Friday, November 13, 2009

When is the best time of year to prune clematis?

I found a simple way of remembering which clematis to prune when is to watch what time of year it flowers.





All clematis fall into 3 groups, gp 1, 2 or 3. depending on flowering time.





If it flowers before June (gp 1) eg C Montana var Rubens - then no pruning necessary unless outgrown its space





If it flowers after June (gp 2) then needs cutting back to approx 30cm from the ground each spring (March).





If it flowers in winter (gp 3) eg. C.cirrhosa var Balaraeca, then no pruning necessary unless it has outgrown its space.





Generally:


Gp 1 clematis flowers on 1 year old wood so if you prune it back you will lose next years flowers.





Gp 2 flowers on this years growth so cutting back in spring will encourage better growth and more flowering.





Gp 3 flowers on this and last years growth so only prune if absolutely necessary





Watch your clematis and see when it flowers, that will then tell you if it needs pruning.

When is the best time of year to prune clematis?
It really depends on which type of clematis you have. Try sunset.com. I've wound their books to be a wealth of information!
Reply:Prune back in fall or early spring.
Reply:i prune mine in October,or march been doing it for several years and have not a problem,
Reply:there are three main groups of clematis,based on flowering time and habit.group 1 is made up of early flowering species such as the Alpina, Macropetala and Montana groups which flower directly from the previous seasons stems.Only weak, dead wood or over vigorous growth should be removed immediatly after flowering , the new growth will ripen in summer and autumn and provide next springs flowers.Group 2 are the hybrids and cultivars which bloom on the current seasons stems usually late april through to june, the new growth they flower on is produced in early spring so prune in feb-march before new growth starts.Cut back old stems to a strong pair of buds about 12 in above ground level or 6- 8 buds up thestem fom ground level.Remove any dead or diseased wood at ground level.The reason for not pruning this group directly after flowering is they often produce a later flush of flowers in late summer. Group 3 are the late flowerers with large flowers which also flower on current seasons growth.This group should also be pruned in early spring as for group 2. Evergreen clematis Armandii only to be pruned to control growth and remove old wood pref after flowering.


Group 1 early flowering species include


C.montana, C. alpina, C. armandii, C. cirrhosa, C. macropetala


Group 2 cultivars include Nelly Moser, Marie Boisselot,Barbara Jackman, Henryi


Group 3 ..Florida, Tangutica, Viticella


It should specify on the label on purchase which group your clem belongs to

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Carli Gazoorian- Does a clematis like sun or shade?

Clematis like a lot of sun, but their roots need to be protected from sun. Find a sunny location to plant the clematis and then either mulch over the roots or underplant with a sun loving bedding plant to help block the sun from the root system.





Hope this helps! Good Luck!

Carli Gazoorian- Does a clematis like sun or shade?
Clematis like sun, but their roots must be shaded and mulched. You should add compost or well-rotted manure to the hole when planting. Clematis flowers are fragile and are easily damaged by wind. It is important to determine your type of clematis regarding pruning--some clematis bloom on the previous season's wood growth; some bloom on the current season's wood growth; some bloom on both.


Where in Liverpool can I buy a white clematis?

Most garden centres have them at the moment.

Where in Liverpool can I buy a white clematis?
B %26amp; Q? Garden Centre?
Reply:Try Marks and Spencers they have a nice selection or wait until you see a nice one in someones garden and take a slip of it when it stops flowering.


Can I take a cutting from a Clematis, re-pot it and grow it in the garden later.?

A bit like you can do with Roses.

Can I take a cutting from a Clematis, re-pot it and grow it in the garden later.?
Yes you can please check this link...





http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/plantfinde...
Reply:NO WAIT FOR THE SEEDS
Reply:Yes, I've done it.


However they do need quite a bit of care at the beginning.


Once you've taken the cuttings and prepped them dip them in a hormone rooting powder before potting up. They need a bit of shade and a little warmth to root. I put them the bottom shelf of my greenhouse staging. Keep them watered but not too moist and you should get some good results.
Reply:wait for the seeds and then pot
Reply:after it's flowered pot the seeds.
Reply:try dipping cutting into root powder first
Reply:yes,but you'll have to pin them into a pot securely for best part of the summer to let them 'take',then cut off from main plant and grow on until next spring then plant out.





let me know if you need any more help.
Reply:Yes you can but there's a lot of luck to it. I took 5 cuttings from a friends 3 years ago, dipped them in rooting powder and put them straight in the ground. Only 1 has taken, but it is beautiful this year and covered in flowers. It's worth trying and costs you nothing so give it a go and good luck.


Does anyone know how to deal with Mildew on a Clematis (Star of India) ?

Let them dry out a little and apply an all purpose fungicide.

Does anyone know how to deal with Mildew on a Clematis (Star of India) ?
There are probably commercial sprays, but have you heard of Jerry Baker? I think he'd recommend a mixture of diluted Listerine and dish detergent. He has a number of books and radio show on the weekend early.
Reply:I think you can get a spray for that, is it black spot? If so then yes you can as I have had it.
Reply:i just used washing up liquid and water.
Reply:My gran who was a very keen gardener used to use diluted biological washing powder in a spray to kill most bugs etc on her plants.

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How tall will my hygrangea and my clematis grow this year?

I just planted them today. I have 2 clematis', one is a foot and a half tall, the other is about half a foot (its because there different species) And there are no blooms yet. My hygrangea is a little more than a foot tall with no blooms yet. How tall with they grow to in the summer by like augest? thanks in advance

How tall will my hygrangea and my clematis grow this year?
by august ur hydrangras should be at least 5 ft tall and bloom in july or late june. clematis about 41/2 ft
Reply:I agree with first post. One thing that helped mine really take off was using coffee grinds as a fertilizer.


Can I plant the wall climber Clematis just now or do I have to wait till next spring/summer?

Pot-grown clematis can be planted anytime of year. The ideal time for planting is spring and early fall. Plant in well-drained soil.





In colder climates where temperatures drop below 0°F (-20°C) foundation planting and mulch are required to ensure a long life. High light and long days can be ideal growing conditions for clematis if a little care is taken when planting. Most varieties will survive and flourish. Double flowering varieties are usually not recommended in colder zones.


http://www.homeofclematis.net/html/pl_01...





In hardiness Z5 or below, be sure you plant the crown of your clematis at least 2" below ground.


you can actually bury your clematis up to its lowest leaf node -- even if there's a foot of vine before the first leaf! Your reward: a bigger beefier plant that will undoubtedly have more than one stem, which is the final, ultimate, hidden key to the perfect clematis vine.


http://www.npr.org/programs/talkingplant...





Deep planting encourages large-flowered cultivars to develop a healthy basal root crown of buds below the soil level as a precaution against sud­den wilting. When the plant is in position, fill the area around the root ball with equal parts of good soil and potting com­post mixed with the recommended amount of any gen­eral-purpose fertilizer. Gently firm the mixture around the root ball. Cover the base of the plant with additional organic matter used at the base of the planting hole, tak­ing care to keep it away from the stems or vines. When mounded, it serves as a mulch to prevent excessive loss of moisture. Water the plant well, allowing at least 1 gallon of water per plant.


http://www.npr.org/programs/talkingplant...





Plant a low-growing perennial or shrub close to the newly planted clematis to provide some shade for the plant's root system %26amp; to prevent excessive loss of moisture.


Good luck! Hope this was helpful.

Can I plant the wall climber Clematis just now or do I have to wait till next spring/summer?
You're welcome! I appreciate your voting %26amp; letting me know it was informative :) Report It

Reply:You should be ok if you do it now, plant it quite deep, this is because if you get the common clematis wilt it will grow back. So plant the whole thing as deep as you can.
Reply:Plant it now and it will be ready for you earlier next year. Also you might get a good bargain at this time of year. Read the label to see what the prunning requirements are as some are just pruned lightly to clean them up, while others have to be cut to the ground every year.
Reply:Now's fine.Water in well.