Description and subtleties of growing clematis variety Red Star

Clematis is preferred by flower growers because flowering bushes can decorate any area. Among hybrids, large-flowered clematis species such as Red Star are especially popular. The flower created by Japanese breeders is successfully grown in temperate climates. But to do this you need to know everything about growing clematis and care behind him.

Description and characteristics of clematis Red Star

Perennial ornamental plants belong to the Buttercup family. It is known that clematis looks like a liana. Its branches, reaching 2 meters in height, require support. A decorative flower will curl along it with tendrils, rising higher and higher.

The Red Star variety has large flowers of a light red tone with a crimson tint. In the middle of each petal with wavy edges is a pale pink stripe. The diameter of the inflorescences can reach up to 14 centimeters. In the middle there is a bunch of filamentous stamens with red anthers.

A special feature of Red Star clematis is that the inflorescences bloom twice during the summer: in May-June on last year's shoots and in September on young shoots.

Main advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of growing clematis include the fact that liana-like plants:

• will decorate the local area and garden plot;
• unpretentious in care;
• easy to grow;
• have strong immunity;
• frost-resistant.

The disadvantage of the hybrid variety is its capriciousness in care.

Features of cultivation

In order for clematis to delight with lush flowering, it is necessary to create suitable conditions for its growth. The crop is especially demanding in terms of light and soil.

Landing dates

It is best to plant Red Star clematis in the spring if the flowers are grown in temperate climate zones. Autumn planting involves allocating enough time for the seedling to adapt to new conditions. Before the cold weather begins, the root system of the flower must become stronger. When planting in the fall, it is better to use seedlings with a closed root system.

Choosing a landing site

Decorative perennials need well-lit areas for lush flowering. It is important to pay attention to protecting decorative shoots from drafts and northern winds.The best locations are on the south or southwest side of the garden. A little shade will allow Red Star clematis to bloom all season. Here you just need to monitor the illumination so that it remains for 6-8 hours.

The flower is capricious regarding the swampiness of the site. It is impossible for groundwater to be higher than 1.5-2 meters from the surface of the earth.

Suitable soils

The liana-like plant prefers loose and moderately nutritious soils. The soil may be loam, which allows moisture and air to pass through well.

Increased acidity will hinder flower growth. The salinity of the area also affects the plant negatively.

Landing technology

Planting of the hybrid variety Red Star begins with the preparation of planting holes. The dimensions of the holes should be within 50 x 50 centimeters. The distance between them is 1.5 meters. A drainage layer is laid on the bottom. Next, fill the hole with a nutrient mixture of mullein, garden soil, and leaf compost. The components are taken in equal quantities, mixed and filled one third of the well.

The roots of flower seedlings are examined before planting. Dry and damaged parts of the root system are subject to pruning. Before planting, clematis roots are soaked in the growth stimulator "Epin".

A mound of nutritious soil is poured into the bottom of the hole, placing a plant seedling in the middle. The roots are covered, and then all the free space.

After filling the hole with soil, the earth is compacted.

Do not forget that the root collar is at ground level or below.

It is necessary to dig in vertical supports for clematis immediately after planting. They are not placed next to the roof slope so that rain does not erode the soil around the plant.

At the end of the procedure, mulch is laid around the planted flowers. The layer is prepared from peat or compost.

Caring for clematis

The care requirements for Red Star hybrid plants are the same as for other varieties. All procedures are carried out in a timely manner so that clematis can delight with flowering and a pleasant aroma.

Watering and fertilizing

The supply of moisture to the roots of the ornamental crop must be regular, and it depends on weather conditions. In hot weather, water in the evening every other day. Wet weather will allow you to cancel watering, which must be resumed after the top layer of soil has dried.

Clematis responds well to mineral fertilizers. Before flowering, feed with phosphates and potassium fertilizers. They will be replaced by wood ash. It is applied to the soil along with watering.

Trimming

The Red Star clematis variety belongs to the 2nd pruning group. It means that:

• shorten shoots when planting;
• slightly adjust the length in summer;
• rejuvenate after abundant flowering, removing vines older than 3 years;
• in the spring the branches are shortened, leaving 10-12 nodes;
• in the fall, after removal from the support, the developed shoots are trimmed to a third.

It is necessary to prune damaged and diseased branches throughout the growing season.

Mulching and loosening

Mulch around planted flowers helps to better retain moisture. Then the nutrient layer is embedded in the soil. Before winter, lay a layer of compost or humus to help the crop survive the cold.

The soil in clematis plantings should be loosened regularly. It is especially important to carry out the procedure after heavy rainfall and watering.

Wintering

In October-November, before frost, bushes are hilled to a height of 12 centimeters.You can sprinkle wood ash on top to protect the plant from pathogenic fungi.

In regions with severe frosts, you can cover clematis bushes with non-woven material. In this case, it is better to roll the shoots into rings.

Protection from diseases and pests

Fungi and viruses attack clematis if it is not cared for properly. Common plant diseases include powdery mildew, gray rot, and septoria. Diseases are most often identified by spots on leaves and stems. Diseased clematis need to be sprayed with fungicidal agents such as Fundazol. Copper sulfate solution can save flowers at the initial stage of fungal development.

The most common pests that attack ornamental crops are spider mites and aphids. Both traditional and chemical methods are used to combat them. Insecticides will destroy pests if they massively infest the Red Star perennial. At the initial stage of the lesion, spraying with a solution of onion peels or tobacco decoction will help.

Flower propagation methods

It is more convenient and easier to propagate the plant by dividing the bush. For this:

1. In early spring, dig up the bush, cutting off all the shoots.
2. Using a sharp knife, divide the rhizomes in half.
3. The root with the growth bud is planted in the prepared hole, deepening the first node by 10 centimeters.

You can grow clematis by separating some of the shoots. It is not necessary to dig up the plant. It is necessary to go deeper with the drill, reaching the roots. After such damage, new roots will grow faster if part of the plant is transplanted to a new location.

Clematis Red Star in landscape design

Liana-like crops look great on vertical supports. Therefore, they are used for landscaping gazebos and terrace walls.You can create a flowering hedge by planting plants along a chain-link mesh.

Clematis are comfortable next to shrubs. They get along well with viburnum, barberry, hydrangea, complementing each other. Flowering shoots will not get lost among the low conifers.