New Zealand Clematis Clematis marmoraria

Water

The New Zealand Clematis, or Clematis marmoraria, prefers consistent moisture so it's best watered once a week with 1 gallon of water. During the growing season in spring and summer, you may need to water twice a week if conditions are especially dry. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Cut back on watering in the fall and winter, when the plant is dormant, to every other week, ensuring the soil doesn't dry out completely.

Light

New Zealand Clematis thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot is where the plant can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day, but is protected from the intense midday sun. Morning sunlight with afternoon shade is beneficial, especially in hotter climates to prevent scorching of leaves.

Temperature

The New Zealand Clematis best performs in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. It can withstand short periods of colder weather down to approximately 20°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing can be harmful. Ideally, provide a location that avoids drastic temperature fluctuations and protects the plant from extreme cold.

Pruning

Prune New Zealand Clematis to encourage strong growth and flowering. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead or weak stems, and cut back the remaining stems to a set of strong buds around 1 foot off the ground. This plant does not always require annual pruning, so assess the plant each year.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

New Zealand Virgin's Bower thrives in a soil mixture that is well-draining with a slightly alkaline pH around 7.5 to 8.0. A good soil recipe would be a combination of loam, well-rotted manure or compost, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure good drainage and fertility. It is crucial to avoid waterlogged conditions which can cause root rot in this species.

Repotting

New Zealand Virgin's Bower should be repotted every two to three years or when it becomes root-bound. Repotting should be done during late winter or early spring before the onset of vigorous growth, using a soil mix as specified for optimal health and growth.

Humidity & Misting

New Zealand Virgin's Bower prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 50-70%. To maintain these humidity conditions, the plant can be placed in a naturally humid environment or occasionally misted, taking care not to wet the foliage excessively.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix.

• Outdoor

  Use well-draining soil, part shade, and shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Clematis marmoraria, commonly known as Marlborough Rock Daisy, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in spring or early summer, ideally in rocky, well-drained soil and partial shade. Upon germination, the seedling emerges with a pair of cotyledons before developing its true leaves and a robust root system for anchorage and nutrient uptake. As the plant matures, it forms a perennial woody base from which it sends up new shoots annually, growing as a low, sprawling shrub. The Rock Daisy produces large, solitary flowers that exhibit a striking white or pale pink color, usually from late spring to early summer, which after pollination develop into feathery seed heads designed for wind dispersal. Following the flowering season, the plant enters a period of dormancy, especially in regions with colder winters, conserving its resources until the next growing season. This perennial cycle of growth, flowering, seed production, and dormancy continues for the life span of the plant, effectively propagating and ensuring the survival of the species.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter-early spring

• The most favored method for propagating Clematis marmoraria, commonly known as New Zealand Clematis, is through cuttings, particularly during the spring and summer when the plant is in active growth. To do this, a gardener would take semi-hardwood cuttings, which are stem pieces that have begun to mature but are not fully hardened. These cuttings should be around 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length, with several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. It's then placed in a well-draining medium like a mix of peat and perlite. High humidity and consistent but not saturated soil moisture contribute to the successful rooting of these cuttings. To further improve the chances of successful propagation, the cuttings can be placed in a greenhouse or under a plastic dome to maintain humidity.