Clematis Blue Eclipse Clematis 'Blue Eclipse' (A)

Water

The clematis, commonly known as the 'Queen of the Climbers', should be watered thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It typically requires about 1 gallon of water per week, but this can vary based on climate conditions. During the growing season, it may need more frequent watering, especially if the weather is particularly hot or dry. It's best to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Make sure the water reaches deep into the soil to encourage deep root growth.

Light

Clematis 'Blue Eclipse' thrives best in a spot with full sun to partial shade. Ideally, the plant should receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. However, it's important to protect its roots from intense heat, so providing shade at the base of the plant, while allowing the vine to climb into the sun, is optimal.

Temperature

Clematis 'Blue Eclipse' prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 50°F and 75°F for ideal growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F and maximum temperatures up to about 90°F. Avoid placing the plant in areas that experience extreme temperature fluctuations.

Pruning

Prune your clematis in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or weak stems. This encourages strong growth and improves air circulation, which can reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Some clematis varieties require more specific pruning based on their flowering time and habit, so prune accordingly.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Clematis 'Blue Eclipse', also known as Jackman's Clematis, thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, typically between 6.5 and 7.5. The best soil mix for this climber would consist of garden soil, compost or well-rotted manure, and perlite or gritty sand to enhance drainage. Amending with bone meal can promote healthy root development.

Repotting

Jackman's Clematis generally does not require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when the root system outgrows the pot. The best time to repot is in early spring before active growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Jackman's Clematis adapts to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers conditions similar to those found in its natural outdoor environment. Outdoor humidity levels averaging 40-60% are suitable for this variety.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Jackman's Clematis in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant Jackman's Clematis in well-drained soil and full to part sun.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Clematis 'Blue Eclipse', commonly known as the Clematis, begins its life as a seed, which when sown in well-draining soil and with adequate warmth, will germinate. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system, and with proper sunlight and moisture, they grow into juvenile vines with a few leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, rapidly developing a climbing or sprawling stem structure adorned with more complex leaf patterns. During the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, it produces large, showy blue-violet flowers with contrasting creamy-yellow anthers, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant sets seed in the form of fluffy, plumed seed heads, which are dispersed by the wind when they mature in late summer to autumn. The Clematis then either enters dormancy during cold winter months, preserving energy for the next cycle, or in some climates, it may retain its foliage, depending on the specific hybrid and local conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Clematis 'Blue Eclipse', commonly known as Clematis, is typically propagated through layering or cuttings, particularly during the spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. The most popular method is taking semi-hardwood cuttings, which involves selecting a healthy, non-flowering stem from the current year's growth. Cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) section of stem just below a leaf node, where the concentration of hormones is conducive to root development. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be placed in a pot filled with a mixture of half peat and half perlite or a similar well-draining medium. Maintaining the moisture of the medium without letting it become waterlogged is crucial for successful rooting. The pot should be placed in indirect light and kept at a steady temperature until roots have developed, which can usually be checked by a gentle tug on the plant after a few weeks.