How to Deal with Clematis in Winter
As the queen of vines, the winter care of clematis directly affects the blooming quantity and plant lifespan the following year. There are differences in temperature control, water and fertilizer management, etc., between plants cultivated in the ground and in pots. This article combines the practical experience of horticultural experts to systematically analyze the 5 core points for wintering.
Winter Environmental Management for Clematis
Temperature Control Strategies
Ground-planted plants can tolerate severe cold at -20°C, but attention should be paid to: ① In North China, keep the withered leaves to cover the roots; ② In Northeast China, it is recommended to heap up 10cm of soil to prevent freezing. For pot cultivation, focus on: ① Wrap the pot with Styrofoam below -10°C; ② Avoid moving into a room with heating (day-night temperature difference should be less than 15°C is ideal).
Light Optimization Solutions
In winter, ensure 4 hours of direct sunlight daily: ① Rotate the pot 180 degrees weekly for阳台 pot cultivation; ② Trim the surrounding obstructions for ground-planted plants; ③ Clean the snow from the leaves after rain or snow. Special varieties like evergreen clematis (such as apple blossoms) need to increase the lighting duration by 30%.
Winter Physiological Management for Clematis
Water Control Key Points
Adopt the 'three-look watering method' during the dormant period: ① Look at the temperature (water once a month above 5°C); ② Look at the medium (water when the top 3cm is dry); ③ Look at the variety (reduce water by 50% for early bloomers). In extreme low temperatures, it is recommended to use the ice water irrigation method to prevent frost damage.
Nutrient Supply Cycle
From November to the following February, stop applying nitrogen fertilizer and can selectively use: ① Bury bone meal (50g per plant) in December; ② Spray phosphorus potassium acid (1:1500) in January; ③ Mix slow-release fertilizer (less than 5%) when repotting. Note that F-series clematis needs to stop fertilizing completely.
Winter Morphological Management for Clematis
Scientific Pruning Techniques
Divide into three types of operations according to pruning types: ① Light pruning (only remove dead branches for evergreen series); ② Medium pruning (leave 1m main branches for early bloomers); ③ Heavy pruning (retain 3-4 nodes for late bloomers). Tools need to be disinfected with alcohol, and the cut surfaces should be涂抹 healing agents to prevent infection.
Through four-dimensional management of temperature, light, water and fertilizer, pruning, and regular checks (monthly pest and disease inspections), clematis can safely overwinter. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log, recording environmental parameters and changes in plant conditions to accumulate energy for spring sprouting.