Clematis Clematis 'Royalty' (EL)

Water

Clematis 'Royalty', commonly known as Queen of the Vines, requires consistent moisture, especially during the hot, dry periods. It is best to water it deeply once per week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy. You might need to water more frequently during extremely hot weeks. Aim to provide about one gallon of water weekly, adjusting as necessary for rainfall and temperature conditions. It's crucial to avoid wetting the foliage as this can lead to fungal diseases, so water at the base of the plant.

Light

Queen of the Vines thrives best in conditions where it can receive around 6 hours of sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade to protect it from the hottest part of the day. Ideally, the plant's roots and base should be shaded while the upper part of the plant, where the flowers and foliage are, receives ample light. Placing it in a spot with morning sun and dappled afternoon shade would be beneficial.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Queen of the Vines is between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and can survive summer temperatures as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but it does best in that moderate range. To ensure blooming, avoid placing it in locations where temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods or soar to high extremes in summer.

Pruning

Pruning Queen of the Vines is essential to maintain a healthy plant and to encourage vigorous growth. Prune in early spring before active growth begins, removing any dead or weak stems. Clematis 'Royalty' is in Pruning Group 2, which means it should be lightly pruned to shape the plant and remove any dead wood. The best time to prune is after the first flush of flowers in late June to encourage a second bloom.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Clematis 'Royalty', commonly known as Clematis, thrives in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A suitable mix would be one part compost, one part loamy garden soil, and one part perlite or grit to ensure good drainage.

Repotting

Clematis, being a perennial climber, does not require frequent repotting and may only need it every 2-3 years to refresh the soil or if the plant has outgrown its container. Repot in spring before active growth.

Humidity & Misting

Clematis prefer outdoor conditions with natural humidity levels, but if grown indoors, they do well with average room humidity. No need for special humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, mulch roots, and ensure climbing support.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Clematis 'Royalty' (EL), commonly known as Clematis, begins its life as a seed, which when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and provided with adequate warmth, will germinate to produce a small seedling. The seedling rapidly grows into a young vine, developing a robust root system and climbing or sprawling stems with the help of tendrils. As the plant matures, it undergoes vegetative growth, producing large, often showy flowers during the spring and summer, which are crucial for pollination and subsequent seed production. After flowering, the plant sets seed in the form of achenes, feathery-tailed fruits that can be dispersed by the wind. Throughout its life, Clematis 'Royalty' undergoes periods of dormancy during the colder months, where growth slows down and the plant conserves energy. This perennial can live for many years, continuing its cycle of growth, flowering, and dormancy, with proper pruning and care enhancing its longevity and bloom performance.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Clematis 'Royalty', commonly referred to as Clematis, can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings, which is the most popular method for this particular plant. The ideal time to take cuttings is in late spring to early summer when the stems are partially matured. To propagate, a gardener should select a healthy stem and make a cutting approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, ensuring at least a couple of sets of leaves are present. The bottom cut should be made just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves should be removed. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can encourage root development. The cutting should then be planted in a pot with well-draining potting mix, covering the first set of leaf nodes to promote root growth. The pot should be kept in a warm area with indirect light and maintained moist until the cuttings have rooted, which usually takes several weeks.