Leather flower Clematis 'John Gould Veitch' (EL)

Water

The Clematis, commonly known as Leather Flower, requires thorough watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Initially, it is essential to water the plant about 1 gallon per week, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, the Leather Flower should be watered approximately once a week with the same amount of water, adjusting for rainfall, during the growing season. In hot climates or during particularly dry spells, it may be necessary to water more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture. Decrease the amount of watering in the fall to prepare the plant for winter dormancy.

Light

Leather Flowers thrive in locations with full sun to partial shade. The ideal position for the plant is where it receives at least six hours of sunlight per day, but is also protected during the hottest part of the day with some afternoon shade. Avoid overly shaded spots as too little light can reduce flowering and make the plant more susceptible to diseases.

Temperature

Leather Flowers are best suited to a temperature range between 50-75°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 20°F with proper winter care and a maximum temperature of around 85°F, as long as they have some relief from the intense midday heat. The ideal growing conditions fall within the moderate range of the typical outdoor environment where the plant is not exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations.

Pruning

Pruning Leather Flower encourages healthy growth and prolific blooming. The plant should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or weak stems, and prune the remaining stems to strong buds. This cultivar falls into Group 2 for clematis, meaning it blooms both on old wood and new growth, so be cautious not to over prune old wood to ensure blooms. It's also advisable to lightly prune after the first flush of flowers to promote a second bloom period.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Clematis 'John Gould Veitch' thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.5 and 7.0. A good soil mix for this clematis would consist of one part garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.

Repotting

Clematis 'John Gould Veitch' usually doesn't require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2-3 years. It's best to repot these clematis in the spring before the onset of the growing season, ensuring minimal disruption to the root system and plant growth.

Humidity & Misting

Clematis 'John Gould Veitch' prefers moderate humidity levels but is generally adaptable to the humidity found in most outdoor garden environments. It does not have specific humidity requirements, unlike some tropical houseplants.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright indirect light, cool temps, and stake for support.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to part shade, provide support structure.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Clematis 'John Gould Veitch' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in the spring after a period of stratification which simulates winter conditions. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with a strong root system and several sets of leaves. As it matures, it enters a vigorous vegetative stage where it climbs using its leaf petioles as tendrils, seeking sunlight and space to grow. When the plant is well-established and environmental conditions are favorable, usually between late spring and early summer, it will produce large, ornate flowers, attractive for their distinctive colors and shapes. Following the flowering period, it will set seed, and if those seeds are dispersed, they can remain dormant until the next suitable germination period. The plant then enters a period of senescence during colder months, with its above-ground parts dying back, while the root system remains alive to regrow the next season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Clematis 'John Gould Veitch', more commonly known as just "Clematis," is often propagated through stem cuttings. The most popular method of propagation for this plant involves taking semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. To propagate, a gardener would select a healthy, semi-hardwood section of stem, ideally from the current year's growth, that includes at least three sets of leaves. This cutting, usually around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, then has its lower leaves removed and is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The stem is then planted in a well-draining potting mix, covering at least two of the leaf nodes to promote root development. The cutting should be kept in a warm place with indirect light and consistent moisture until roots have established, after which it can be transferred to a larger pot or directly into the garden.