Guernsey Cream Clematis Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL)

Water

Clematis Guernsey Cream, commonly known as Clematis, should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which is typically once a week. Provide the plant with about one gallon of water at each watering session to ensure the soil becomes moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, in spring and summer, the plant may require more frequent watering, especially in hotter climates, potentially increasing to twice a week. It is essential to reduce the frequency of watering in the fall and further in the winter when the plant is dormant. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Light

Clematis Guernsey Cream thrives best in a location where it can receive around six hours of sunlight daily, with some shade during the hottest part of the afternoon to prevent scorching. A spot that is sun-drenched in the morning with partial shade in the afternoon is ideal. If planted against a wall or fence, ensure the base of the plant is shaded while the vines have access to ample sunlight.

Temperature

Clematis Guernsey Cream prefers a temperature range of 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. To flourish, it should be positioned in a location sheltered from extreme cold and harsh winds.

Pruning

Pruning Clematis Guernsey Cream helps stimulate vigorous growth and ensures a robust display of flowers. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead or weak stems, and cut the remaining stems back to a strong set of buds, typically 6 to 12 inches above ground level. This plant belongs to Pruning Group 2, meaning it flowers on old wood and should be pruned lightly to shape the plant and promote new growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Guernsey Cream Clematis thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A quality mix should include loamy garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure, to enhance fertility and structure. Add a balanced time-release fertilizer to support vigorous growth.

Repotting

Guernsey Cream Clematis should be repotted every two to three years to replenish nutrients and prevent root crowding. Early spring is the best time for repotting, before the onset of active growth.

Humidity & Misting

Guernsey Cream Clematis prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It does not require any special humidity considerations and can thrive in the average outdoor humidity levels present in its growing zones.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure sufficient support, bright indirect light.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun to part shade, provide a trellis.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germinating develops into a young seedling with a small root system and embryonic leaves. As it grows, it enters the vegetative stage, where it develops a robust root system, climbing stems, and large, green leaves through which it photosynthesizes. The plant then progresses to the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, producing large, creamy yellow flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, the Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' will produce fruits with feathery tails known as achenes which contain the seeds for the next generation. During the end of the growing season, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, where it conserves energy and resources by shedding leaves. With the return of favorable conditions, the clematis will break dormancy and resume growth, beginning the cycle anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' is best propagated in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method of propagation for this particular clematis is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This involves selecting a healthy piece of the current year's growth that has begun to mature but is not yet fully hardened. A section about 4 to 6 inches long is cut just below a leaf joint or node, and all but the top pair of leaves are removed. The cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting and then planted in a mixture of peat and perlite. The cutting should be kept in a humid environment with indirect light until roots have developed, which typically happens in a few weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or its final location in the garden.