Home >> Home & Garden >> Planting Clematis

Planting Clematis

The many clematisspecies and hybrids are not as popular inAmerica as they are in Great Britain and parts ofEurope, yet if the plants shown at our greatspring flower shows are a criterion, they certainlyare not to be neglected here. About 230 speciesare widely distributed throughout the temperateregions of the world. One hundred species andhybrid varieties are being commercially grownin America, and probably nearly twice thatnumber are offered in Europe. One Englishnurseryman alone lists 130.

Clematis are native chiefly in the northerntemperate regions of the world. Three of theAmerican species are excellent garden plants and3 from Europe are likewise important, but inthe following list it will be noted that to speciesand botanical varieties which are natives ofAsia also make good ornamentals. It is thelarge-flowered hybrids which seem to capturethe public fancy, and it is these which areforced for display purposes in the shows. Thereare of course herbaceous species as well aswoody species.

Although the first man-made hybrid wasprobably made in 1830, it was not until about1858 that the first large-flowered hybrid of C.lanziginosa originated (C. x jackmanii), and thisstarted many an enthusiastic hybridizer in hisefforts to obtain large-flowering varieties.Although a century has elapsed since growersfirst became interested in the hybrids, we dohave fairly accurate records of where and whenthese originated. These vines are frequently notthe easiest to grow properly. They need an alkaline or limestone soil, some shade, andfrequently they respond well if in some way thelower parts of the stems are protected frombreakage and mechanical injury. It is at thispoint that disease frequently enters the plants,and when injury does occur, disease enters andis often quickly followed by destruction of theplant.

The leaf stalks act as tendrils inclinging to supports. Clematis flowers have no true petals. It is thelarge, brilliant-colored sepals which are sointeresting. Actually,some of those species and varieties withmedium-sized to small flowers make the bestgeneral ornamentals. Clematis paniculata, C.montana rubens, C texensis are all in this class,as is the variety 'Huldine' with 4 whitish sepalsand an over-all dia. of about 4 in. A poorlygrown plant of 'Nellie Moser' may have flowersonly 4 in. across, whereas, one that is wellgrown would have flowers twice that size.Clematis climb by attaching their leaf stalksabout the means of support. They have opposite,usually compound, leaves, with either solitaryflowers or flowers in clusters.

Propagation

The behavior of seed is variable. It may bestored dry in airtight containers in a cool placefor up to a year and then processed. If indoubt concerning its behavior, stratify for 3months at 40° F., then sow. Softwood cuttingsusually root well, best taken from young shootsin the greenhouse in Jan. or Feb. Sometimes the large-flowered hybrids are grafted or layered, but own rooted planalways preferable to others.

Insect Pests

Leaf spot which may spread and kill stems iscontrolled with sprays of fungicide.

Other Gardening Articles:

| Cow Raising | Duck Raising | Geese Raising | Goat Raising | Guinea Fowl Raising | How to Build a Rooftop Garden | How to Make a Greenhouse | How to Make a Rock Garden | Hydroponic Gardening | Bees | Mushroom Growing | Ornamental Grass | Pigeon Raising | Pig Raising | Planting a Coconut | Planting a Lime Tree | Planting Aloe Seeds | Planting Apple Trees | Planting Apricot | Planting Artichokes | Planting Asparagus | Planting Avocado Trees | Planting Bamboo | Planting Banana Trees | Planting Beans | Planting Blackberries | Planting Blueberries | Planting Bonsai Trees | Planting Broccoli | Planting Brussel Sprouts | Planting Cabbage | Planting Cactus | Planting Carrots | Planting Cauliflowers | Planting Celery | Planting Cherry Trees | Planting Chestnut | Planting Chrysanthemum Seeds | Planting Clematis | Planting Corn | Planting Cranberries | Planting Cucumbers | Planting Currants | Planting Dates | Planting Eggplants | Planting Elder Berries | Planting Endives | Planting Fig Trees | Planting Ginger | Planting Ginseng • Planting Goose Berries | Planting Gourds | Planting Grapes | Planting Grass Seeds | Planting Hickory Nut Trees | Planting Hyacinth | Planting Hydrangea | Planting Jerusalem Artichokes | Planting Lemon Trees | Planting Mango Seeds | Planting Mustard | Planting Nectarine | Planting Okra | Planting Olives | Planting Onions | Planting Orange Trees | Planting Orchids | Papaya Planting | Planting Paprika | Planting Parsleys | Planting Parsnips | Planting Peach Trees | Planting Peanuts | Planting Pear Trees | Planting Peas | Planting Pineapples | Planting Pomegranate Trees | Planting Raspberries | Planting Rhubarbs | Planting Spinach | Planting Strawberries | Planting Sunflower Seeds | Planting Sweet Potatoes | Planting Tomatoes | Planting Tulips | Planting Yams | Planting Yuccas | Raising Turkey Chicks | Root Pruning | Rat Control | Raising Sheep | Tips on Growing Melons | Tree Grafting | Beekeeping | Bird Watching | Build Your Own Water Garden | Chicken Raising