Clematis 'Niobe'
Botanical name: Clematis 'Niobe'
Family name: Ranunculaceae
Common name: Clematis 'Niobe' fits into what are loosely termed "large flowered hybrids" Origins: In the 16th century some species were introduced to England from Southern Europe.
In the 18th century species were brought back from America. In the 19th century hybridising was undertaken in England and France. This blended the species then available with Chinese and Japanese species which were introduced at the time to produce the range of hybrids we have today.
Comments:
Clematis x 'Niobe' was raised in 1975 and is only moderately vigourous and can be treated as either a group B or group C type. It is one of the most stunning clematis hybrids available, with large flowers opening an almost black ruby red, which then changes to a brighter shade as it matures. The cream stamens contrast nicely on the rich velvety sepals. It flowers right through the summer, the earlier spring flowers being 15cm or more, and as the season progresses the flowers will be only 10cm across by the end of summer.
General Clematis culture:
Clematis like their roots cool and shady, with their foliage in full sun. they prefer rich, well drained soil and make good companions for roses. They will grow near water as long as they are planted well above the waterline, and can get their roots down to the water if they want it.
When planting it is best to prepare the hole, sit the plant in position and cut away as much of the plastic as possible. This will leave the bottom of the bag in place, but avoids unnecessary root disturbance. Stake the plant, then back fill the hole and firm it in gently.
Pruning Methods:
One of the most important aspects of Clematis culture is the pruning method. Since the modern garden hybrids and selections in cultivation come from a range of different species, their growth and flowering habits must be considered at pruning time.
Basicly they can be grouped into three categories to simplify treatment as follows:
A: Remove dead wood and prune to shape after flowering to 30-40cm. This covers all C. montana types and C alpina.
B: These ar early flowering forms, prune in late winter to good sized buds for best flowers (double and largest).In the first year these forms are best pruned to 30cm to create a good base framework, the second year to 1m, and from then on leave the plant about 1.5 - 1.8 m tall for easier bud inspection. A general cleanup of weak growth after flowering is also beneficial.
C: Prune these forms hard in winter (June-August, depending on climate). Prune to 30cm in the first year, then to 40-70 cm tall as a rose companion, or prune to a strong vine for growing as a climber.
As a general consideration on all forms, 3 - 5 year old growth buds on old wood will die completely so every few years give a good cleanup directly after flowering is required. This will make sure you can see the best growth buds to cut back to, and maintain a relatively young, healthy framework.
Give a good feed of compost and bonemeal at pruning time, as well as fresh mulch to prevent soil splash.
Preventing Disease: At planting time group A plants should be planted at their existing soil level. Group B & C plants should be planted 12-15 cm deeper than the level of potting mix in the container.
This is because plants in Group B & C are more susceptible to clematis wilt which is the only disease that causes real problems with clematis. Clematis wilt is caused by soil splashing onto the stem, and is easily prevented with a mulch of bark, gravel, crazy paving, or anything that prevents soil splashing around the stems. Deep planting allows the susceptible forms to develop a crown of growth buds below ground level, and since the wilt disease affects the stem at ground level or just above, healthy new shoots from below ground can restore the plant very quickly if attacked by the wilt disease.
When watering in summer it is best not to wet the foiliage, but trickle the water around the base of the plant and give a good deep soak twice a week.
Propagation: Commercially Clematis are propagated by leafy summer cuttings and occaisionally by nurse grafting. Clematis montana types can be grown from hardwood cuttings in winter, made from strong stems that grew the previous summer. Clematis may also be layered. They may also be raised from seed and will flower in about three years, but of course these will produce different and occasionally improved forms.
Sources:
- Yaku Nursery (as above)
- Parva Plants email: parva@wave.co.nz
- Denes Garden Way - ph/fax: (06) 877 7162
- Courier Climbers - mob: 025 815 157
- The Ridges ph:(06)327 8484 Fax:(06)327 8279
- Blue Mountain Nurseries email:hughesc@esi.co.nz
- Mara Nurseries ph:(06)272 2806 fax:(06)272 2033
- Joy Plants - ph:(09)238 9129
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