Clematis Clematis 'Carnaby' (EL)

Water

Clematis 'Carnaby', commonly known as Queen of the Vines, requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the plant thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moistened to a depth of at least 2 inches. It typically needs about 1 gallon of water per week, although this can vary depending on climate and soil conditions. During hot, dry periods, watering frequency may increase, but be careful not to overwater as Clematis prefers well-drained soil. It's also beneficial to water in the morning to reduce evaporation and give the plant time to dry out during the day, helping to prevent disease.

Light

Clematis 'Carnaby' thrives in a spot where it can receive ample sunshine for at least 6 hours a day while keeping its roots cool and shaded. Ideally, it should be planted where the foliage and flowers are in the sun, but the base of the plant and its root zone are protected from intense midday heat, perhaps by other low-growing plants or a mulch layer. Dappled sunlight throughout the day can also be suitable for this variety, ensuring bright conditions without direct scorching.

Temperature

Clematis 'Carnaby' performs best in temperatures that range between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. It can tolerate occasional dips down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below this can be harmful. The ideal growing conditions are in a temperate climate where extreme temperature fluctuations are less common.

Pruning

Pruning Clematis 'Carnaby' is necessary to promote vigorous growth and enhance flowering. This variety should be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring before active growth begins, removing dead or weak stems and shaping the plant as needed. It falls into pruning Group 2, meaning it blooms on old wood as well as the current season's growth, so be judicious with cuts to avoid removing next year's flower buds. Clematis 'Carnaby' can also be lightly pruned after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second bloom period in late summer or early fall.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Clematis plants, including the 'Carnaby', thrive in a well-drained soil mix with equal parts of compost, garden soil, and perlite or coarse sand to aid in drainage. The soil pH should be slightly alkaline, around 7.0 to 7.5. They benefit from a layer of mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.

Repotting

Clematis 'Carnaby', like other clematis, generally does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years. Repotting is best performed in late winter or early spring before the onset of the new growth season.

Humidity & Misting

Clematis 'Carnaby' prefers moderate humidity levels. While clematis does not require the high humidity of some tropical plants, it is important to avoid extremely dry conditions which may stress the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to part shade, with roots shaded and cool.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Clematis 'Carnaby' life cycle begins with seed germination, usually occurring in a moist, well-draining medium and can be slow and erratic. Following germination, the seedling develops a root system and shoots that will eventually produce leaves in its vegetative growth phase. As the plant matures, it enters the climbing phase where it uses its twining leaf stalks to climb up structures and other plants. Once mature enough, typically within a few years, it will begin to flower, often in late spring or early summer, producing large, showy flowers that are usually pink or white with a pink bar. After pollination, typically by insects, the Clematis 'Carnaby' produces seed heads that are fluffy in appearance, containing seeds that can be dispersed by wind. The plant then goes into a period of dormancy during winter, reducing activity before restarting the cycle with new growth in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Clematis 'Carnaby', commonly known as Clematis, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer, where a section of the stem from the current year's growth that has begun to harden but is still flexible is selected. The cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long and include at least two sets of leaves. Before planting, the bottom set of leaves is removed and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-drained soil mix, with the remaining set of leaves just above the surface. To maintain humidity and warmth which helps in rooting, covering the cutting with a plastic bag or placing it in a greenhouse is often recommended. Roots usually develop within a few months, after which the new Clematis plant can be transferred to a larger pot or directly into the garden.