Xela's Garden

Clematis montana pink [V]

Genus: Clematis.

Species: Clematis montana.

Clematis montana

Common Name: Clematis
Genus: Clematis
Species: montana
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Chalky/alkaline, Dry
Height: 800cm
Spread: 90cm

Clematis montana is a vigorous climber that is perfect for covering large supports such as pergolas or walls. From late spring to early summer, it is a sight to behold as it becomes covered in white flowers. Like all early-flowering clematis, it requires little pruning other than the removal of any dead or damaged growth after flowering. Large plants make suddenly die off for no apparent reason. This is usually due to a condition called slime flux. This is caused by an injury to the stem early in the season. The sap leaks out becomes infected with bacteria. Cut out infected stems, pruning back to good wood even if this involves going down to ground level.
[Source: www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/6827.shtml]

Cuttings should be taken in June from stems grown that year (not woody stems grown the previous season), but avoid the very soft part of the stem at the top end. The cuttings described below are often referred to as 'internodal' cuttings (taken between two leaf joints).

STEP 1
Cut the main stem about 5cm (2in) below a leaf joint - use a clean, sharp knife to avoid crushing the stem when cutting.

STEP 2
Cut the main stem as near as possible just above the leaf joint. See diagram to the left to illustrate the cutting.
STEP 3
Cut away the leaves and stalk from one side of the stem and trim off any excess leaves from the other side so that only two leaves remain.

This trimming process will reduce loss of water through the leaves of the cutting.

Having created the clematis cutting, dip the base of the cutting into hormone rooting powder (to help the cutting produce roots), and insert it into a small pot filled with potting compost. Don't force the cutting into the compost - make a small hole first, place the cutting in the hole and gently firm the compost round the stem.

The cutting should be placed in the compost so that all of the main stem is covered. Only the very top of the stem and the leaf and stalk should be above the compost. Water well (preferably from the base) then label and date the cutting.

To avoid the cutting loosing too much water place it in a covered propagator, or cover the pot with a plastic bag. Place the covered cutting in a light protected place but not one exposed to direct sunlight.

Plants grown this way will be ready for planting out after a year (re-pot into larger pots as the roots fill the pot) and will flower after another year.
[Source: www.gardenaction.co.uk/plantfinder/clematis_22.asp ]

Photos of this plant

Reminders for this plant