Suitable clematis for Guangdong
Today, the editor introduces the topic of home flower cultivation, focusing on clematis suitable for Guangdong. Here are the details:
Due to the climate, flower enthusiasts in Guangdong hope to find clematis varieties suitable for the high temperatures. From feedback, it's not impossible to grow clematis in Guangdong, but it is relatively challenging. This article lists some varieties and quotes the planting experience of a Guangdong flower enthusiast, which should be more helpful for those in the region.
Can clematis be cultivated in South China?
Answer: Some people in Hong Kong have been growing them for many years. Even the long-petaled varieties (mountain varieties) can bloom. Large-flowered varieties have no problem blooming in South China, it's just a matter of quantity. Even in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and Beijing, large-flowered varieties have the same problem - they fear heat, not cold. Varieties like Italian clematis (Giulia, Polish Spirit, Angel's Blue, Victoria, Charles Prince, GISARA, Vanguard, Elegance Purple), Texas clematis (Diana, Graf Beauty), and the entire margin clematis (non-climbing varieties, Arabella, Arai, Rikko) are all heat-tolerant.
Planting experience of Guangdong flower enthusiasts:
Firstly, I'm located in the Pearl River Delta of Guangdong, and it's extremely hot in the summer. I've been growing clematis for over 3 years. This year's clematis is doing well (of course, it can't compare with the big gardens). I feel that in Guangdong, growing clematis is much easier than growing roses, so I've summarized my over 3 years of experience, and I apologize for any mistakes.
The first step is selecting the seedlings: There are many heat-tolerant varieties, and from my practical experience, the F series performs very well in Guangdong, with many varieties like Green, Phantasm, Utopia. In spring, the flowers bloom in batches, with over 100+ flower buds. Since March, my clematis has not stopped blooming, and sometimes I really think the F series is a flowering machine. I also think大道 (Da Dao) clematis is a very good choice. My home has good results with Beer, Cezanne, and Oh La La. Those living on balconies might consider growing大道 clematis. Additionally, varieties like Pink Champagne, Bee's Love, Crystal Fountain, and President have performed well in my garden. I haven't tried other varieties.
The second step is choosing a pot: Whether buying seedlings from flower friends or merchants, I usually start with a one-gallon pot, place it in a well-ventilated area, and once it fills the one-gallon pot, I move it to a five-gallon pot. This makes it easier to control water and fertilizer, prevent flooding, and increase survival rates. By the time it fills the one-gallon pot, it's already quite robust, and the five-gallon pot can hold it perfectly. So far, I haven't failed to grow a single clematis seedling, which you can refer to, of course, it varies from person to person.
The third step is the medium for growing clematis: In a humid and hot place like Guangdong, the medium is very important. Everyone knows that the medium must be loose for growing clematis. But I usually mix garden soil with small ceramic or coal slag particles, without adding peat or perlite, vermiculite, or tree bark on top of the pot. I think these peat and tree bark (especially low-quality ones, if they are high-quality imported ones, it might be fine) can easily breed bacteria in the humid weather of Guangdong, increasing the risk of wilt disease.
Ceramic particles and coal slag have been incinerated, which I think has a certain degree of germicidal effect. This year, I rebuilt the flower bed, using soil from the vegetable garden and mixing it with a lot of ceramic particles. This year's flowers are all doing well, and I usually use imported peat for seedlings.
The fourth aspect is daily maintenance: When transplanting, I usually don't put any base fertilizer. Usually, I just water it when it's dry, without any special care. For fertilization, I mainly use Huaduo, Huaduo No. 1, and occasionally Huaduo No. 2. Dilute and use it every 10 days, not too concentrated, as it can easily damage the seedlings. Frequent application of thin fertilizer is the key.
The fifth aspect is dealing with wilt and white silk disease: The most feared diseases for clematis are wilt and white silk disease. Unfortunately, both of these diseases have affected my clematis, but I didn't abandon them, and they are all doing well now. The earlier these diseases are discovered and treated, the higher the chance of survival. When wilt is detected, don't hesitate, don't be reluctant, you must cut it off.
Talking about white silk disease, my Green had it because I was lazy and didn't give it a trellis, allowing it to climb on a moldy bamboo. The bamboo was used by my mother-in-law to grow green beans and had been exposed to the elements for a long time. I didn't realize it was moldy at the time, and as a result, my Green developed a white, silky web. After searching online, I found out it was white silk disease. Poor Green had over a hundred flower buds. Fortunately, it was only on the plant, not the roots, and not in the soil. I immediately cut it off, similar to the wilt treatment, but make sure to cut to the bottom few nodes, preferably without leaves, but ensure there are bud points to grow new ones. The cut parts must be burned and not left behind, then spray fungicides like polyoxin. Don't make it too concentrated, or it will really die. (This method is based on my own practice and may not be suitable for all cases of white silk disease, especially when the roots are infected, and this method should not be used with young seedlings)
The above is my personal experience, which may not be entirely correct, let's discuss it together.
The comprehensive knowledge about clematis suitable for Guangdong introduced above [] can help you.