Clematis, also known as clematis, belong to the Ranunculaceae family and are highly decorative, making them popular in vertical gardening. The beauty of these flowers can be seen in the photos. Planting and caring for them outdoors is easy for beginners, as these plants are not particularly demanding.
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Time for planting in open ground
Clematis can be planted outdoors in spring or fall. For beginners, it's important to note that care in this case requires regular monitoring of the seedlings.
A container-bought seedling is suitable for almost any time of year. However, if the planting material was purchased in late fall and planting had to be delayed slightly, it's best to store it until spring. During this period, the seedlings should be stored indoors where the temperature does not rise above 5°C (41°F).
It's important to protect the roots from freezing. To do this, mix sawdust with sand and moisten it slightly, then sprinkle it on the lower part of the plant. If the seedlings suddenly begin to grow vigorously, you can slow the process with a clip.
As for spring planting, the optimal time is considered to be the last ten days of April or early May. The finished seedling should have at least one stem.
You may be interested in:Planting in autumn
This option is suitable for both professionals and beginners. Planting and subsequent care of clematis outdoors in the fall has its own peculiarities. However, in general, the plants are placed in the garden plot in much the same way as in the spring.
However, in this case, the planting hole must be completely filled with soil. Next, the area around the seedlings must be covered with dry leaves and covered with agrotextile.
With the arrival of spring, it's important to remove 8-10 cm of the surface soil. This creates a depression that will need to be gradually filled with soil over the summer months. This will allow the plant stems to more easily penetrate the surface.
To better understand the specifics of planting and caring for clematis in open ground, a video is available for beginners. It clearly shows the entire process step by step.
Clematis soil requirements
Unlike many other plants, clematis is a rather fussy garden guest. The lower part of the plant should be protected from the sun, while the upper part requires plenty of direct sunlight.
To resolve this paradox, it is best to plant clematis on the south-east or south-west side of the plot, and place low perennials and shrubs in front of them that will provide the desired effect.
Planting or replanting clematis isn't a problem-prone activity. However, it's worth following certain guidelines to ensure the best results.
You may be interested in:Clematis prefer soil that retains moisture. When purchasing, choose plants planted in 2-liter or larger pots and ensure their roots are properly formed.
The rhododendron can be planted from April to October. Before planting, clear the area around them of weeds to prevent them from competing with the plant for water, nutrients, and light.
Clematis prefer fertile, loose soil. Therefore, the plants are planted in a well-dug soil mixture consisting of compost or manure mixed with garden soil.
You can also use a ready-made substrate containing a mixture of dense peat with a basic dose of long-acting fertilizer. Ready-made substrates are characterized by the correct soil pH level and contain a component that improves soil structure, such as expanded clay or clay.
Planting in open ground
Prepare a hole three times larger than the plant's roots, which resemble a sponge in appearance. It's helpful to add compost or well-processed manure and garden soil, mixing thoroughly. For clay soil, deepen the hole and use pebbles or expanded clay for drainage. The drainage can be separated from the soil with a piece of agrotextile.
Before planting, soak the clematis pot in water for about 5-10 minutes to allow the roots to thoroughly absorb the water. Then, remove the root ball from the pot and place it in the hole.
Botanical varieties are planted at the same depth they were growing at, or slightly deeper. Conversely, varieties with large flowers are planted 6-10 cm deeper than they were previously growing after removing the lower leaves. This allows for better rooting.
The soil around the clematis should be covered and lightly pressed down, then watered thoroughly. The area around them can be covered with pebbles or planted with small vegetation to protect the roots from drying out. Plants should be watered regularly for the first few weeks after planting to ensure the roots retain moisture.
Clematis also climbs trees well. Planted under bushes or free-growing trees, they will cling well. Trees under which clematis thrives include ornamental apple trees, yews, and thujas.
You may be interested in:Watering and fertilizing clematis
Clematis should be watered generously, especially after planting, for several weeks until the roots establish themselves in the new soil. Established plants should be watered only during periods of drought and hot weather, with a thorough wetting of the root ball once a week.
Light watering is recommended every two days. Mulching the soil around the plant's stems with mature compost prevents moisture loss and enriches the soil with nutrients.
Clematis is a rather thirsty plant, requiring a large dose of potassium. Once you've selected the right fertilizer, apply it to the soil in late winter or early spring, according to the manufacturer's instructions. This procedure should be repeated every year before the growing season begins.
Transfer
Clematis are repotted by carefully removing the roots and soil ball from the soil. This can be done in early November. To ensure a comfortable overwintering, cut 10 cm of stem from the ground.
It's also important to carefully remove them, using a shovel and pitchfork to help lift the bushes. The new planting site should be prepared in advance by treating it with a dilute solution of potassium permanganate.
Reproduction of the prince
Clematis propagation is just as important as planting and caring for them in the ground. For beginners, cuttings are a more convenient and accessible method. They are also considered the easiest and most accessible. To do this, cut shoots from the mother plant in the summer, placing the cut line 1 cm above a node or 3 cm below.
The middle and upper parts of the plant should contain well-developed buds. The cuttings are then planted in a soil mixture of sand and peat. After this, the cuttings are kept in a warm room (approximately 15°C) with high humidity.
The room should be regularly ventilated. After a few weeks, the cuttings should take root, and the following month they can be transplanted directly into the ground. Growing clematis outdoors from seeds is also popular, but professionals usually prefer cuttings. For beginners, propagation by seed can also be the best option.
Taller varieties of clematis can also be propagated by cuttings. Select a long, healthy shoot in early spring and press it to the ground, securing it with bent wire and covering it with soil. The planting material will be ready the following spring – then it should be cut off and replanted in a suitable location.
Frost protection
Planting and caring for clematis in open ground in the Moscow region requires protection from frost during periods when there is a risk to the plants. For beginners, it's important to provide winter shelter. This protection can be provided in early March and in the last days of autumn.
Other varieties should be pruned according to the principles mentioned above. Additionally, flowering or mountain clematis should be protected with agrotextile. To do this, carefully tie the pruned shoots in several layers and spread soil around the roots.
Diseases and pests
Certain varieties of clematis are sometimes affected by powdery mildew. In this case, they require spraying with a fungicide. Furthermore, a fungal disease that causes shoot death is relatively common in clematis.
Affected plant parts should be removed and burned as soon as possible. Sticky, curled leaves may, in turn, be a sign of beet aphids, which should be controlled with chemical sprays.
Other pests of these beautiful creeping plants include spider mites, slugs, and snails, which attack all the foliage, as well as nematodes. Plant health can be restored using special aerosol treatments. These are ineffective against nematodes. To prevent their occurrence, pre-treat the soil with hot water.
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