Origin
Clematis hirsutissima Pursh is a native plant to North America. It can be found from Alaska down to California and east to Montana.
Common Names
The common names for Clematis hirsutissima Pursh include Sugarbowls, Bush Clematis, and Purple Clematis. It is also known as the Hairy Clematis.
Uses
This plant has been used for medicinal purposes as it contains chemicals that act as painkillers and anti-inflammatories. The plant's leaves and roots can also be used to make a tea that was thought to be effective in treating headaches, constipation, and fever. Additionally, it is a popular addition to gardens and landscapes, as it produces striking purple flowers in the summer and fall.
General Appearance
Clematis hirsutissima Pursh is a deciduous vine that grows up to seven feet in height. The plant has slim, flexible stems with alternate leaves that are ovate to lanceolate in shape, measuring two to four inches in length. The flowers grow in clusters and their color ranges from a pale lavender-blue to a deep purple. The plant's fruit is a silky, hairy achene that is often mistaken for a feather.
Light Requirements
Clematis hirsutissima Pursh requires partial to full sun exposure to grow well. Inadequate sunlight may cause pale foliage and reduced flowering. Therefore, it is best to plant Clematis hirsutissima Pursh in a location that provides at least four hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Clematis hirsutissima Pursh grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 6, where the average temperature ranges from -40°F to 0°F (-40°C to -17.8°C) in the winter and 30°F to 60°F (-1.1°C to 15.6°C) in the growing season. It is therefore important to ensure that the plant is protected during the winter months if grown in colder zones.
Soil Requirements
Clematis hirsutissima Pursh thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range of 6 to 7.5. It is important to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged, as this can damage the roots and cause the plant to die. Adding compost or other organic matter can improve soil quality and drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Clematis hirsutissima Pursh, commonly known as Sugarbowls, can be successfully grown in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. For best results, plant in a location with full sun or partial shade, and good drainage. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.
You can grow Sugarbowls from seeds, cuttings, or purchased plants. When planting, provide a trellis, fence, or other support structure for the vine to climb.
Watering Needs
Clematis hirsutissima Pursh prefers evenly moist soil and requires regular watering during the growing season. However, avoid overwatering, as too much soil moisture can lead to root rot.
Water the vine deeply once a week, providing enough water to saturate the root zone. During dry periods, increase the frequency of watering to prevent soil from drying out.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, apply a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 every four to six weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to ensure a steady supply of nutrients throughout the season.
When applying fertilizer, follow the package instructions for the appropriate amount to use based on the size of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and health of the Clematis hirsutissima Pursh vine. Prune the vine in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges.
Remove any dead or damaged stems and cut back any remaining stems to approximately one foot from the ground. This will promote the growth of new shoots from the base of the plant.
During the growing season, deadhead spent flowers to encourage the production of new blooms.
Propagation of Clematis hirsutissima Pursh
Clematis hirsutissima Pursh is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Ranunculaceae and is native to North America. The plant is commonly known as hairy clematis or sugar bow. The plant is mainly propagated through two methods, which include:
Seed Propagation
The first propagation method for Clematis hirsutissima Pursh is seed propagation. It is an easy and straightforward method of propagating the plant. Collect seeds from mature fruit in late summer or autumn. Clean the seeds and soak them in water overnight. Stratify the seeds in a refrigerator at 34 to 41 °F for six to eight weeks. After stratification, sow seeds in sterile potting mix in a pot or seed tray. Ensure the soil is moist and keep the pots in a cool and dark place. Seedlings will emerge in two to four weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
The second propagation method for Clematis hirsutissima Pursh is cutting propagation. It is more reliable because it produces plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. Collect cuttings at the beginning of summer before the plant starts to bloom. The cuttings should be about five inches long, and they should be taken from the top of the stem. Remove all the leaves from the cuttings except the top two. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in sterile potting mix in a pot or seed tray. Keep the soil moist and place them in a cool and shaded place. In four to six weeks, roots will develop and new shoots will start to emerge.
Whichever the propagation method used, transplant the seedlings or rooted cuttings when they have developed sufficient roots into pots or containers. Ensure the plants receive adequate light, water, and food to encourage healthy growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Clematis hirsutissima Pursh
Clematis hirsutissima Pursh is a resilient and hardy plant but can still fall prey to certain pests and diseases. There are several management techniques that gardeners and plant enthusiasts can use to keep the plant healthy and avoid damage from these threats.
Diseases
Septoria clematidina: The most common disease that affects Clematis hirsutissima Pursh is Septoria clematidina. Symptoms include brown or black irregularly shaped spots on the leaves, which eventually lead to leaf wilt and defoliation. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any affected plant material and reduce humidity in the growing area.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery Mildew produces a powdery, white or gray coating on foliage and flowers. It can lead to deformation and stunted growth. To manage this disease, careful plant spacing, proper air circulation, and avoiding over-fertilization can do the trick. Using fungicidal sprays can also be helpful.
Pests
Aphids: These tiny insects feed by piercing the leaves and stems of the plant and drawing out sap, thereby weakening them. To manage Aphids, common techniques such as using soapy water spray or insecticidal soaps can work great.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are also tiny pests that feed on the underside of the plant. They often produce a telltale fine webbing in severe infestations. To manage spider mites, remove all affected plant material and use chemical sprays or insecticidal soaps.
Slugs and snails: These pests can cause severe damage to the leaves of Clematis hirsutissima Pursh. To manage them, introduce predators such as birds or use a specially designed slug or snail killer bait to control their population.
Keeping in mind the above-mentioned techniques can help to keep the plant healthy and strong, protecting it from potential pests and diseases.
