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The Royal Clematis: A Guide to Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Flower

Oleh Anonymous January 27, 2023 Post a Comment

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Clematis Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth II is well-known for her love of gardening, and one of her favorite flowers is the clematis. In particular, she has a fondness for the Clematis 'Queen Elizabeth' variety. This beautiful flower has captured the attention of many gardeners around the world due to its stunning appearance and historical significance.

History of the Clematis Queen Elizabeth

The Clematis 'Queen Elizabeth' was first introduced in 1955 by the British breeder, George Jackman & Son. It was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, who had ascended to the throne just three years earlier. The flower was created by crossing two other clematis varieties: the C. 'Mme. Edouard Andre' and the C. 'Beauty of Worcester.' The result was a stunning flower with large, pink blooms that bloom from late spring to early fall.

Appearance of the Clematis Queen Elizabeth

The Clematis 'Queen Elizabeth' has large, 6-8 inch pink blooms that are semi-double or double in form. The petals have a ruffled appearance and are slightly lighter towards the center. The flowers are borne on long stems that can reach up to 10 feet in length, making it an excellent choice for trellises or arbors. The foliage is dark green and provides a great contrast to the vibrant pink flowers.

Planting and Care Tips for Clematis Queen Elizabeth

If you're interested in adding the Clematis 'Queen Elizabeth' to your garden, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, this plant requires full sun to thrive. It also prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. When planting, be sure to give the roots plenty of room to spread out, as this will help the plant establish itself more easily.

In terms of care, the Clematis 'Queen Elizabeth' is relatively low maintenance. It does require regular watering, especially during hot weather, and benefits from a layer of mulch around the base of the plant. In addition, you'll want to prune the plant back in early spring before new growth begins. This will encourage healthy growth and help keep the plant looking neat and tidy.

Other Varieties of Clematis

While the Clematis 'Queen Elizabeth' is certainly a beautiful flower, it's not the only variety of clematis available. In fact, there are dozens of different cultivars to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Some other popular varieties include:

Clematis Armandii

This evergreen clematis produces fragrant white flowers in early spring. It's an excellent choice for covering walls or trellises, and can grow up to 20 feet in length.

Clematis Montana

This vigorous clematis has small pink or white flowers that bloom in late spring. It's an excellent choice for covering fences or walls, and can grow up to 30 feet in length.

Clematis Nelly Moser

This stunning clematis has large, light pink flowers with a darker pink stripe down the center. It blooms in late spring to early summer and can grow up to 10 feet in length.

Tips for Growing Clematis Successfully

While clematis can be a bit finicky to grow, there are a few tips that can help you be successful. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Plant in the Right Location

Clematis prefers full sun, but the roots should be kept cool and moist. This means planting the vine at the base of another plant or in an area with afternoon shade can be beneficial.

Prune Regularly

Most clematis vines need to be pruned regularly to encourage healthy growth and prevent them from becoming too woody. The Clematis 'Queen Elizabeth' should be pruned back in early spring before new growth begins.

Provide Support

Clematis vines need support to grow properly, so be sure to provide a trellis, fence, or other structure for them to climb on.

Water Regularly

Clematis needs regular watering, especially during hot weather. Be sure to water deeply and frequently to keep the soil moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I grow clematis in a pot?

Yes, clematis can be grown in a pot, but it's important to choose the right size container and use a high-quality potting mix.

2. How often should I fertilize my clematis?

Clematis should be fertilized once a year in early spring, using a balanced fertilizer.

3. When is the best time to prune clematis?

Most clematis should be pruned in early spring before new growth begins.

4. How do I protect my clematis from pests and diseases?

Clematis can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To protect your plant, be sure to keep it healthy with regular watering and pruning, and address any pest or disease problems promptly.