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Clematis Rhapsody was bred by the English breeder F. Watkinson in 1988. The abundant flowering of the variety of the third pruning group is very impressive. Curly large-flowered clematis is unpretentious, develops in any exposure.
Description of clematis Rhapsody
The bush of the Rhapsody variety is compact, the creepers rise almost vertically along the trellises, grow little to the sides, only up to 60-90 cm, the volume in diameter is also up to 90 cm. The root system is developed, sprawling, densely fibrous. The stems are flexible, thin, strong, held on supports with tenacious green tendrils. The height of the lashes of Clematis Rhapsody is small – from 1,5 to 2,5 m, which depends on the fertility of the soil and growing conditions. The bright, soft shade, reddish-brown color of the climbing stems contrasts with the green of the leaves and the blue of the opened buds.
Dense leaf blades are arranged oppositely, on very short greenish petioles. The shape of the leaves is ovate-elongated, gradually tapering to the top. Elongated veins are clearly visible. The upper part of the clematis leaf is smooth, the wrong side is slightly rough to the touch, with protruding veins.
Buds of a whitish-green hue are formed on strong, long peduncles growing on shoots that formed in the spring. Abundant flowering begins from the bottom of the shoots and gradually spreads to the entire stem. In August, the very first shoots are cut off, making room for new ones, on which buds appear over time for autumn flowering.
Single flowers are large, flat, up to 10-12 cm in diameter. Like all clematis, the sepals, which take on the role of petals, are the most decorative part of the plant. The shape of the petals, the number of which is usually 6 pieces, is oval-elongated, pointed towards the top, from 5 to 7 cm in size, 1,5-2,5 cm wide, the border is slightly wavy. From the center, the petals gently bend, forming an elegant, slightly convex arc. There are 3 veins in the middle.
The flowers of the Rhapsody variety are blue-violet in color, which changes visually depending on the lighting. The petals blooming in the sun are bright blue, with purple nuances, do not fade. In the shade, which Clematis Rhapsody easily tolerates, the opening buds are more saturated in tone, to dark purple. Numerous light yellow clematis stamens, which gardeners call “spider”, visually illuminate the middle of the flower and draw attention to it.
Flowering is long, from the end of the second or middle of the third decade of June to the end of September. Florists note that Clematis Rhapsody blooms from 100 to 130 days. The life of one flower is also long.
Clematis pruning group Rhapsody
It is believed that the variety of clematis large-flowered Rhapsody belongs to the 3rd pruning group. Plants are heavily pruned before wintering, leaving 20-30 cm of the stem. In spring, the bush creates new shoots on which flowers form.
Growing conditions for Clematis Rhapsody
A climbing large-flowered plant is sun-loving, so it is better to place a clematis bush in such positions:
- on the south side of the building or fence;
- in the southeast direction;
- with a southwest orientation.
In the southern regions, this clematis will grow well from the north of a low fence or building. The variety tolerates partial shade. Therefore, they can decorate the trunk of a tall tree with a sparse crown, through which sunlight is sifted.
According to the photo and description of clematis Rhapsody, a plant of moderate height, winds along an arch or arbor. Shading from the sun is provided for the bush by planting low, leafy annuals or perennials in the near-stem circle. Clematis roots feed deep in the ground, so grassy ground covers do not compete with them. Rhapsody variety is winter-hardy, tolerates short-term frosts down to -34 °C. If a flowering plant is planted in a harsh climate, after cutting the stems, the hemp is covered with a thick layer of mulch for the winter.
Clematis variety Rhapsody, which is characterized by restrained growth and abundant long-term flowering, is often grown as a container culture on the terraces of country houses or on the balconies of urban high-rise buildings. The volume of the tub is not less than 10-15 liters. Such a planting of clematis requires mandatory regular fertilizing with complex fertilizers.
Planting and caring for hybrid clematis Rhapsody
When growing a non-capricious variety, it is important to follow the recommendations according to the description and pruning group of Clematis Rhapsody. Landing times vary by region:
- in the south they plant from the end of September to November 7-10;
- in areas of the middle zone with a relatively mild climate – during September;
- in more severe areas – in late April, early May.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
Undemanding Clematis Rhapsody will grow everywhere except in dense shade or in the southern regions – in the sun itself. A fertile site is prepared for planting, where loose loams or sandy loams with an acid reaction close to neutral or slightly acidic – from 6,5 to 7 pH predominate. The plant can stay in one place for more than 20 years, so a rather large pit measuring 60x60x60 cm is carefully prepared:
- 1 part of the top layer of the earth is mixed with 1 part of humus or compost;
- on clay soils, 1 part of sand is added to loosen the substrate;
- poor sandy soils are compacted with 2 parts of clay and humus.
Starting fertilizers are mixed into the prepared substrate:
- 200 g of a complex mineral preparation;
- 120 g superphosphate;
- 100 g bone meal;
- 200 g wood ash.
On acidic soils, 200 g of slaked lime is added to the pit.
Seedling preparation
When choosing clematis, they examine its roots – dense, fibrous, elastic, with small hairs. Cut stems are also fresh to the touch, flexible, with swollen buds. Flowers are delivered to the planting site tightly wrapped in a wet cloth and soaked for 6-12 hours. Plants in containers are placed in a large container of water so that the roots can be easily removed along with the earthen clod.
Rules of landing
For the successful development of the Rhapsody variety, follow the recommendations:
- in areas with dense soil, a layer of drainage is laid;
- half of the pit is filled with part of the substrate, forming the soil with a mound;
- put a seedling, straightening the roots so that the root neck is 8-11 cm below the surface level;
- a solid support base is installed nearby;
- lay the entire substrate, water and mulch.
When planting in spring, the hole is not covered to the level of garden soil, the plant forms a lush bush. In autumn, the hole is completely filled and mulched.
Watering and top dressing
Clematis Rhapsody bushes are watered once a week, 10-20 liters per plant, so that the earth is moistened to the entire depth of the root system. During periods of drought, water more often, trying not to direct the stream of water into the center of the bush. In April, all clematis is shed with a solution of lime: 200 g of the substance is diluted in a bucket of water. Top dressing is carried out after watering 3-4 times per season:
- nitrogen – after the formation of shoots in the spring;
- potash – before laying buds;
- organic – before flowering;
- phosphorus-potassium – in August.
Mulching and loosening
Laying a layer of mulch will conserve moisture, and in times of drought will protect clematis roots that are susceptible to hot weather, as will planting low herbaceous plants. If there is no mulch, the soil is loosened, weeds are removed.
Trimming
Clematis Rhapsody stems are cut at the end of September, keeping 2-3 knots. The hole is mulched for the winter. Sometimes a few strong shoots are left, twisting at the ground and also covering with mulch.
Preparation for winter
When pruning on the stems of clematis, all leaves are removed. Humus and peat mixed with dry superphosphate and wood ash are poured into the hole. In harsh conditions, they additionally cover with burlap, spruce branches, or keep a valuable variety of clematis Rhapsody, as in the photo, in a greenhouse.
Reproduction
Clematis variety Rhapsody is bred vegetatively:
- adult 5-8-year-old bushes are divided in autumn, late August, early September or early spring;
- 1-2 lashes are added in the spring for layering, dividing the seedlings no earlier than a year later;
- rooted cuttings.
Diseases and pests
Often clematis of the Rhapsody variety is affected by wilting. The causative agents of the disease are various fungi, from which they are protected by observing agricultural technology:
- when watering, the soil is not waterlogged;
- bushes do not overfeed with nitrogen preparations;
- in spring and autumn, prophylaxis is carried out with foundationazole or copper sulphate.
Grayish and whitish plaques on the stems and leaves of clematis Rhapsody are a symptom of the development of gray rot or powdery mildew. With rust, the leaves are covered with circles of orange. Fungicides are used for treatment. Insecticides are used against leaf-eating insects.
Conclusion
Clematis Rhapsody is a variety that is in demand in vertical gardening, as the lashes tend upwards without taking up much horizontal space. Unpretentiousness and long flowering attract gardeners.
