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Clematis Veronica Choyce, bred in England, has been distributed in gardens since 1973. The plant is not very winter-hardy, in the middle lane it requires careful shelter. The worries are compensated by the magnificent early and autumn blooms.
Description of clematis Veronica Choice
The liana is medium-sized, it rises up to 2.5-3 m with the help of leaf petioles, the antennae of which firmly clings to the support. The root system of clematis of the Veronica variety is powerful, fibrous, deepens to 35-40 cm, consists of a dense bundle of processes that emanate from the base. The width of the reddish-brown stems is from 2 mm. The leaves are large, ovate, with a pointed tip.
Luxurious flowers of the Veronica Choice variety open in June. The first flowering lasts 35-40 days. The bush blooms again in August. The clematis buds that open from the beginning of summer are terry, very lush, with large lower sepals. The petals in the center are white with a lavender sheen, smaller in size, with a pointed tip. Towards the edges, the lilac color becomes more intense, sometimes turns to purple on the border. The edges of the petals are wavy. The central "spider" is yellow or creamy yellow.
The first flowering with double buds takes place on overwintered vines. Secondarily, the Veronica Choice bush blooms on the stems of the current year. A young clematis vine creates simple buds with 6 large sepal petals. In favorable conditions, additional formation of several small petals is possible. The size of the opened corolla in the first and second waves of flowering is 15-16 cm.
Clematis Pruning Group Veronica Choice
Early clematis with large, voluminous flowers belongs to the second pruning group. After the withering of the corolla of the first wave, the vines that have remained from last year are cut. Young stems develop intensively and create buds. In autumn, they are cut off from above, leaving 90-100 cm above the ground.
Planting and caring for clematis Veronica Choice
According to the photo and description, Clematis Veronica Choyce creates an expressive scenic effect in the landscape, and the care of the large-flowered vine is justified by the result. In regions with a mild climate, clematis is planted in the fall. Bushes in containers are transplanted throughout the warm season. When landing, adhere to the recommendations:
- the exposure is southeast, south, southwest;
- the place is sunny, protected from wind and drafts;
- a site without high groundwater, without stagnant moisture;
- the soil is slightly acidic or neutral;
- the interval between seedlings is at least 70 cm;
- superphosphate and humus are placed in the pit, clay is added on sandy loam, sand on loam;
- in areas with heavy soils, drainage must be arranged.
The hole with a seedling of large-flowered clematis Veronica Choice is left uncovered with soil to the surface level. This makes it easier for the bush to create new shoots. As new stems grow, the hole is supplemented with soil, and in the fall they are compared and mulched.
Water it 1-2 times a week if there is no rainfall. Up to 10 liters of water are consumed under one seedling. If clematis is placed in the sun, the trunk circle is mulched or stunted ground covers are planted. Plants develop better and bloom luxuriantly in the sun, but the roots of clematis must be protected from overheating and overdrying the soil.In the south, Veronica's Choice clematis is placed in an area where a light shade forms at noon.
The variety is fed with complex fertilizers, and in the spring with organic matter. You can also include half of the humus in the fall mulch.
Preparing for winter
At the end of September or later, depending on the region, after pruning the vines, the trunk circle is filled with soil, comparing it to the ground in the garden. Lay a high layer of mulch. Clematis variety Veronica Choice is relatively winter-hardy, withstands short-term frosts down to -29 ° C, and long-term ones only up to -23 ° C. In November, the stems are twisted and laid under a shelter made of spruce branches, burlap, and reeds.
Reproduction
The large-flowered liana variety Veronica's Choice is propagated only by vegetative methods:
- cuttings;
- layering;
- dividing the bushes.
For cuttings in June, the middle part of the vines is cut off, divided into fragments so that there are 2 vegetative buds. The mixture of peat and sand is rooted in the substrate for 40-60 days. Wanting to get sprouts from the layering, they drop in a strong healthy vine in the spring, bringing the top to the surface. Shoots grow from the nodes. They are transplanted after a year. Clematis bushes are divided in autumn or early spring, after the snow melts.
Diseases and pests
According to reviews, Veronica Choice large-flowered clematis is quite resistant to diseases. But in adverse conditions, it becomes infected with various pathogens of fungal infections:
- in an area where the acidity of the soil is below pH 5;
- sewage accumulates at the site of clematis planting;
- liana grows in the shade.
Especially in such situations, the roots are susceptible to diseases. Then the stems and leaves become covered with yellowish and brown spots, wither and dry. For prevention, the plants are systematically treated: they are watered under the roots with a solution of foundationol according to the instructions. The drug is also used in case of illness. Too affected clematis, with rotten roots, are removed from the site, and the place of growth is also treated with a foundation.
In summer, clematis can suffer from powdery mildew, gray mold, rust, and other infections. Protect clematis in autumn and early spring prophylactically, spraying with copper sulfate, Bordeaux liquid, and use fungicides for diseases.
Vines are sprayed with insecticides against leaf-gnawing insects. If clematis has wilted and must be removed, carefully examine the roots to see if they have galls formed by a nematode. If there are swellings in the hole, you cannot plant clematis for several years.
Conclusion
Clematis Veronica Choice with large flowers in gentle pastel colors will create an exquisite decor in a bright, sunny and cozy place. The variety is often grown as a container crop. Compliance with the requirements of agricultural technology and annual prevention will protect the picturesque plant from diseases and pests.
