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Care and Cultivation of Clematis Jackmanii

January 1,1998 Hi, I have a question regarding a Clematis Jackmanii vine. I have read that the pruning methods for this plants varies according to variety. Some will only flower on old growth and some will only flower on new growth. Some varieties will flower on both. I can't seem to locate anything specific for the variety I have. I was wondering if you could give me some guidance on this particular variety. In addition, I live in the San Francisco Bay area, which has a very Mediterranean-like climate. The Clematis vine has already begun to sprout and the Fairy Lilies ( Zephyranthes) that I planted last year have not died back at all. As I have only seen both of these plants grown in more temperate climates, I am concerned that the mild winters and extended growing season will have an adverse affect on these plants. Is this something I should be concerned about? Thanks for you help and guidance.
Sincerely, Jamie Collins

Happy New Year! Jamie, Clematis Jackmanii, like any other plant, will thrive if you are able to meet its growing requirements, and give it reasonable care. Clematis require about 6 hours of full sun per day to grow best although some light shading during the hottest part of the day is beneficial.It is essential for the roots to remain cool and moist, so protect them with a heavy mulch, the shade of low growing plants, or even a large flat rock. A few of the very large flowered varieties should be planted in a more easternly exposure, to prevent excessive flower fading caused by to much sun. Soil should be well-draining and rich, with a pH close to neutral (7.0). Clematis likes peaty soil, but you must add enough lime to ensure the soil is not to acidic. Generous amounts of bone meal and compost should be added to the soil, but only cultivated in shallowly. Clematis flowers form either on the current season's growth or on that of the previous year.Jackman clematis forms its buds on the new growth.This type of Clematis have a tendency to become bare at the bottom of the vine unless pruned annually in late winter or very early spring. Cut these plants back nearly to the ground, leaving at least one pair of healthy looking buds on the trunk. Most clematis will require staking so the twining leaf petioles can cling and climb upward, although it is not a problem if you choose to let the plants sprawl over the ground, fences, or whatever. El Nino??? About the weather,,,Hmmmmmmm. At my home, at this time of year, I would normally have a foot of snow on the ground, and be looking forward to the temperature getting back above freezing. That hasn't been the case here, this year. I have new growth on many of my plants as well. The unknown denominator is what will happen between now and spring. A sudden drop in the temperature to freezing can be fatal. Should the weather remain mild, there will be no problem, your plants will have a healthy headstart.It will pay off to pay attention to the upcoming weather forecasts,though, and if frost or a hard freeze is imminent, you must take measures to protect your plants. The roots of bulbs, groundcovers, and other low growing plants should be mulched with a heavy cover of preferably dry leaves and clippings. Larger plants can be protected by covering them with a blanket, burlap, or a tent made from plastic sheeting. If you create a plastic greenhouse, be sure that the film is removed before any bright sunny days, otherwise you will 'bake' your plants. I guess the keyword in this instance would be vigilance, but we are all at the mercy of mother nature. I hope that I have been a little help to you,,,,good luck!!

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