Yukikomachi Clematis Clematis 'Yukikomachi' (EL)

Water

Clematis, often referred to as the Queen of the Vines, requires consistent moisture, particularly during the warm seasons. It is best to water deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water to ensure that the moisture reaches the plant's deep roots. During particularly dry or hot periods, you may need to water twice a week. When watering, avoid wetting the foliage and flowers to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, and instead focus the water at the base of the plant. In cooler weather or when the plant is dormant in winter, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging.

Light

Clematis thrives best in a location that offers full sun to part shade. Ideally, the Queen of the Vines should receive at least six hours of sunlight per day but be sheltered from the intense, scorching midday sun. The best spot for Clematis is where its roots are kept cool and shaded—planting low-growing shrubs or perennials around the base can achieve this—while allowing its vines to climb into the sunlight.

Temperature

Clematis enjoys moderate temperatures and will flourish in conditions ranging between 55°F and 75°F. The plant can withstand winter cold down to about 20°F, but should be protected from harsh winter winds. In summer, when temperatures consistently stay above 80°F, it is crucial to provide adequate shade and moisture to keep the plant cool.

Pruning

Pruning is essential to maintain the vigor and flowering of Clematis. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or weak stems. Clematis 'Yukikomachi' belongs to pruning group 3, which means it flowers on the current year's growth, so you can cut it back to a set of strong buds about 12 inches above ground. This hard prune encourages a flush of new growth that will flower in the season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Clematis 'Yukikomachi', commonly known as Clematis, thrives in a well-draining soil mix with good organic content, akin to loamy garden soil. A pH level mildly alkaline to neutral, ranging from 7.0 to 7.5, is optimal. Incorporate compost and a slow-release fertilizer into the soil to enhance fertility and structure.

Repotting

Clematis 'Yukikomachi' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish the soil and provide room for root growth. This common Clematis variety should be carefully repotted to avoid damaging the root system.

Humidity & Misting

Clematis 'Yukikomachi' prefers a moderate humidity level. While it can tolerate some variation, aim for a relative humidity around 50% to 60% for optimal growth, ensuring that it's not too dry for this type of Clematis.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use bright, indirect light and a support for climbing.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun to part shade, mulch roots, and provide a trellis.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Clematis 'Yukikomachi' begins its life as a dormant bare root or potted plant, typically planted in early spring or fall. It enters a growth stage where the roots establish in the soil and shoots emerge, climbing up supports with the help of leaf petioles acting as tendrils. Throughout late spring and summer, this perennial vine produces profuse blooms, with each flower going through a phase of budding, opening, and eventually senescing. After flowering, some Clematis varieties may produce fluffy seed heads that represent the reproductive stage, dispersing seeds to propagate the next generation. In autumn, the above-ground parts of 'Yukikomachi' start to die back as it enters a period of dormancy, conserving energy in the roots through the winter. With the return of warmer weather in spring, the clematis resumes growth from buds along the stems or from the base, repeating its annual life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method for propagating Clematis 'Yukikomachi' is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring to early summer when the stems are green and pliable. You begin by cutting a healthy piece of stem about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, just below a leaf node, ensuring there are at least two sets of leaves or buds. The lower leaves are stripped off and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite to create a well-draining medium. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment, out of direct sunlight, and consistently moist until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the new Clematis plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually planted in its permanent location.