Description and subtleties of growing clematis varieties Pink Fantasy

In the central zone, large, pink flowers of clematis Pink Fantasy bloom in July. In open ground, vines are planted in groups next to a vertical support. The plant is suitable for container growing. The variety was bred in Canada, so it can easily withstand Russian winters.

Features and morphological description of clematis Pink Fantasy

According to the type of pruning, all types of clematis are divided into 3 groups. The variety Pink Fantasy is assigned to the 3rd group. Flowers form on young shoots of the current year; in the fall, the above-ground part of the bush is cut off. With the arrival of spring, new shoots grow. By the end of the season, their length reaches 2-2.5 m.

They cling to the support themselves. The liana is covered with light green trifoliate leaves sitting on long petioles. During flowering, which lasts from July to the end of September, the compact bushes are completely covered with large, pale pink flowers.

The center of the basket is purple, the stamens are red. The color of the petals is not uniform. The central part is dark pink, the edges are pale pink. Their surface is corrugated, the tips are lowered down. The flowers are large. Their diameter is 10-15 cm. The number of petals in the basket is 5-7 pcs.

Fantasia is a frost-resistant variety; it is grown in regions of the 4th winter hardiness zone. With proper preparation for winter, the vine does not freeze at -34 °C. The root system of Pink Fantasy clematis is superficial, so the tree trunk circle is mulched for the winter.

Main advantages and disadvantages

The plant is winter-hardy. For flower growers in the Moscow region and Central Russia, this is a big plus. Their gardens and dachas are in the 4th winter hardiness zone. Clematis Pink Fantasy can withstand the peak winter temperatures of these regions.

Longevity is another plus. The liana grows in one place for 20-40 years. Other advantages of an ornamental garden plant:

• blooms profusely and for a long time;
• requires minimal care;
• rarely suffers from pests and diseases;
• reproduces easily.

Rules for growing a plant

Clematis grows in one place for many years. The bush grows in size over the years. This must be taken into account when planting. Each region has its own planting dates. In the south, seedlings are planted in October, in Central Russia - in September or in spring in April.

Selection and purchase of seedlings

You need to buy seedlings from local nurseries. They are adapted to the weather conditions of the region. Clematis grown in containers take root better. When choosing, you need to check their roots. Sellers often deceive. Place the dug seedling in the container.

For a seedling with an open root system, the length and number of roots are assessed. It is optimal if there are 3 or more of them, and the length is at least 10 cm. The shoots are inspected for damage, swelling, and the presence of buds. Seedlings with mechanical damage are rejected.

Choosing a landing site

Liana loves the sun and does not like drafts. These features are taken into account when planting. In order for clematis Pink Fantasy to bloom long and profusely, seedlings are planted in the southern, southwestern, and southeastern parts of the garden.

In the south, the vine is planted in openwork partial shade, because its leaves burn from the heat. Clematis does not like excessive dampness, so if the roof is not equipped with gutters, seedlings should not be planted around the perimeter of the house. Rainwater will flow onto them.

Soil preparation

Pink Fantasy grows well in sandy, loamy soil. When planting, humus and mineral fertilizers are added to it. They increase fertility. The structure of loamy soil is improved with sand, well-rotted sawdust, and peat and clay are added to light soils.

Acidity is reduced with dolomite flour.

Add the following to the soil for filling the hole:

• 500 g of ash;
• 200 g of Kemira universal fertilizer;
• 200 g of simple superphosphate;
• 2 buckets of humus.

Landing technology

Clematis Pink Fantasy is grown in open ground and in flower pots. Algorithm for planting in the garden:

• dig a hole measuring 60 * 70 cm;
• fill the bottom with crushed stone (10 cm),
• pour out half of the soil mixture;
• place the seedling on a mound;
• fill the hole with the remains of fertile soil, deepening the root collar.

The seedling is watered. The hole is mulched. The shoots are shortened by 2 buds.

Specifics of flower care

Caring for clematis is not difficult, but it has its own characteristics. Helpful tips for a novice gardener:

• direct sunlight at least 5 hours a day is a necessary condition for abundant and long-lasting flowering;
• water the roots abundantly, but not frequently, with settled water in the morning or evening.

Caring for clematis Pink Fantasy is not limited to just watering. Throughout its life, the vine needs fertilizing, it must be properly prepared for winter, and properly pruned.

Fertilizing

Available for sale fertilizers for clematis. They contain all the elements that Pink Fantasy needs during the growing season and flowering:

• "Leafdrip";
• Megafol;
• A “clean slate” for climbing plants.

The table shows the feeding schedule with standard fertilizers.

No.	Period	Fertilizer	Consumption	Method of application
1	April, early May	Ammonium nitrate	20 g per 10 liters of water	10 liters is enough to feed 1 adult plant, 5 young ones
2	10 days after the first	Organic nitrogen fertilizer (mullein infusion) or mineral fertilizer (urea)	Mullein is diluted with water 1:10, urea is taken 10 g per 10 l
3	2 weeks after the second	"Kemira station wagon"	For 1 liter take 1 tbsp. l.
4	When the first buds appear	Phosphorus-potassium without chlorine	According to instructions
5	After flowering	Fertilizer for clematis	For 10 l 1 tbsp. l.

During the growing season and flowering, the Pink Fantasy vine is sprayed with a solution of boric acid (2 g) and potassium permanganate (2 g). Foliar feeding prevents diseases.

Mulching and loosening

Roots suffer from overheating in hot weather. To prevent the soil from heating up less, the holes in the south are sprinkled with sawdust. In regions where the heat is less intense, the soil under the Pink Fantasy bushes is mulched with peat or humus.

The roots of clematis must breathe, so a day after rain or scheduled watering, the soil is loosened. At the same time, overgrown weeds are pulled out and trimmed.

Tying up

The liana clings to the support itself, so no garter is needed. Clematis is planted next to garden structures (gazebo, pergola), fence, or a trellis, wooden lattice, or plastic mesh is installed nearby. During the season, the shoots entwine the support, enveloping it in a cloud of large flowers.

Trimming and shaping

All types of clematis require pruning. Pink Fantasy is no exception. Drastic pruning is carried out in the fall. The liana belongs to the 3rd pruning group, so all shoots that have grown over the summer are cut off at a height of 10 cm from the ground. In summer, the tops of faded branches are cut off.

Preparing for winter

The roots and center of the Pink Fantasy bush are covered for the winter. The work is not difficult because the stems are cut low. Mulch the vine with dry soil and peat. One adult bush requires 3-4 buckets. Preparations begin in November, when the top layer of the earth freezes.

Protection from diseases and pests

With proper care, clematis Pink Fantasy does not get sick. Pests and disease symptoms appear on bushes if the basic rules of agricultural technology are violated. Pests that occupy the bush oppress the plant. From slugs, caterpillars, spider mites, the vine is sprayed with an insecticide:

• "Spark";
• metaldehyde

When there are few insects, ash and tobacco dust help. They powder the leaves and shoots. To prevent fungal infections, plantings are treated with Fundazol in spring and autumn.

Reproduction

Pink Fantasy is propagated vegetatively. This perennial is not grown from seeds. A liana grown from seeds does not retain varietal characteristics.

Cuttings

Shoots for propagation are harvested in late May - early June. Cuttings are cut from them with a sharp knife. 2-3 internodes are left on each. The leaves at the bottom are torn off, the top ones are shortened by 50%.

Root in a mixture of leaf soil, vermiculite, sand, taken in a ratio of 2:1:1. Use any containers with a volume of 0.5 liters or more. The soil mixture is moistened, each cutting is buried 2 cm into the soil. The roots appear by the end of the 3rd week. Optimal conditions:

• temperature 25 °C;
• air humidity is high.

In the spring of next year or at the end of this summer, the seedlings are transplanted into the garden.

Layerings

Flower growers love to propagate varietal clematis by layering. Choose healthy, strong shoots and bend them to the ground. A mound is placed at the point of contact with the ground. To speed up the emergence of roots, water the soil regularly. Annual cuttings are ready for transplanting.

Dividing the bush

Old Pink Fantasy bushes are losing their decorative properties. The problem is solved with the help of anti-aging pruning. It is carried out no more than once every 5 years. The bush is dug up. Inspect the rhizome, use pruning shears, and divide it into several parts with a shovel. Make sure that there are at least 2-3 buds on each division.

Examples of use in landscape design

Containers with Pink Fantasy clematis are placed on balconies and terraces. In the garden, the vine is planted next to conifers. During flowering, they enliven a monotonous composition.The landscape is decorated with garden structures (arches, pergolas, trellises) entwined with flowering perennials.

The classic composition Pink Fantasy and climbing roses look great against the backdrop of an emerald lawn and enhance the relaxation area. The large-flowered vine is planted next to other climbing plants. Good companions are girlish and Amur grapes.