This group includes: 'Marie Boisselot', 'Mrs. Cholmondeley', 'President', 'Nelly Moser', 'William Kennett', Belle of Woking', and 'Duchess of Edinburgh'.
When you start getting into Clematis, you will also find that the hybrids are divided into several groups based upon their parentage.
Propagation
Propagation is by seed, layering and cuttings. Seeds require stratification. Either sow them outside in fall for germination the following (hopefully) spring or you can sow them in pots or place them between layers of damp paper towel in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for two to six months. They will then germinate when brought into warmth. I have found seeds to germinate readily with these treatments, but bringing the plants past seedling-hood has been my downfall. I either forget to water the dormant pots in winter or aphids wreck the seedlings before I can harden them off. But, I have not given up - one day I will be successful!
Cuttings of internodal (between the leaf nodes) softwood, taken in June and July, dipped in a rooting powder for hardwood cuttings and struck in a gritty compost will generally root in a month or two, say the pundits and those who have had success with cuttings. I've not had great luck with cuttings, possibly because I did not enclose them in a plastic bag....I'll try that next time.
The easiest way to reproduce your plants is to lay a stem on the ground and put a rock over it at a leaf node (removing the leaves at this point). Most will form roots where they contact the soil - best with new wood, not old - and can be separated from the mother plant the next season and potted up or planted in a holding bed.
Once you get hooked on Clematis, you will find yourself viewing your garden with new eyes...always discovering new places or plants that would be much improved by the Queen of all vines.
More vines next time...see ya' later!
More Information
- In searching the web, I've run across many sites with good information about Clematis, as well as photos of many. Rather than list them all, I'll point you to Clematis on the Internet who have put together a very comprehensive set of links to information about this marvelous vine. Highly recommended.
- For more about species Clematis, don't miss Gene Bush's article Clematis Queen of the Vines.
- For more luscious Clematis photos, visit the Suite's own Graham Leatherbarrow's personal site, Graham's Paradise Garden :
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