Clematis 'Nelly Moser' Clematis 'Nelly Moser' (EL)

Water

Nelly Moser Clematis should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water each time. During the hot summer months or in drier climates, watering frequency should increase to twice a week. It's important to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which could lead to fungal diseases. Ensure that the soil is well-draining but remains consistently moist, not waterlogged. During the winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to completely dry out.

Light

Nelly Moser Clematis thrives in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade. Planting it in a spot that receives bright, indirect light for most of the day is ideal, while protecting it from the intense, direct sun of the afternoon. Too much shade can reduce flowering, so aim for a balance that avoids the extremes.

Temperature

Nelly Moser Clematis grows best in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. While it can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F during its dormant period in winter, it should not be exposed to temperatures above 90°F for extended periods. The ideal growing conditions involve cool roots and warm tops, so mulching around the base can help maintain a cooler root environment.

Pruning

Pruning Nelly Moser Clematis encourages robust growth and blooms. It should be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring by removing any dead or weak stems. After the first flush of blooms in late spring or early summer, a more extensive prune can encourage a second flush. The best time to prune for shaping and size control is immediately after the flowering period.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Clematis 'Nelly Moser' thrives best in a well-draining soil mixture that is rich in organic matter. You can create an ideal soil mix for this clematis by combining two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. The pH should be slightly alkaline to neutral, ideally between 6.5 and 7.5. Mulching the base of the plant can help maintain soil moisture and cool root temperatures.

Repotting

Clematis 'Nelly Moser' typically does not require frequent repotting as it is a perennial vine that is usually planted outdoors. However, if grown in containers, it should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate the growing root system. When repotting, be careful not to damage the roots and use a pot only one size larger than the current one.

Humidity & Misting

Clematis 'Nelly Moser' is not particularly sensitive to humidity levels and can thrive in the average humidity conditions found outdoors. It does not require any specific humidity adjustments when planted in the garden. Ensuring proper soil moisture and providing good air circulation around the plant will contribute to its overall health and vigor.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil; support with a trellis.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Clematis 'Nelly Moser' starts its life as a dormant bare-root plant or potted nursery specimen. Once planted, it enters a growth phase where it develops a robust root system and vigorous vine growth with the support of a trellis or structure. The plant then proceeds to its flowering stage in late spring to early summer, displaying large, showy, mauve-pink flowers with a striking reddish-pink bar down the center of each petal. After blooming, it may have a second, less profuse flowering period in late summer. As the growing season ends, foliage may yellow and die back, with the plant entering dormancy in autumn, especially in colder climates. Each spring, the plant re-emerges from its root system, repeating its growth and bloom cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Clematis 'Nelly Moser' is best propagated through softwood cuttings in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To do so, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) length, making sure that it includes at least two sets of leaves. Strip the lower leaves to expose the nodes and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, water sufficiently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place in a warm spot with indirect light. Covering the cutting with a plastic bag can help maintain humidity levels. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the cutting can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before planting in its final location.