Description of clematis variety Arabella, planting technology and care

Clematis variety Arabella is an achievement of English breeders; it has gained wide popularity in the CIS countries. The flower has marvelous beauty and creates a magical atmosphere in the garden. The variety does not require painstaking care; even an inexperienced gardener can cope with its cultivation. Before planting, you should know all the characteristics of the plant.

Description and characteristics

The flower belongs to the subspecies Integrifolia, which translated from Latin means “whole-leaved.” The leaves of the Arabella variety are not dissected, like those of its counterparts, they are covered with pubescence. The bushes are capable of forming a regular, raised ball from densely overgrown shoots. They cannot cling to a support; they must be constantly tied up. For this reason, clematis is often allowed to grow as a ground cover crop. The length of the shoots is about 1.5-2 meters, sometimes they reach 3 meters.

Clematis blooms on branches of the current year and belongs to the 3rd pruning group. When the buds start to bloom, they become a rich, blue-purple color. As pollen progresses, the color becomes pale, more like a lavender hue. The petals are elongated, located separately from each other, 4-8 pieces each. The center with cream-colored stamens, when opened, become yellowish. The inflorescences are large, 7.5-9 cm.

Pollen starts early, depending on the growing area, it falls in June. Clematis blooms for a long time, until September or October, while the weather is warm. After heavy rains, the bushes lose their attractiveness for some time. When new branches with buds emerge from the buds, pollen continues again in all its glory. The plant can withstand cold temperatures down to -30 degrees and short-term drought.

Advantages and disadvantages of clematis

The Arabella variety of clematis offers many positive qualities, but there are also a number of disadvantages.

Subtleties of planting flowers

Clematis Arabella should be planted in an appropriate place, observing the timing, maintaining soil requirements.It is important to adhere to agrotechnical rules when planting.

Choosing a place and time for landing

All clematis prefer to grow in a sunny area, protected from the winds, but planting in partial shade is also allowed. Due to the characteristics of their growth, Arabella can be planted in a pot, basket, or grown as an ampelous flower. Clematis is widely planted in the garden, but the roots must receive good drainage. Planting can be carried out from April to October, especially if the seedlings have a closed rhizome. It is better to grow rooted petioles in a separate container. In the first month, the plant requires partial shade and abundant watering.

Selection of seedlings

Seedlings should be purchased from trusted sellers; they should be strong and free from flaws. It is recommended to take petioles with dormant healthy buds; they take root better. They are stored in the refrigerator until planting. They also buy seedlings with closed rhizomes in containers with green stems 1-2 weeks before planting.

When choosing seedlings with bare roots, pay attention to the presence of 2-3 living buds or 5 rhizome shoots.

What should the earth be like?

Clematis Arabella prefers to grow on fertile loams. You can plant it in loose, breathable soil with a neutral reaction. Before planting, the soil is loosened and leveled. It is recommended to place the support immediately.

Landing algorithm

When planting clematis in open soil, humus, wood ash and superphosphate are added to the holes. They should be 20 cm deep. The root collar of the seedlings is buried 5 cm. A 20 cm drainage layer of crushed stone or expanded clay is laid at the bottom of the hole.

Care instructions

Caring for clematis is not difficult; its regular need to tie it to a support causes more problems. It is also necessary to periodically water the plant, fertilize, mulch, prune, and treat against beetles and diseases.

Feeding and watering

Clematis Arabella prefers frequent watering, adding water once a week. It is important not to overwater the rhizomes during irrigation. The crop is fertilized from the 2nd year after planting, 3-5 times during the growing season. During active growth, nitrogen is added, and during budding, seedlings are fed with complex mineral compounds. After pollen, potassium and phosphorus are added.

Mulching

Clematis rhizomes do not like heat or dryness. To retain moisture and warmth, after planting, mulch the root circle generously with compost, straw and humus. In the future, it is necessary to update the layer once every two months.

Circumcision

The variety belongs to the 3rd pruning group; the plant is formed thoroughly. After the procedure, only small stems should remain - 15-20 cm long stumps with 2 buds. The event is held in November, after the leaves have fallen.

Wintering

The clematis variety can withstand frost, but it is advisable to sprinkle the shoots with organic matter.

For greater protection, cover the plant with any non-woven fabric like burlap.

Pest and disease control

Clematis Arabella is practically not susceptible to insect attacks and diseases, provided proper care is taken. As a preventive measure, you can treat it with a solution of Fitosporin, and the bioinsecticide Fitoverm is effective against beetles.

Reproduction methods

The crop is propagated by the vegetative method - cuttings, layering, dividing the bush.

1. Cuttings are an easy, affordable method for propagating clematis.The only negative is that the petioles take root slowly and tightly.
2. Propagation by layering involves separating the daughter plant from the parent bush before pruning, at the end of October. This option is the most optimal.
3. Dividing a bush is also considered an affordable method, but it does not make it possible to obtain a lot of seedling material at once.

Professional gardeners resort to clematis grafting, but this method is not suitable for beginners.

Using Arabella in garden decoration

Clematis Arabella, due to its gorgeous flowering, can be used as a ground cover. It is planted in flower beds, ridges, or for lining rose bushes. When decorating a dacha, the entire length of the plants is used; they are grown on supports. Clematis combine harmoniously with perennials with a short pollen period and coniferous shrubs. Flowers are often used to decorate balconies and attics.