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Clematis are herbaceous perennial plants, common in the temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern Hemisphere. There are about 300 species of clematis, which differ significantly from each other. The General Sikorsky variety was bred in Poland in 1965. It differs from others in its bluish-purple flowers. Photos and descriptions of clematis General Sikorsky are presented in the article below.
Description of clematis General Sikorsky
Clematis General Sikorsky is one of the most common and popular varieties in the world. It received its name in honor of General Vyacheslav Sikorsky, who headed the Polish air force during the Second World War. The breeder of the variety was St. Franczak.
According to the description, the shoots of clematis General Sikorsky are powerful and long, reaching 2-3 m. The leaves are dark green. The structure of the foliage is dense, leathery.
Many flowers are formed, the flowering zone is extensive. The flowers are large (from 15 to 20 cm), lilac-blue in color, and consist of six wide sepals. The anthers of General Sikorsky flowers are yellow.
This variety blooms profusely and for a long time.Flowering begins in June and continues until September (under suitable conditions).
Clematis pruning group General Sikorsky
In order for flowers to please with their appearance and abundant flowering, it is necessary to pay attention to proper sanitary pruning of the plant. There are three groups for pruning clematis; in the first year of growth, pruning is carried out equally for all plants, and from the second year it is necessary to take into account the breakdown into groups.
Clematis pruning group General Sikorsky is the second, i.e. weak. The best time for the procedure is late autumn. The branches are cut at a level of 1-1.5 m from the ground. If rejuvenation is needed, a little more trimming is allowed. All broken and weak shoots are removed completely.
Planting and caring for clematis General Sikorsky
The General Sikorsky variety can be planted in sunny or semi-shaded areas. Partial shade is preferable for growing because the flowers will be more vibrant and the flowering period will increase. In sunny areas, flowers fade and become pale, and the flowering period is reduced.
The soil in the area allocated for growing clematis should be fertile and light. Sandy and loamy soils are best suited. Soil acidity can be either slightly alkaline or slightly acidic; the plant tolerates minor deviations in this indicator well.
Clematis do not like wind, so they are planted in a cozy corner of the garden, protected from drafts. The distance from the fence or brick wall of the building to the General Sikorsky clematis bushes should be at least 0.5 m. It is better not to plant the crop along solid metal fences, since the metal heats up excessively and worsens the condition of the plants. Solid structures interfere with natural air exchange.
Planting is done in spring or autumn. Before rooting, the plant must be shaded. Before planting, the roots of the seedling are soaked in water or Epin solution for 5-8 hours.
The standard size of a planting hole is 60x60 cm, depth is 50-60 cm. If groundwater lies close to the surface in an area, a drainage layer is poured into the bottom of the hole. For this purpose, broken bricks, crushed stone, and gravel are used.
To fill the hole, prepare a nutrient soil mixture consisting of the following components:
- compost – 1 part;
- humus – 1 part;
- land – 1 part;
- sand – 1 part;
- superphosphate – 150 g;
- dolomite flour – 400 g.
The mixture is poured into a hole in the form of a hill, onto which the roots of the seedling are carefully laid out. The root collar is slightly deepened into the soil. The seedling is watered.
Clematis is a climbing plant and therefore needs support. It can be planted around a gazebo or made into a metal arch reminiscent of a vineyard. The seedling is tied up; in the future, the plant itself will find support and cling to it.
The distance between seedlings is maintained at 1.5-2.0 m, so the plants will not have competition for food and growing space. General Sikorsky does not tolerate overheating of the root zone, so the soil is mulched and annual flowers are used for shading.
Plant care consists of watering, fertilizing, pruning and preparing for winter.
Watering
On hot days, water at least 3 times a week. The procedure is carried out in the evening hours. It is advisable to moisturize not only the root circle, but also irrigate the foliage. If watering for clematis is insufficient, the flowers begin to become smaller, and the bush stops flowering prematurely.
Fertilizing
General Sikorsky needs feeding in the spring and summer. Fertilizers are applied once a month, and it is advisable to alternate mineral and organic substances.
Seedlings planted this year do not need fertilizing.
Shelter for the winter
The degree of shelter and timing of this event depend on the climate zone. Sheltering work is carried out in dry weather, shortly before the onset of the first frost.
General Sikorsky bushes tolerate wintering well under cover, but in the spring they may suffer from damping off. Therefore, when it warms up in the spring, the shelter is removed.
Reproduction
Reproduction is possible by several methods:
- cuttings;
- dividing an adult bush;
- layering;
- seeds.
Each method has its own advantages, so the choice is up to the gardener.
Diseases and pests
Clematis General Sikorsky may suffer from fungal diseases:
- gray rot;
- brown spot;
- rust;
- fusarium;
- withering.
Shoots affected by the fungus are cut off and burned away from the site. The soil is treated with a manganese solution or a copper-soap emulsion.
For preventive purposes, bushes are sprayed in early spring and autumn before covering them with Fundazol for the winter.
Damage to clematis General Sikorsky can be caused by insects:
- spider mite;
- aphid;
- root-knot nematode.
To combat parasitic insects, special preparations are used.
Conclusion
Photo and description of clematis General Sikorsky will allow gardeners to choose a variety for planting. The culture is used for vertical gardening. Clematis is used to decorate fences, gazebos, and trellises.
