Clematis Clematis 'H.f. Young' (EL)

Water

Clematis, also commonly known as Queen of the Vines, requires consistent moisture and should not be allowed to dry out completely. It's important to water this plant thoroughly once a week with about one gallon of water per session. During the active growing season in spring and summer, or in particularly hot and dry weather, increase watering to twice a week. In contrast, during the dormant season in fall and winter, reduce watering frequency. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogged conditions which can lead to root rot.

Light

Queen of the Vines thrives best in locations where it receives about 6 hours of sunlight daily but is shielded from the intense midday sun. A spot that is bright in the morning with some afternoon shade is ideal. Make sure that the base of the plant and the root area are shaded while the foliage and flowering parts can bask in the sun for healthy growth.

Temperature

Clematis 'Queen of the Vines' prefer temperatures ranging between 45°F and 80°F. They can withstand brief periods outside of this range, but extreme cold below 20°F or intense heat above 90°F can be detrimental. The ideal growth conditions for this plant are in moderate climates with temperatures that don't fluctuate abruptly, keeping them consistently within the specified range.

Pruning

Queen of the Vines benefits from pruning to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring before active growth begins, removing dead or weak stems and cutting back to strong buds. Prune again after the first flush of flowers if you desire a tidier plant or to encourage a second bloom. Lastly, trimming just after blooming helps to maintain the desired shape and size.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Clematis 'H.F. Young', commonly known as Clematis, is a well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of around 6.5 to 7.0. Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and ensure good fertility.

Repotting

Clematis 'H.F. Young' commonly requires repotting every 2 to 3 years. It is important to provide a larger container that supports the plant's vigorous growth and to refresh the soil to maintain nutrient availability.

Humidity & Misting

Clematis 'H.F. Young', prefers average to high humidity levels, but it is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions when grown outdoors. Ensuring good air circulation will help maintain healthy humidity levels around the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Support with trellis; ensure bright, indirect light.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade; train on structures.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Clematis 'H.f. Young' (Early Large-flowered clematis) begins with germination, which occurs when stratified seeds are exposed to warmth following a period of moist cold. Following germination, the seedling stage involves the development of roots and shoots, and the establishment of the plant's foliage as it begins to photosynthesize. During the vegetative stage, the clematis experiences rapid growth, producing long vines and leaves in preparation for flowering. The flowering stage typically occurs in late spring to early summer, with the plant producing large, showy blue or blue-purple blossoms. After pollination, the clematis enters the reproductive stage, developing seed heads that gradually release seeds when mature. The life cycle can either conclude at the end of the growing season if it is grown as an annual, or the plant will undergo a period of dormancy during the colder months if it is grown as a perennial, ready to restart the cycle come spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Clematis 'H.F. Young', commonly known as Clematis, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. The ideal time for this method is in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is just beginning to harden but is still flexible. To propagate with this method, cut a portion of new growth, about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring there are at least two sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a moistened mix of equal parts peat and perlite or sand, ensuring at least one set of leaves is above the surface. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and place it in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight. Roots typically form within a few weeks, at which point the plastic can be removed, and the new Clematis can be gradually acclimatized to normal growing conditions before eventual planting out.