Clematis Clematis 'Kaen' (EL)

Water

The Clematis 'Kaen', commonly known as Clematis, requires consistent moisture, especially during the hot summer months, but it should not be waterlogged. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist. Water the plant about once a week with around 1 gallon of water, but adjust according to weather conditions – more frequent watering during dry spells and less during rainy periods. It's preferable to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Ensure the planting area has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Light

The Clematis 'Kaen' thrives best in a location with full sun to partial shade. It's ideal to plant it where it will get at least six hours of sunlight a day. However, its base and roots should be shaded or covered with mulch to keep them cool. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is often perfect for this plant.

Temperature

The Clematis 'Kaen' prefers a temperate climate and does best when the average temperature ranges from 55°F to 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F but should be protected from freezing conditions. During the hot summer months, the Clematis 'Kaen' can tolerate temperatures up to around 85°F without stress.

Pruning

Pruning encourages healthy growth and flowering in the Clematis 'Kaen'. This variety should be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak stems. After the Clematis 'Kaen' finishes blooming, you can prune it back to shape the plant and promote a second flush of flowers. It is a group 2 Clematis, which means it blooms on old and new wood, so careful pruning is necessary to avoid cutting off potential blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Clematis, commonly known as Clematis 'Kaen', should be well-draining and fertile with a pH close to neutral (around 6.5 to 7.0). An ideal mix would consist of loamy garden soil, compost, and perlite to improve aeration and drainage.

Repotting

Clematis 'Kaen' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container. The best time to repot is in early spring before the onset of active growth.

Humidity & Misting

Clematis 'Kaen' prefers a moderate humidity level but is adaptable to the typical range found outdoors. Avoid creating overly humid conditions which may encourage fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure ample light, support for climbing, and soil with good drainage.

• Outdoor

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

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA.

Life cycle

Clematis 'Kaen', commonly known as Clematis, begins its life cycle as a seed, which once sown, germinates to produce a small seedling. The seedling grows into a young vine and develops a root system and vines with leaves. As it matures, Clematis 'Kaen' enters the flowering stage, where it produces large, vibrant violet-purple flowers, usually from late spring or early summer depending on the climate. After the flowering phase, the plant will enter a period of seed production, where flowers turn into fruiting bodies containing seeds. As the growing season concludes, the Clematis may enter a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates where it dies back to the ground to conserve energy for the next season. The cycle begins anew when the plant re-sprouts from the root system in the following spring, continuing to grow and produce flowers each year.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Clematis 'Kaen', commonly known as the Clematis, is often propagated through softwood cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the plant during the late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still soft and flexible. Cuttings are usually about 4 to 6 inches long and should include at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone before being inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of perlite and potting soil. To create a humid environment, which is crucial for rooting success, the pot can be covered with a plastic bag or placed under a humidity dome. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and to place the pot in a bright location out of direct sunlight. Roots typically develop within 4 to 8 weeks, after which the new Clematis plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions.