Japanese Clematis Clematis 'Fujimusume' (EL)

Water

Clematis, commonly referred to as 'Fujimusume', should be kept consistently moist but not overly saturated. Water this plant with about one gallon of water once a week during the active growing season, adjusting as necessary during periods of excessive heat or drought, where additional watering may be required. Over winter, reduce watering to match lower temperature and growth rates, ensuring the soil doesn't completely dry out. Even watering, aiming not to wet the foliage directly, will help maintain optimal health and avoid diseases like powdery mildew.

Light

Clematis 'Fujimusume' prefers a position where its foliage can enjoy full sun to partial shade, with at least six hours of sunlight a day being ideal. The best spot is where the top of the plant receives sunlight while the roots stay cool and shaded; this can be achieved by planting lower-growing shrubs or perennials around its base or using mulch to shield the root zone.

Temperature

The clematis 'Fujimusume' thrives in temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can withstand occasional dips down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and high temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and to ensure they flourish, avoid locations where cold winds or hot summer temperatures might stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning clematis 'Fujimusume' is necessary to promote strong growth and flowering. This variety should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It's a Group 2 clematis, meaning light pruning is required — remove any dead or weak stems and reduce the height if necessary. Ideal pruning time is after the first flush of flowers has faded, which will stimulate a second blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Clematis, including 'Fujimusume', thrive best in well-draining, moisture-retentive soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A good soil mix includes two parts garden soil, one part well-rotted manure or compost, and one part gritty sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Repotting

The Clematis 'Fujimusume' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish the soil and provide room for root growth. It's best done in late winter or early spring before the growing season starts.

Humidity & Misting

Clematis 'Fujimusume' prefers a moderate humidity level, which mimics their natural outdoor environment. Aim for a humidity level between 50% to 70% for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright indirect light, cool airflow, and support for climbing.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and provide climbing support.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Clematis 'Fujimusume', also known as Clematis, initiates its life cycle from a dormant seed which, after a period of stratification, germinates in spring to develop a root system and shoots. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, producing long, climbing vines and compound leaves during the growing season. Clematis 'Fujimusume' progresses to the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, where it shows off large, striking blue-violet flowers. After pollination, often by insects, the plant produces fruits known as achenes, each containing seeds, which are then dispersed by wind or foraging animals. The clematis then enters a period of senescence in late autumn, dying back to the ground in colder climates or becoming less active in milder regions. With the arrival of the next spring, the plant will break dormancy and begin the cycle anew, resuming growth from the roots or surviving stems.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Clematis 'Fujimusume', commonly known as the Clematis vine, can be propagated through several methods, but the most popular among gardeners is layering, which is best done in the late winter or early spring. This technique involves bending a stem to the ground and covering a portion of it with soil, keeping the tip exposed. Over time, the buried section will develop roots, and once these are sufficiently established, usually after a growing season, it can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location. This method retains the characteristics of the parent plant, ensuring that the beautiful flowers of the 'Fujimusume' variety are reproduced in the new plants. Layering is especially preferred for Clematis since it does not require complex equipment and has a high success rate for this particular species.