Woolly Clematis
clematis lanuginosa
Also known as: ["Chinese Clematis","Woolly Virgin's Bower"]
Overview
A vigorous, deciduous climbing vine with large, fragrant, violet-blue flowers in late spring to early summer.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Clematis |
| Botanical Name: | Clematis lanuginosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: trellis or fence in a sheltered garden spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter (e.g., compost, peat moss) and sand or perlite for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, just after flowering (Group 1 clematis); may require light pruning in late winter for shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to stimulate new shoots.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with afternoon shade in hot climates); adjust based on seasonal light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching; provide dappled shade in extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense midday sun; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently in hot weather
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged; adjust frequency based on weather and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, slightly alkaline soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is loose and crumbly; avoid compacted soil; test pH annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool roots and warm tops; ideal range 50–75°F (10–24°C); tolerates cooler nights but avoids prolonged frost.
Keep roots cool with mulch; avoid placing near heat sources; protect from sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Fertilize after pruning; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (softwood or semi-hardwood) or layering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity with a propagator or plastic cover.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is vigorous.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; may take an additional season to establish as a mature plant.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back to healthy buds; remove tangled or crossing stems; shape as needed for support structure.
Pruning Plan
Prune to encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering; remove dead or weak stems to improve air circulation.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears, loppers for thicker stems, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or damaged stems; shape for support.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for weather conditions.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is saturated; avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal risk; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, increasing to twice weekly in hot, dry conditions; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch, wilting, stunted growth, or bud drop in excessive heat; yellowing or root rot in cold, waterlogged conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause root damage; frost can kill tender shoots and flowers.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with frost cloth in winter; ensure good drainage to prevent cold waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf burn, and reduced flowering; heat stress weakens the plant over time.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply at half-strength for new plants; avoid fertilizing dormant plants.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; reduce or stop in late fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Clematis lanuginosa, which can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and systemic effects. The plant's irritant properties can lead to significant health complications in felines upon ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Clematis lanuginosa by dogs can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity due to the plant's irritant compounds. The glycosides present in the plant can cause significant discomfort and health issues in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicClematis lanuginosa contains irritant compounds that can cause significant gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon contact. The plant's toxic effects are primarily due to the presence of glycosides, which can lead to severe physiological discomfort when ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I prune Clematis lanuginosa?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak stems and cutting back the remaining stems to a pair of healthy buds.
Q: What is the ideal growing condition for Clematis lanuginosa?
A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and support for climbing.
Q: Is Clematis lanuginosa toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing mild gastrointestinal upset.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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