Clematis Clematis 'Will Goodwin' (EL)

Water

Clematis 'Will Goodwin', commonly known as Clematis, should be watered thoroughly with the soil being kept moist but not waterlogged. In the growing season, water the plant once a week with about one gallon of water per plant to ensure deep soil moisture. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week. In cooler months or when rainfall is abundant, reduce watering to prevent over-saturation. Always adjust the watering schedule based on soil moisture, never allowing the soil to dry out completely.

Light

Clematis 'Will Goodwin' thrives best in a location where it can receive about six hours of sunlight daily, making it ideal for spots with partial sun to full sun exposure. However, while the foliage enjoys the sun, keep the root zone shaded to ensure roots stay cool. Choosing a planting spot with morning sun and afternoon shade can help protect the plant from the harsh midday sun.

Temperature

Clematis 'Will Goodwin' prefers temperatures in the range of 50°F to 75°F but can tolerate a wider spectrum. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about 20°F. The ideal conditions for vigorous growth are moderate temperatures where extremes of heat or cold are avoided. Protection from strong winds will also aid in maintaining a stable temperature environment for the Clematis.

Pruning

Clematis 'Will Goodwin' should be pruned to encourage strong growth and flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak stems and cutting the plant back to strong buds. This Clematis falls into Pruning Group 2, meaning it blooms on old and new wood, so be careful not to remove all of the previous year's growth. Regular pruning also helps to manage the size and shape of the plant and can stimulate a second flush of blooms in late summer or early fall.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Clematis requires well-draining, moisture-retentive soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix for Clematis 'Will Goodwin' includes one part compost or well-rotted manure, one part garden soil, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage. Mulching with organic material will help retain soil moisture and cool the root system.

Repotting

Clematis 'Will Goodwin' typically doesn't need frequent repotting and does well if left undisturbed. As a rule of thumb, repotting can be done every 3-4 years, or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound or if the soil seems exhausted and is not holding nutrients well.

Humidity & Misting

Clematis 'Will Goodwin' fares well in average garden humidity levels. While it is tolerant of various conditions, it prefers a moderately humid environment, ensuring it's not too dry, especially in hot climates, facilitating healthy growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, support for climbing, and room for growth.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun or part shade, with roots in cool, shaded soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Clematis 'Will Goodwin' begins its life as a dormant, bare-root plant or from a nursery container. After planting, it enters an active growth phase characterized by the emergence of climbing vines and toothed, green leaves. The plant then progresses to the flowering stage, typically during late spring to early summer, producing large, lavender-blue flowers. Following pollination, usually by insects like bees, it develops seed heads with feathery plumes. As the growing season comes to an end, the Clematis 'Will Goodwin' will enter a period of senescence, with leaves and vines dying back, especially in colder climates. It overwinters in a dormant state, with the root system alive underground, ready to regrow the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Clematis 'Will Goodwin' (EL), commonly known as Clematis, is most effectively propagated through layering. This technique generally takes place in the spring or early summer. To propagate by layering, select a long, healthy stem and gently wound the underside of it by scratching it or making a small cut. Next, pin the wounded section to the soil using a U-shaped pin or a heavy object. Make sure the leaf node is in contact with the soil, as this is where roots will develop. Then, cover the wounded area with soil, keeping it moist until roots have formed. This process can take several months, but eventually, the layered stem can be severed from the parent plant once a good root system has established, and then it can be planted as a separate specimen.