Clematis Patens The President, also known as The President Clematis, is a deciduous vine that boasts an abundance of large, deep-blue flowers with contrasting yellow stamens. It is a popular choice among gardeners due to its stunning flowers and ability to attract bees and butterflies. The vine can grow up to 8-12 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for trellises, walls, and fences.
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Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Clematis |
Appearance
The President Clematis features large, deep-blue flowers with contrasting yellow stamens that can grow up to 6 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer and continue to bloom sporadically throughout the season. The vine has dark green, glossy leaves that are ovate or lanceolate in shape and can grow up to 6 inches long. The plant can grow up to 8-12 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for trellises, walls, and fences.
Care Guide
The President Clematis requires moderate maintenance and care. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant requires consistent moisture, so make sure to water it regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring, and use a high-phosphorus fertilizer in the fall to encourage blooming.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure to provide some shade during hot summer afternoons.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The President Clematis is susceptible to a few pests and diseases:
- Spider Mites: These tiny insects can cause leaf yellowing and stunted growth. Use a strong stream of water to knock them off the plant, or use an insecticidal soap.
- Clematis Wilt: This fungal disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. Cut back affected stems to healthy wood and dispose of the infected material.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant. Use slug bait or handpick them off the plant.
Habitat
The President Clematis is native to Japan and China and can be found growing in woodlands, thickets, and meadows. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my President Clematis?
A: The plant requires consistent moisture, so make sure to water it regularly, especially during dry spells.
Q: How tall can the President Clematis grow?
A: The vine can grow up to 8-12 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide.
Q: What is the best time to prune the President Clematis?
A: Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: How do I encourage more blooms on my President Clematis?
A: Fertilize the plant with a high-phosphorus fertilizer in the fall to encourage blooming.
Related Plants
- Clematis Jackmanii
- Clematis Nelly Moser
- Clematis Montana
- Clematis Hagley Hybrid
References
- “Clematis Patens ‘The President’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=263225&isprofile=0&basic=Clematis%20patens. Accessed 26 May 2021.
- “Clematis Patens ‘The President’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/9125/Clematis-Patens-The-President/Details. Accessed 26 May 2021.
- “Clematis Patens ‘The President’.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/517/. Accessed 26 May 2021.
