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Many novice flower growers, having seen the lush bloom of the king of vines - clematis, are already convinced in advance that such beauties will not survive in their harsh and unpredictable climate. Meanwhile, there are many varieties and hybrids of clematis, the care for which in summer differs little from most garden perennials, and at the same time they do not require special shelter for the winter. Clematis Mazowsze belongs to such a group, although its luxurious flowering gives it the right to special treatment.
Description of clematis Mazowsze
Clematis Mazowsze is a fairly new variety, bred in Poland by the famous breeder Stefan Marcinski in 2006 and named after one of the regions in central Poland - Mazovia. In the same year, this variety received a silver medal at an exhibition in Warsaw called “Green is Life.” The award is well-deserved, because, judging by the photos, descriptions and reviews on flower lovers forums, clematis Mazowsze is a welcome guest in any garden plot.
One of the parents of Mazowsze is considered to be the William Kennett variety.
Plants of this clematis have good growth vigor and their shoots can grow up to 3.5 m in height. The Mazowsze variety belongs to the large-flowered clematis for good reason. Flowers with velvety petals of a deep, rich burgundy hue can reach 15-20 cm in diameter. 6 wide petals are folded very elegantly and at the beginning of flowering form a spacious bowl with deep cutouts. The petals reach 6-6.5 cm in length and 4.5 cm in width. They are effectively narrowed at the ends. In the center of the flower, gently yellow pistils and creamy-pinkish coffee-colored dust particles form a fluffy spherical pompom. With age, the color of the upper petals of Clematis Mazowsze may fade slightly and become a pale burgundy color, and the flowers themselves become flatter, as can be clearly seen in the photo.
From below, on the flower petals, a wide white stripe is visible, turning into a pale pink color along the edges.
Despite the fact that the flowers sit on long stalks, they do not bend down, but all, as one, are directed upward. Flowering is abundant; under good conditions, sometimes you can’t even see green leaves behind the flowers. But you shouldn’t expect it in the first years after planting. Clematis must first take root well and develop a sufficient number of shoots, which is greatly facilitated by annual heavy pruning.
Plants of the Mazowsze variety bloom quite late, in the last days of June. But they are able to delight with their flowering until mid-September.
In addition, clematis Mazowsze is a fairly unpretentious plant. It can withstand a wide variety of light growing conditions, except perhaps deep shade and the north side of the site.
It is also a fairly frost-resistant variety; it can be safely planted in climate zones from 4 to 9. The advantages of this clematis include its resistance to various diseases.
Clematis pruning group Mazowsze
Plants of the Mazowsze variety belong to the most resistant and easy-to-care pruning group - the third. They require annual heavy pruning in the fall, at the end of the growing season. They are pruned at a level of 15-20 cm from the ground, leaving literally two or three buds on the bushes. Thus, the above-ground part of the plant can be easily covered for the winter, and the roots located underground can withstand significant frosts, down to -35-40 °C.
A feature of clematis of the third pruning group is that they set buds only on young shoots of the current year. Naturally, they are almost always distinguished by strong growth energy. Therefore, such severe pruning cannot harm them. On the contrary, it will contribute to better development and flowering of clematis. Therefore, even when planting in warm regions where frost is not so bad for clematis, their shoots should not be left unpruned. This can lead to weakening of their growth and cessation of flowering. Only for earlier flowering with mature bushes is it permissible to conduct experiments and leave 1-2 shoots, about 1-2 m long, for the winter.
Planting and caring for clematis Mazowsze
It is advisable to plant this variety of clematis in spring or autumn. In summer, only plants grown in containers can be planted, and to do this you must wait for cool, rainy weather.
If buds or, especially, young shoots have already appeared on the plants, then they can be planted only when the threat of return frosts has passed in the region.If the seedlings were purchased earlier, it is advisable to store them in a cool place, at a temperature of about + 5 °C. When shoots appear before planting, it is necessary to provide good lighting so that the shoots do not stretch or weaken from the lack of light.
Clematis can grow and bloom in one place for 10-15 years, so the place for them must be chosen carefully. Moisture should not stagnate in it; it should be ventilated, but at the same time protected from strong winds.
The distance to the fence, wall or neighboring plants should be at least 60-70 cm. The hole is dug quite large, at least 50x50x50 cm, so that it can accommodate drainage and a sufficient amount of fertile soil.
The planting mixture is prepared from high-moor (neutral) peat, humus (or compost) and a small amount of sand with wood ash.
Clematis really do not like overheating and excessive drying of the root zone. Therefore, after planting, the seedlings must be well watered and the roots covered with a layer of mulching organic material: rotted sawdust, straw, bark, compost. The proximity of small annual flowers, especially marigolds and calendula, will have a good effect. They will be able to scare off a variety of parasites that can annoy clematis.
Care consists of regular and abundant watering, as well as fertilizing. It is necessary to feed at least 2 times per season, using organic or complex mineral fertilizers. But it is also important not to overwater clematis. If the weather is rainy and humid, then there is no need for watering at all.
Young plants should be tied to supports at first. In the future, the leaves themselves will be able to cling to any lattice and form a whole green flowering wall. These flowering vines are most often used to decorate gazebos, create flowering hedges, arches, pyramids and columns.
Reproduction
Clematis Mazowsze can be propagated using one of the following vegetative methods:
- The easiest way is to simply divide the bush. True, for this you need to wait for it to grow well, so you should not do this before the plant is 4-5 years old.
- Clematis are propagated by cuttings before flowering, also using fairly mature bushes. Cuttings with two buds are usually cut from the middle shoot. They take root in a light and moist peat mixture under the cover of a film.
- Layering is another simple method of propagation, in which the selected shoots are placed in grooves up to 10 cm deep, leaving only the very end sticking out. It is better to separate the rooted plants next year.
Diseases and pests
Although Clematis Mazowsze is relatively disease resistant, it can suffer from Verticillium wilt in high humidity conditions. In this case, all affected parts of the plant (dried and wilted) must be cut off and burned. Then it is treated with foundationazole.
Among the pests that can pose a danger to it are spider mites, various types of aphids, slugs, as well as underground inhabitants - mice, mole crickets. They must be combated using insecticides or special traps.
Conclusion
Clematis Mazowsze will not leave anyone indifferent during its flowering period. Meanwhile, planting and caring for it will not cause any particular difficulties.
Reviews of clematis Mazowsze
Reviews of the large-flowered clematis Mazowsze are extremely positive and convey all its charm and attractiveness.
