Clematis: care of the plant and some of its subtleties

Clematis (clematis) belong to the family Lyutikov. In Russia, these plants appeared at the beginning of the nineteenth century and were originally grown only in greenhouses. Over the past time, many of their hybrid varieties and forms have been identified. Gardeners willingly grow clematis: caring for them is not simple, but the result exceeds all expectations. Long stems of these plants, dotted with bright flowers, serve as a real decoration of the site.

Classification clematis is complex and diverse, it is carried out on several grounds: the size of flowers, flowering time, timing and methods of pruning. The group of large-flowered groups includes six varietal groups with flowers up to 22-24 cm in size, and small-flowered groups with flowers up to 12-18 cm. According to another classification, early-maturing and late-maturing clematis are distinguished , bushy and curly. However, the greatest practical importance is their association in groups according to the timing of pruning shoots. Depending on which group a clematis belongs to, care for it will have its own characteristics.

Lomonos like heat and bright sunlight. They grow well in sheltered places. As for the land, clematis do not like heavy soils, acidic or saline, but grow well on neutral or slightly alkaline ones. Watering plants should be at least once a week, and abundant enough, since their roots lie at a depth of about 60 cm. If the weather is very hot, you need to do this every 3-4 days. However, planting a plant in the lowland can kill clematis. Caring for it provides regular watering, but not constant soil moisture - otherwise the roots can rot.

Depending on the type of lomonosa, their seeds are sown in the spring directly into the ground or subjected to stratification (clematis with large seeds). Pre-acquired or grown seedlings are planted in late May - early June, dipping the stems into the ground to 5 -10 cm. Immediately after planting, it is necessary to water abundantly the seedling. Around it there must be a pit so that the water does not spread. The soil must be regularly loosened. Clematis will grow faster if the earth around it is free of other plants by about 40-50 cm. Such a planting will ensure a good warming of the roots in the summer and, as a consequence, rapid growth of the stems. Immediately after planting saplings with curly stems, you should install a support. Clematis is fertilized, care for which during the vegetation period provides for regular feeding with organic, twice a month. It must be remembered that fertilizer with fresh manure can seriously damage the plant.

As for pruning, here care for Clematis from different groups Has its own subtleties. Plants, blooming in spring in old shoots (according to the international classification - group A, for example - Clematis montana), are practically not cut off. If it is necessary to thin the bush and make it more compact, then cut out the weak stems to the base. Shoots, if necessary, cut off only after flowering and at a height of not less than one meter, leaving the ripened buds - otherwise the next year clematis will not bloom.

Group B, also called "weak", unites the majority of lomonos with large flowers. In late spring - early summer, these plants bloom on last year's stems, and in the middle of summer - on the shoots of the current year, which can last until October. The annual clematis of group B (for example, the Clematis group of Patens, Florida) should be cut at an altitude of about 30 cm, two years old and older - above 150 cm. The clematis of the third group - "strong", or group C, are cut to the second or third pair of kidneys. They blossom, beginning from the end of June, and until the middle of September (for example - varieties from Viticella, Jackmanii), with most of the flowers formed on young shoots.

Lomonoses tolerate frosts badly: they need to be sheltered for the winter. However, especially dangerous for these plants is cold in combination with moisture, so to protect them from the cold not all materials are suitable. So, categorically do not resemble for this sawdust: clematis, care for which requires attention, can perepret under their layer. It is best to use a dry foliage for the winter shelter of lemons, you can also use their cut off shoots. The shelter must be removed in time in the spring to avoid damaging the plants.

With proper and careful care, clematis quickly and well grow, bloom abundantly and for a long time. Experienced growers recommend having several clematis groups in the garden to ensure a continuous and varied flowering for several months.