Clematis Clematis 'Dawn' (EL)

Water

Clematis 'Dawn', commonly known as the Early Large-flowered Clematis, should be watered thoroughly once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, increase the frequency to twice a week, especially for plants in containers or during particularly hot, dry spells. Each watering session should provide the clematis with about 1 gallon of water to encourage deep root growth. If rainfall is adequate, adjust your watering schedule accordingly to prevent over-watering.

Light

Early Large-flowered Clematis thrives in a location where it receives at least six hours of sunlight a day. The base and roots prefer to be in cool, shaded conditions, so planting low-growing shrubs or perennials around the base can help achieve this. However, the foliage and climbing parts of the plant should have access to full sun or partial shade for optimal growth and flowering.

Temperature

Early Large-flowered Clematis performs best in temperate regions, withstanding temperatures between 20°F and 85°F. However, temperatures below 20°F for extended periods can cause damage, and temperatures above 85°F can stress the plant if it is not adequately watered. The ideal growing temperature for this variety of clematis is between 55°F and 75°F.

Pruning

Pruning Early Large-flowered Clematis encourages strong growth and flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring before the plant starts active growth, removing dead or weak stems and cutting back the remaining stems to a strong set of buds. This plant flowers on the current year's growth, so annual pruning also helps to manage the size and shape of the vine. The best time for pruning is typically around February or March.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Clematis 'Dawn' thrives in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of around 7.0-7.5. An ideal soil mix includes two-parts garden soil, one-part compost or well-rotted manure, and one-part perlite or coarse sand for improved drainage. It's essential to ensure the soil is rich in organic content to provide the necessary nutrients.

Repotting

'Dawn' Clematis generally requires repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container. It's best to repot in early spring before the plant resumes active growth, ensuring minimal disruption to the rooting system.

Humidity & Misting

'Dawn' Clematis prefers a moderate humidity level, typically the natural outdoor humidity. If grown indoors or in a drier climate, creating a microclimate with a surrounding garden or through mulching can help maintain adequate humidity levels.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow in bright indirect light, support with trellis, keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun or part-shade, provide support, mulch, and prune.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Clematis 'Dawn' plant begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in the soil during the spring, after a period of cold stratification which breaks the seed's dormancy. Following germination, the seedling establishes roots and produces shoots, gradually growing into a young vine with support, as the species is a climber. Throughout the growing season, it develops compound leaves and begins to vine, seeking support structures like trellises or other plants to cling to. Once it reaches maturity, the Clematis 'Dawn' blooms in late spring to early summer, typically from May to June, producing soft pink flowers. After pollination, which is mainly by insects, it sets seed in fluffy seed heads, which can be distributed by wind, allowing the plant to propagate. Finally, the plant enters dormancy in the fall and winter, with vine growth halting and leaves often dying back, only to resume its growth cycle with the return of warmer weather in spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter to early spring

• The Clematis 'Dawn' (Early Large-flowered clematis), is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is typically undertaken during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing and the new stems are long enough to be used for cuttings, usually around 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters). To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy stem with at least two sets of leaves and make a clean cut just below a leaf node. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cutting is dipped into a rooting hormone powder or liquid to encourage root growth. The treated end is then planted in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, and the environment is kept humid by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. The cutting should be kept out of direct sunlight but in a bright, warm spot, and the soil should be kept consistently moist until roots have developed, which may take several weeks. Once the cutting has established a robust root system, it can be gradually acclimated to normal conditions and eventually planted out.