So many people are looking for an evergreen vine other than ivy .  There aren’t many ! Until now, all we have been able to recommend is Clematis armandii, the evergreen clematis. It is a great vine, but is often killed in cold winters (even in Vancouver), and gets very straggly with age.
     FINALLY there is something new to suggest ! Two exciting introductions from our friend Dan Hinkley hit the market this spring. They are both ‘HOLBOELLIAS’. These fast growing, twining climbers are native to high elevations in the Himalayas and China.  A sheltered spot  would be ideal…. we seem to be having extra-cruel winters lately that have been killing lots of ‘hardy’ plants.
   
      The first one is Holboellia latifolia ‘Ritak’ .  This selection has fragrant purplish-pink flowers in March/April that are supposed to smell divine.  The clonal name ‘Ritak’ is the name Dan gave it this plant,  as he found it near the village of Ritak in the Himalayas several years ago. It appears to be a vigorous climber with evergreen leaves on vines up to 15′ long and wide.

The other new introduction is Holboellia coriacea ‘Cathedral Gem’ . This vine has WHITE flowers in March/April and also has a lovely fragrance that wafts about.  The flowers are larger and showier than the previously available Holboellia coriacea that UBC introduced and we have also sold. This clone was noticed growing on Winchester Cathedral in Wichester, England. One has to wonder who planted it there?  Where did they get it?  How long ago ? It could not have grown ‘wild’ as it is from continents away……
        It would be a neat idea to plant both of these vines together and let them co-mingle. They do produce long, sausage-like fruits that are edible (if you like slime) and taste like Gummy Bears. Those seeking privacy could use trellises and create a very interesting screen effect on a patio or terrace by planting Holboellias in big container(s).
                                                                We have big, big plants of both varieties for sale @ $49.99 in a 5 gallon pot, about 4′-5′ tall already .