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Clematis for the winter: how to cover
Despite the huge variety of garden vines, clematis are real favorites. Their magnificent appearance and bright color of flowers makes it possible to stand out against any background. Only now, not many gardeners grow them. Everything is explained by the fact that clematis for the winter requires mandatory shelter and does not tolerate the cold season.
How to cover clematis correctly for the winter
Clematis is afraid not so much of frost as of excess moisture. Based on this, a shelter for him is selected not only warm, but also dry. The time frame for carrying out all the necessary activities is very limited. This limitation is primarily created by temperature readings, not calendar dates.
Clematis for the winter requires mandatory shelter, otherwise the plant may die
Clematis begins to be sheltered at a time when the soil is already somewhat frozen, and the air cools down to minus 5-6 degrees. But the preparatory work can be done much earlier. In particular, after the first light frosts, the bush can be piled up by 10-15 centimeters. It is recommended to carry out the warming process only in dry weather to avoid moisture ingress.
If everything is done correctly, then clematis can withstand temperatures down to -45 degrees
Should clematis be pruned annually for the winter?
The need for pruning in clematis is determined by belonging to a particular variety, as well as by the type of flowering. It is imperative to cut off those plants that bloom annually on new shoots. But those species in which flowering begins on the shoots of the previous year can only be cut a little, while preserving the flower buds. The same applies to those species that can please with flowering a couple of times a year.
Sanitary pruning is mandatory. It allows you to remove all dry leaves, cut dry shoots and remove damaged branches. Also at this moment there is a good opportunity to inspect the plant for the first signs of disease.
However, if after the winter cold the plant does not show signs of life in the spring, you do not need to throw it away immediately. It is quite possible that it will be able to leave only after a few years, when the vegetative buds begin to grow.
After the autumn pruning, it is recommended to treat the plant with wood ash. It will not be superfluous to use fungicides to destroy the main types of pests.
Clematis care is not difficult. Even the need for winter shelter shouldn’t scare gardeners. After all, even a rose requires some preparation for the cold. But in response to your concern, clematis will certainly thank you with a gorgeous flowering.