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Clematis are one of the most popular and reliable of all climbers. They are also one of the largest groups of plants with innumerable varieties, so hardly a month passes when there isn't a clematis in bloom. The flowers come in an astonishing array of colours and styles to suit every taste. Although the best known are the flamboyant, summer-flowering, large-flowered hybrids, there are many other types with smaller blooms produced at other times of the year. These include the species and medium-sized flowering clematis which produce their blooms in early spring on the growth made during the previous year. |
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They are all easy to grow and require little pruning other than trimming back unwanted growth and the removal of dead or damaged stems. So are an ideal starter clematis for any gardener who rates themselves as keen but clueless. The evergreen Clematis armandii varieties also flower in the spring, but are evergreen and not considered here because they have such a different character.
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WHICH TYPE?
The early, spring-flowering clematis are an unusual group because they contain two totally distinct types of climber. The alpinas and macropetalas are dainty climbers with exquisite bell-shaped flowers of the most delicate blues and pinks. They are quite restrained, perfect for the smaller garden. The other type are the montanas which are one of the largest, most ferocious of climbers that will cover an area of 9m (30ft) in the blink of an eye. Many early flowering clematis also offer appealing fragrance, for example the blooms of C. montana have a wonderful vanilla scent. The earliest to flower are the alpina and macropetala varieties that first appear in April and continue into May. Followed by the first of the montana varieties show their colours in May, blooming prolifically until the large-flowered hybrids start to bloom in the summer.
Most early flowering clematis are very hardy and tolerant plants which will grow happily on the poorest soils and in the most exposed and shady areas - in fact these are some of the few climbers that will flower on a cold north-facing wall.
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Growing guide
Clematis are pretty tolerant plants that will grow in most soils except for the most acid or alkaline. Ideally, they like a rich, fertile soil as they grow fast and strong making them hungry plants. It is important, then, to dig in lots of well-rotted farmyard manure when planting. As well as being hungry, clematis are very thirsty and it is vital that newly planted specimens are watered thoroughly and regularly for the first two years while they settle in and the roots establish. A clematis in summer needs more than 10-12 litres of water a week in hot weather!
The ideal situation for a clematis is against a south-facing wall which is sheltered from the strongest winds, however, most varieties can tolerate some shade and C. alpina will still produce an abundance of flowers even on a north wall.
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Unlike almost all other plants, clematis should be planted deep so that the soil surface is about 10cm (4in) above the soil mark on the stems. This is as a precaution against clematis wilt. If wilt strikes, it kills all stems above ground, but buds at the base of the buried stems remain alive and well to produce new shoots the following year.
All early flowering clematis flower on growth produced during the previous season and so need very little pruning other to keep them tidy and healthy. The first year after planting cut back all stems to 30cm (12in) above ground level during February or March. This will encourage more shoots to be produced from the base for the next year. You may miss some flowering in the first two years, but a much stronger plant will result. In the second year after planting, cut back all stems to 1m during February or March. In subsequent years, prune after flowering has finished by cutting out any dead or weak stems as well as any growth that is getting out of control.
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Propagation
Softwood cuttings are best method of propagating the alpinas and macropetalas and should be taken in the spring. Clematis montana are best propagated by layering in late winter or early spring. Softwood cuttings can be taken but these are prone to grey mould. Taking off all the leaves apart from one, will help prevent the overcrowding which this.
Clematis also can be grown quite easily from seed. In late summer collect the seeds from the fluffy heads. They need a period of cold to ensure they germinate well, so store them in a fridge for one to two months before sowing during the autumn.
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Pests and diseases
Early flowering clematis are usually very healthy plants that only suffer from clematis wilt . This is a fungal disease that causes the stems to rot and the plants to blacken and die, often overnight. |
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