around the base of the plant. Many people simply plant a ground cover like ivy, myrtle, or pachysandra around the plant to shade the base. The Earnest Markham Clematis does best in fertile, humus rich, well-drained soil. Mulch well with composted manure or compost. Feed once a month with a well balanced fertilizer during the growing season.