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Clematis Princess Kate was bred in Holland in 2011, the originator of the variety is J. van Zoest BV. Clematis of this variety belong to the Texas group, the pruning of which is considered maximum.
Description of clematis Princess Kate
According to the description, Clematis Princess Kate (shown in the photo) has small urn-shaped flowers that change during flowering and resemble bells.
The flower petals are white inside, the base is reddish-violet, and the outside is purple. The threads in the flowers are pale purple, the anthers are darker, reddish-violet.
The diameter of the flowers is small, the indicator ranges from 4-6 cm. The width of the petals is no more than 2.5 cm, the length is up to 5 cm. The shape of the flower petals is ovate-lanceolate, the ends are slightly bent outward. The petals are fleshy and overlap each other.
Princess Kate blooms from June to September. Flowering is abundant and long lasting. Flowers form on young shoots of the current year. In autumn, the plant is decorated with decorative fruits.
The height of the shoots of this variety is from 3 to 4 m.
Clematis Princess Kate is a perennial plant. Both sunny and periodically shaded areas are suitable for planting.Decorative shrubs are used to decorate arbors, arches, trellises, and fences.
Clematis is a fairly frost-resistant crop; Princess Kate tolerates frosts down to – 29 °C.
Clematis pruning group Princess Kate
In autumn, pruning is carried out during the cold period, but it must be done before the onset of frost. In the first autumn after planting, clematis of all varieties are pruned equally, leaving 20-30 cm above the ground on one of the strongest shoots. This procedure helps the formation of side shoots in the spring. Next, pruning is carried out depending on which group the clematis belongs to. Princess Kate blooms on young shoots that form in the spring. Clematis that bloom in this way belong to the third pruning group.
Correct pruning involves removing all shoots at a height of 10-15 cm from the ground; it must be taken into account that at least 2-3 buds should remain on the branches.
Planting and caring for clematis Princess Kate
Clematis Princess Kate is a light-loving plant, so choose sunny or periodically shaded places for planting, but the plant must be in the sun for at least 6 hours a day. Clematis does not tolerate wind well; the area with clematis must be protected from drafts. The best option for planting is the southern, southwestern or southeastern section of the garden.
The soil on the site should be fertile and loose; loam is best suited, but overly saline, acidic and heavy soils are unacceptable for cultivation.
Flowers are planted in spring or autumn. Before doing this, you need to take care of installing the support. Since the length of clematis lashes reaches 3-4 meters, the support should be at least 2-2.5 m.
Supports cannot be installed in close proximity to the wall of the building, becausebecause water flowing from the roof in spring or autumn will lead to rotting of the plant’s root system and its death.
Before planting, the roots of the plant must be soaked in water for several hours; you can add a product to accelerate growth.
The planting hole is prepared in advance. A mixture consisting of the following components is added to it:
- humus – 1 part;
- sand – 1 part;
- garden soil - 1 part;
- wood ash – 0.5 l;
- complex fertilizers – 100 g.
The nutrient mixture is poured into the hole in a slide, a seedling is placed on top and its roots are straightened. Cover with soil, carefully pressing the soil with your hands so that the seedling does not fall in the hole when watering. Clematis is watered and the hole is covered with a layer of mulch.
Before rooting, the seedling is shaded. In addition, it is advisable to fill the root circle with annual or perennial plants with a shallow root system; a green carpet of marigolds, phlox, and daisies will protect the clematis roots from overheating.
Caring for clematis Princess Kate consists of the following activities:
- watering. It is not recommended to flood the seedling, but watering should be plentiful;
- application of fertilizers. After planting, clematis does not need fertilizing. Fertilizers applied to the planting hole provide the plant with all the necessary substances throughout the year. The next year after planting and then annually in the spring, nitrogenous compounds are applied, during the period of buds appearance - mineral fertilizers, and after flowering (at the end of August) - phosphorus and potassium;
- The plant is pruned annually;
- to stimulate shoot formation, pinching the top is necessary;
- a growing vine requires tying to a support, so the tying procedure is carried out periodically;
- disease prevention. Before planting, the soil is treated with a 0.1% solution of Fundazol. The treatment is repeated after 2 weeks.
Reproduction
There are several methods for propagating clematis:
- from seeds;
- using layering;
- cuttings;
- dividing the bush.
The Princess Kate variety is most conveniently propagated by dividing an adult bush. For this purpose, plants that are 5-6 years old and have numerous shoots are used. This method allows you to get clematis that bloom in the year of separation.
Autumn division of the bush is preferable, but if it could not be carried out, then the procedure can be performed in early spring, when the snow has gone and the soil has melted, but the buds have not yet blossomed. It is very important not to miss this moment, since division at a later date can lead to the death of the plant.
Separation process technology:
- planting holes should be watered generously with water mixed with a growth stimulator;
- during autumn division, the above-ground part is trimmed, leaving 3 pairs of buds on the shoots;
- The rhizomes are carefully dug up with a large lump of earth;
- having shaken off the soil, the roots are immersed in water and washed so that their structure becomes clear;
- the roots are divided in such a way that at least 3 shoots with visible renewal buds remain on each;
- maximum number of divisions – 3;
- after division, the roots of each seedling are inspected and damaged areas are removed;
- to prevent infection, rhizomes are soaked in a solution of manganese or a fungicidal preparation;
- Plants are planted in compliance with planting requirements.
You can divide the bush without completely digging it up.To do this, dig up the roots on one side of the bush and manually shake off the soil from them. Using a garden tool (secateurs or scissors), shoots with roots are cut off, the remaining part of the bush is buried and watered. The separated bush is transplanted to a new location.
Diseases and pests
Clematis Princess Kate may suffer from the following diseases: wilt, gray mold, powdery mildew, rust, alternaria, septoria. For powdery mildew, use a copper-soap solution, which is sprayed on the shoots. Gray rot and drying out are treated with a solution of Fundazol. Copper-containing products are used against rust, alternaria, and septoria.
Of the pests, the greatest danger to clematis are spider mites, aphids and slugs. Fitoverm solution will help get rid of aphids. You can dilute green soap and wipe the foliage with this liquid. Acaricidal agents are used to combat spider mites.
Slugs are removed manually or sprayed with ammonia diluted in water (2 tablespoons of ammonia per 1 liter of water).
Conclusion
Clematis Princess Kate is an excellent choice for garden decoration. The plant is used to decorate gazebos, trellises, and fences. By following the care recommendations, you can achieve long-lasting flowering.
