Clematis (Group 2) - Zehr's on the Lake

Clematis (Clematis (Group 2))

Color Name: Henryi

Pure white, perfectly-formed 6-8" flowers with small purple-violet anthers that emerge from the center. The young foliage is bronze. Introduced in 1858, one of the oldest large flowering hybrids. A very popular white variety.

Group 2 Clematis - Early to midseason flowering. This group consists of large flowering cultivars, double and semi-double and mid-season clematis. Produces blooms on old wood.

Growing Tips: PLANTING & CARING FOR CLEMATIS Location: Clematis require an area that will have at least 6 hours or more of direct sunlight. The plant, depending on the variety, will grow upright six to twelve feet. However, clematis can only grow as tall as the trellis arbor or support that you have given it. For example, if your trellis is eight feet tall and the clematis you choose grows twelve feet, it would simply hang over and grow down the other side. Clematis roots need shade to prevent the roots from drying out. Mulching the base of the plant not only helps to keep the weeds down but more importantly will keep the moisture in, especially in a hot dry summer. Soil Preparation: Clematis need a moist, well-drained soil. Prepare your hole at least one foot deep and mix the soil with 50% peat moss or well-rotted manure. Backfill the hole with the amended soil and plant your clematis so the top of the root ball is just below ground level covering the first set of eyes. The plant should be mulched and kept moist, not wet, especially during the first growing season. Fertilize every four weeks during the growing season with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer. Support: The main stem of the clematis must have a firm support, otherwise wind damage may occur. As the newly planted clematis produces new growth, it should be carefully trained and tied into position PRUNING: The first year: All newly planted clematis should be pruned down to at least twelve inches the first April-May after planting. This is very important, and you will be rewarded with a more bushy, compact plant, full of flowers. If no pruning is done, the plant will still grow and flower, but you will not enjoy the same display you would if pruning was done properly. These clematis (group 2) will produce their flowers on the old or previous seasons stems. The flowers develop on single stems which vary from three to thirty inches in length. The pruning and tying of stems should be done in early spring when weather permits. Remove all dead and weak stems, and trim the remaining stems five to eight inches to where a strong pair of leaf buds appears. All remaining stems should be tied in a position that gives sufficient space for new growth.