Clematis cover dreary facades with lavish blooms, serve as a magical privacy screen on the trellis or magnificent ground cover in the bed. Get to know the many talents and impressive attributes of a clematis in this profile.

Profile of the systematics and appearance of the clematis

Anyone who reduces clematis to its function as a climbing plant for facade greening does not do justice to its diverse talents. The following profile reveals what is in the popular plant:

  • Plant family of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae)
  • Scientific name of the genus: Clematis
  • Between 325 and 475 known species
  • Perennial, woody, rarely herbaceous climber
  • Petiole tendrils with lianas up to 6 meters long
  • Native to central and southern Europe
  • Growth heights from 100 to 1200 centimeters
  • Flowering time from April to October, depending on the species
  • Flower diameter up to 20 centimeters
  • Single seeded nuts with a feathery style
  • Common names: clematis

Within the multifaceted genus, herbaceous, non-climbing specimens are represented in addition to the woody, climbing species. These varieties, known as carpet clematis, are widely used as groundcover and container plants in ornamental gardens.

Profile provides important information on care

Hobby gardeners can draw valuable conclusions about the professional care of clematis from the profile. As a perennial plant, most species are hardy. Winter protection is only recommended in the year of planting and in the tub. As is usual with many perennial plants, the seeds are cold germs. Since sowing proves to be quite complicated, hobby gardeners favor propagation by means of cuttings or offshoots.

Because of the divergent flowering times, gardeners distinguish clematis into three pruning groups. Familiarizing yourself with this division makes an important contribution to professional care. That's what matters:

  • Cutting group 1: Do not cut spring-flowering clematis or, if necessary, only after flowering
  • Pruning group 2: Trim twice flowering clematis after the first bloom and cut after the second bloom
  • Pruning group 3: Shorten summer-blooming clematis generously in autumn to 20 or 30 centimetres

As the name clematis conveys, the climbing plants come from wooded regions. There it climbs up the trees, towards the light, with its roots in the shadow. For the vast majority, a semi-shady location in nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil is therefore ideal.

tips and tricks

In addition to all its positive properties, the poison content of clematis should not be underestimated. Since the plant sap contains alkaloids and poisonous protoanemonin, all care and planting work should be done with protective clothing and gloves.

Category:

Indoor plants