Clematis Blue Angel: variety description, planting and care rules, pruning

Clematis decorate hedges, walls of houses, terraces or arbors. These liana-type shrubs easily cling to a support and quickly grow over the surface. Those who grow clematis in their garden choose varieties that are zoned for a particular climate zone. The frost resistance of the clematis variety, which was called the Blue Angel, allows it to be grown in any region of the country.

Description and characteristics of the Clematis variety Blue Angel

The Blue angel variety was bred by Polish breeders in the second half of 1989. It was named Blue Angel for the sky blue hue of the buds.

On a vine reaching 4 meters, large buds with 6 petals bloom. The diameter of the inflorescences is 14-15 centimeters. The variety belongs to late-flowering varieties, inflorescences are tied exclusively on shoots formed in the current season.

Features of the Blue Angel variety:

• the presence of bright yellow stamens that stand out against the blue background of the petals;
• complete lack of fragrance;
• resistance to low temperatures - shrub withstands temperatures below -30 degrees;
• stable and long flowering from July to October;
• unpretentious care;
• ability to quickly adapt to new conditions.

Crop group

Specialists divide clematis varieties into several pruning groups. The classification is based on the characteristics of the appearance of spring buds.

Blue angel - clematis 3 pruning groups. This means that the bush needs a full autumn pruning of the bushes after flowering. This technique has several advantages:

• promotes easier care during the pre-winter period;
• ensures abundant and stable flowering next season;
• allows you to reduce the territory of the plot allocated for cultivation, due to the complete destruction of lashes.

Clematis 3 pruning groups can only bloom on current shoots - this feature is in demand among flower growers who are forced to grow flower crops, taking into account early frosts in autumn and late onset of heat in summer.

The main positive and negative aspects of the variety

The advantages of the Blue Angel variety, in addition to prolonged and abundant flowering, relate to quality characteristics that facilitate care:

• frost resistance;
• drought tolerance;
• immunity to fungal diseases;
• bloom stability;
• the ability to quickly grow green mass in the spring.

Gardeners consider the disadvantages of the variety to be a soft root system, which is sensitive to overflows. Excessive soil moisture leads to the development of decay processes that affect the general condition of the plant.

Growing details

The unpretentiousness of Clematis Blue Angel does not preclude compliance with the rules of care. When planning plantings, consider the requirement of clematis for placement, as well as establish a suitable watering schedule.

Selecting and preparing a landing site

Clematis Blue Angel grows in full sun but needs some shade.The best option is to plant a variety along hedges, terraces, near the walls of houses. Thanks to this neighborhood, a balance is achieved between the presence of light and shadow for culture.

For the full growth of this variety of clematis, additional support is needed.

Clianas tenaciously and quickly wrap around stands and grow not only up, but also in breadth.

Preparing the seedling

Saplings are suitable for spring planting, on the stems of which at least one new shoot has appeared. To enhance the ability to form roots, clematis is immersed in a solution with the addition of a root growth stimulator before planting.

Help! A plant purchased from a nursery that has a closed root system, after planting, takes root much faster than those that have an open root system.

Boarding rules

Seedlings are planted at a distance of no more than 1 meter from each other. For planting prepare a hole with a depth of 60 centimeters. A drainage layer is laid at the bottom of the pit, then sprinkled with soil. After installing the seedling, they add a support, then fill the hole with soil.

The soil is not filled up to the edge, since after planting for clematis, mandatory mulching is provided, the layer of which should be from 5 to 8 centimeters.

How to care for a crop

After planting, it is necessary to provide a schedule for watering, loosening and fertilizing the crop, then clematis will quickly gain green mass and will please with abundant flowering by the second half of July.

Irrigation and fertilization

Water the clematis as needed. If the air temperature rises, then the number of irrigations is doubled. At the same time, they make sure that the root system is not waterlogged.

During the adaptation period, clematis is not fed, then fertilizer is applied according to the schedule:

• when growing greenery, nitrogenous top dressings are added;
• feed with potassium when budding;
• mineral combined mixtures are added after flowering.

Mulching and loosening

Clematis needs full mulching. To do this, crushed bark is added to the circle around the main stem. Mulch helps retain moisture and reduces the amount of watering. Mulch protects the root system during the hot period when the vine is focused on shoot formation and budding.

Loosening is an important step in caring for this variety of clematis. The supply of additional oxygen contributes to more intensive root growth.

Cutting

Full autumn pruning is a must for growing. After flowering, the vines are cut to a residue of 20 centimeters above the soil level. Scourges with faded buds are burned. Full pruning contributes to a more successful wintering of the bush, and also additionally rejuvenates the plant. After a full autumn pruning, clematis blooms again on new stems and shoots.

Preparing for winter

To minimize the risk of freezing of the root system, clematis is mulched with straw before wintering. The layer of straw should not be less than 10 centimeters. Experienced gardeners recommend covering the bush left after pruning for the first winter. Use burlap or non-synthetic fabric for cover.

Disease and pest control

Clematis are often attacked by rodents.Small pests gnaw the roots of the plant during cold and hungry periods, when the bushes are already beginning to enter the winter dormancy period. In order to prevent an attack, the owners often use special traps that are installed next to the landings. Another method of repairing damage is to install a net around the clematis.

The Blue Angel variety is disease resistant. Fungal infections threaten plantings only if the irrigation rules are not followed. Excessive moisture of the roots makes the system vulnerable, it becomes infected with gray rot and gradually dies off.

Methods of flower propagation

The Blue Angel variety is usually propagated by dividing the bush. Plantings using seeds or by dropping children do not give full-fledged shoots. The division of the bush is carried out in spring or autumn, separating a full-fledged adult plant from the mother's overgrown stem. Then they plant it according to all the rules for planting clematis and leave it for adaptation. After a period of adaptation, clematis is completely cut off in the fall in order to observe the flowering of a new adult shrub the next year.

Help! Clematis seed germination is 40 percent.

Examples in landscape design

Landscape designers of home gardens and summer cottages love clematis for its unpretentiousness, versatility and ability to replace several types of flower crops. Traditionally Blue Angel is planted for:

• arch decorations;
• entwining a terrace or gazebo in the depths of the garden;
• masking the fence around the perimeter;
• porch decorations.

The Blue Angel variety is also used for planting on a solo support, which fits well into the surrounding design. The condition for such a reception is the use of a support whose height exceeds the maximum height of the liana.

It is common to combine several varieties at the same time. Different timing of budding allows you to create the effect of cascading flowering throughout the area.

The Blue Angel variety is combined with climbing roses, honeysuckle, lemongrass. It is picturesque surrounded by coniferous trees. Designers recommend using combinations with gray or blue spruce.

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