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Every year the number of varieties and forms of clematis is steadily increasing. The popularity of these flowers can hardly be overestimated. Of particular interest is clematis Chania. This amazing plant from a small seedling turns into a living wall of many bright flowers. The decorative value of clematis lies in its flowers. Therefore, proper care and pruning are especially important to obtain abundant flowering.
Description of clematis Chania
This variety was bred by Polish breeders. Chania flowers are quite large, velvety. The color is two-tone: sparkling red petals are framed by a pinkish border. Golden stamens create an unusual contrast. The flowering period lasts from late May to August. In July, the plant takes a short break. The height of the bushes reaches from 2 to 2,5 m. This variety does not tolerate extreme heat and open sun.
Clematis hybrid Chania will become a real decoration of the garden plot. It is best to plant it near pergolas, arbors. Skillfully using garden supports and trellises, you can get a beautiful hedge.
Clematis pruning group Chania
The pruning procedure plays an important role in the life cycle of Chania clematis. All known species and varieties are divided into three different groups. Chania refers to the second. This group contains the most beautiful clematis. The most abundant flowering will be on the shoots of last year (June). Flowering will not be so intense in the second half of summer. With the advent of autumn, the shoots are cut to 1-1,5 m.
Planting and caring for clematis Chania
Judging by the photos and descriptions of clematis Chania, which are many on flower growing forums, it is best to choose seedlings in specialized gardening centers. It is necessary to store planting material at a temperature from 0 to + 2 °C. If the buds begin to germinate, the Chania seedling is transferred to a cool place with bright diffused light. So the shoots will not stretch.
Clematis Chania can be planted in open ground only at a stable positive temperature. Night frosts will destroy the young plant. The choice of a place must be taken seriously, because the liana will grow on it for the next 10-15 years. For planting clematis, the eastern, western or northern side of the site is suitable. The main thing is that there are no strong winds and drafts. To protect the long root of Chania from contact with groundwater, you need to make a small embankment. The soil must be sufficiently fertile and loose to pass moisture and oxygen well.
The technology for planting clematis Chania is as follows:
- Choose a site that meets all requirements.
- Measure the optimal distance from clematis to other plants (about 50-70 cm).
- Place the tub with clematis in water for a while (15-20 minutes is enough). The substrate must be well saturated with water.
- Dig a hole 60x60x60 cm in size. Mix the upper fertile soil layer with humus or compost (1,5-2 buckets). If the ground is heavy, you need to add sand. Light soil should not be further loosened. Mix the prepared soil with mineral fertilizers (superphosphate + wood ash + chalk and dolomite flour). Chania clematis prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Acidic fertilizers are not suitable for them, so it is better to refuse potassium sulfate. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Fill the bottom of the pit with drainage (pebbles or gravel), then there is a little humus or compost. The last layer is a fertilized substrate. The mixture must be poured with water so that it shrinks. There should be a gap of 15 cm between the top layer of the earth and the edge of the pit.
- The depth of the seedling depends on the type of soil. On light sandy loams, the depth reaches 5-10 cm, and on heavier soils, 3-5 cm is enough. The earth around the seedling needs to be compacted a little, watered abundantly and mulched.
Further care for clematis large-flowered Chania is simple. It requires the same measures as all other plants. First of all, it is watering. The plant is moisture-loving. Once a week, it must be watered abundantly. In the hot period, moisturizing is increased up to 2-3 times a week. About 1-2 buckets of water go to one young bush, an adult clematis needs more water – 2-4 buckets at a time. Often several pots with holes in the bottoms are dug around the Chania bushes. When watering, water accumulates in them, then it gradually penetrates into the ground, nourishing the roots in dry and hot weather. If in the spring the soil around the clematis is mulched, it is not necessary to loosen it. If not, you will have to carry out the loosening procedure after each watering.
Regarding top dressing, in the first year you should not fertilize the young seedling of Chania, the risk of decay is too high. Feeding is recommended during the period of active growth. Emphasis is placed on nitrogen-containing mixtures. When forming buds, potash fertilizers are used, after flowering – preparations based on phosphorus. After summer pruning, a complex mineral fertilizer is applied at the rate of 20 g / 10 l of water. In spring, the plant will support lime milk (chalk + dolomite flour).
Correctly pruning and pinching them in the summer, you can adjust the timing of flowering. After shortening strong shoots on growing branches, flowers will appear later, but flowering will be lush and long.
Preparation for winter
Clematis Chania needs shelter. After the first frosts, in the varieties of the second group, the shoots are cut to 1/3 of the length. The vines are carefully rolled into rings and placed on the ground. From above they are covered with sawdust, dry earth, humus or peat. For one bush you will need about 1-2 buckets. Under such a shelter, clematis Chania is able to survive without loss a drop in temperature down to -35 ° C.
Reproduction
Cultivation of clematis Chania is an easy task. They do this in several ways:
- Seeds. Reproduction of clematis Hania by seeds is carried out most often. They are sown in March or April. For 10 days, planting material is soaked in water (it is replaced several times a day). Then suitable containers are filled with earth with peat and sand in equal proportions. Spread the seeds on top and sprinkle with a layer of soil. Its thickness should be 2 or 3 times greater than the diameter of the seeds. Next, the crops are watered, sealed with foil and placed in a warm, bright place. Further care – as for any other seedlings. With this method of reproduction, the flowers lose some of the varietal characteristics.
- By division. Green or lignified cuttings are used. They are treated with a solution of stimulants. Cuttings root well in moderately moist peat or sand. The air temperature is maintained within the range of + 18-22 °С.
- Layers. The most popular way. In the spring, grooves 10 cm deep are made near an adult bush. Shoots are tilted into them and fixed with brackets. Sprinkle with earth and water abundantly. The following year, rooted shoots are planted.
Diseases and pests
From excessive watering, fungal infections are formed. Powdery mildew, gray rot, rust and brown spot can often be found on Chania bushes. Fusarium and wilting (wilt) are the most dangerous. To avoid problems, you need to carry out prevention with the help of fungicides.
Among the dangerous pests of clematis Chania, one can single out the gall nematode. These are small worms that infect the roots of the bush. The plant will have to be destroyed. Spider mites, aphids and slugs appear on the flowers. Potassium soap solution, celandine tincture or Fitoverm will help to cope with them. As a preventive measure, you can plant calendula or marigolds near clematis. They are good at repelling pests.
Conclusion
Curly clematis Chania does not require too complex care. This plant is a real find for any garden. With the help of structures for vines, you can get a pyramid or arch entwined with flowers. You can use other supports. With clematis Chania, you can fantasize endlessly, creating a unique landscape design.