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Clematis Princess Kate was bred in Holland in 2011 by J. van Zoest BV. Clematis of this variety belong to the Texas group, the pruning of which is considered maximum.
Description of Clematis Princess Kate
According to the description, Clematis Princess Kate (shown in the photo) has small urn-shaped flowers that change during flowering and resemble bells.
The flower petals are white on the inside, reddish purple at the base, purple on the outside. The threads in the flowers are pale purple, the anthers are darker, reddish-violet.
The diameter of the flowers is small, the indicator ranges from 4-6 cm. The width of the petals is not more than 2,5 cm, the length is up to 5 cm. The shape of the flower petals is ovate-lanceolate, the ends are slightly bent outward. The petals are fleshy, overlap each other.
Princess Kate blooms from June to September. Flowering is abundant and long. Flowers are formed on young shoots of the current year. In autumn, the plant is decorated with decorative seedlings.
The height of the shoots of this variety is from 3 to 4 m.
Clematis Princess Kate is a perennial plant. Both sunny and periodically shaded areas are suitable for its landing. Ornamental shrubs are used to decorate arbors, arches, trellises, fences.
Clematis is a fairly frost-resistant crop, Princess Kate tolerates frosts down to -29 ° C.
Clematis pruning group Princess Kate
In autumn, pruning is carried out during the cold period, but it is necessary to have time before the start of frost. In the first autumn after planting, clematis of all varieties are cut in the same way, leaving 20-30 cm above the ground at one of the strongest shoots. This procedure helps the formation of side shoots in the spring. Further pruning is carried out depending on which group the clematis belongs to. Princess Kate blooms on young shoots formed in the spring. Clematis that bloom in this way belong to the third pruning group.
Proper pruning consists in removing all shoots at a height of 10-15 cm from the ground, it must be taken into account that at least 2-3 buds should remain on the branches.
Planting and caring for clematis Princess Kate
Clematis Princess Kate belongs to light-loving plants, therefore, sunny or periodically shaded places are chosen for planting, but the plant should be in the sun for at least 6 hours a day. Clematis do not tolerate wind well, the area with clematis must be protected from drafts. The best option for planting is the southern, southwestern or southeastern section of the garden.
The soil on the site should be fertile and loose, loams are best suited, but excessively saline, acidic and heavy soils for cultivation are unacceptable.
Planting flowers is carried out in spring or autumn. Before that, you need to take care of the installation of the support. Since the length of the clematis lashes reaches 3-4 meters, the support must be at least 2-2,5 m.
Supports cannot be installed in close proximity to the wall of the building, since water flowing from the roof in spring or autumn will lead to decay of the root system of the plant and its death.
The roots of the plant before planting must be soaked in water for several hours, you can add a tool to accelerate growth.
The landing hole is prepared in advance. A mixture consisting of the following components is added to it:
- humus – 1 part;
- sand – 1 part;
- garden soil – 1 part;
- wood ash – 0,5 l;
- complex fertilizers – 100 g.
The nutrient mixture is poured into the pit in a slide, a seedling is placed on top and its roots are straightened. They fall asleep with soil, carefully pressing the earth with their hands so that the seedling does not fall in the hole when watering. Water the clematis and cover the hole with a layer of mulch.
Before rooting, the seedling is shaded. In addition, it is desirable to fill the root circle with annual or perennial plants with a shallow root system, a green carpet of marigolds, phlox, chamomile will protect the clematis roots from overheating.
Clematis care Princess Kate consists of the following activities:
- watering. It is not recommended to fill the seedling, but watering should be plentiful;
- fertilization. After planting, clematis does not need top dressing. Fertilizers applied to the planting hole provide the plant with all the necessary substances throughout the year. The next year after planting and then every year in the spring, nitrogenous compounds are applied, during the period when buds appear – mineral fertilizers, and after flowering (at the end of August) – phosphorus and potassium;
- pruning of the plant is done annually;
- to stimulate shoot formation, it is necessary to pinch the top;
- a growing liana requires a garter to a support, therefore, the tying procedure is periodically carried out;
- disease prevention. The soil before planting is treated with a 0,1% solution of Fundazol. The treatment is repeated after 2 weeks.
Reproduction
There are several methods for propagating clematis:
- from seeds;
- with the help of layering;
- grafting;
- division of the bush.
Variety Princess Kate is most conveniently propagated by dividing an adult bush. To do this, use plants that have reached 5-6 years and have numerous shoots. This method allows you to get clematis that bloom in the year of separation.
Autumn division of the bush is preferable, but if it could not be carried out, then the procedure can be performed in early spring, when the snow has gone and the soil has melted, but the buds have not yet blossomed. It is very important not to miss this point, because separation at a later date can lead to the death of the plant.
Separation process technology:
- planting pits should be plentifully watered with water mixed with a growth stimulator;
- during the autumn division, the aerial part is cut, leaving 3 pairs of buds on the shoots;
- rhizomes are carefully dug up with a large clod of earth;
- shaking off the ground, the roots are immersed in water and washed so that their structure becomes clear;
- the roots are divided in such a way that at least 3 shoots with visible renewal buds remain on each;
- the maximum number of divisions is 3;
- after dividing, the roots of each seedling are inspected, damaged areas are removed;
- to prevent infection, the rhizomes are soaked in a solution of manganese or a fungicidal preparation;
- plants are planted in compliance with planting requirements.
You can divide the bush without completely digging. To do this, they dig up the roots on one side of the bush and manually shake the earth off them. With a garden tool (secateurs or scissors), shoots with roots are cut off, the rest of the bush is buried and watered. The separated bush is transplanted to a new place.
Diseases and pests
Clematis Princess Kate can suffer from the following diseases: wilting, gray mold, powdery mildew, rust, Alternaria, Septoria. With powdery mildew, a copper-soap solution is used, which is sprayed with shoots. Gray rot and shrinkage are treated with a solution of Fundazol. Against rust, alternariosis, septoria, copper-containing agents are used.
Of the pests, the greatest danger to clematis is spider mites, aphids and slugs. Fitoverm solution will help get rid of aphids. You can dilute green soap and wipe the foliage with this liquid. Acaricides are used to control spider mites.
Slugs are disposed of manually or sprayed with ammonia diluted in water (for 1 liter of water – 2 tablespoons of ammonia).
Conclusion
Clematis Princess Kate is a great choice for garden decoration. The plant is used for decoration of arbors, lattices, fences. By following the recommendations for care, you can achieve long-term flowering.