Clematis Vanguard

To date, through the efforts of breeders, a large number of clematis varieties have been bred, differing in terms of flowering, growth rates, resistance to adverse environmental conditions, resistance to diseases, shape of inflorescences and their color. The Viticella group of varieties is very popular, the main features of which are a rather late flowering period and a character resistant to low temperatures and diseases. Clematis of this group are undemanding to care and environmental conditions. Among them, the relatively new British clematis Avant-Garde, which will be discussed in this article, managed to earn the sympathy of gardeners.

Clematis Avangard: description and characteristics of the variety

Clematis Avangard: photo of the variety

Like other clematis of the Vititsella group, Avangard plants have a number of advantages that make them suitable for growing in central Russia and in some northern regions. These include the following characteristics:

• The frost-resistant nature of the Avangard clematis allows them to withstand rather strong drops in temperature in winter - up to -15 degrees. Up to this mark, shelter for the creeper is not required, however, in more severe cold weather, you cannot do without it.
• This variety of clematis successfully takes root and blooms not only in illuminated areas, but in slightly shaded corners of the garden. At the same time, its decorative qualities are not reduced. Thanks to this feature, the "Avangard" variety has become widespread in regions where cloudy weather in the summer months is not uncommon.
• Unlike other varieties of clematis, representatives of the Avangard variety do not feel the need to shade the root diameter.
• The composition of the soil does not play a fundamental role in the cultivation of Avangard clematis. If we talk about the preferences of this culture, then loose soils, thoroughly drained, will be the ideal choice.
• In general, clematis are characterized by a moisture-loving character, but this variety does not need abundant watering.
• As for pruning, the "Avangard" variety clematis belongs to the third group, so even a beginner can handle this procedure.

Thus, clematis "Avangard" are unpretentious varieties that do not require much care, while maintaining their high decorative qualities. For inexperienced gardeners or those who do not have enough time for gardening, Avangard is a convenient option for decorating a garden plot.

Clematis "Avangard" can be attributed to tall varieties - the length of their shoots can reach 280 cm. Light green leaf plates are heart-shaped and jagged edges. With the help of these flowering vines, you can green the walls of buildings, gazebos and verandas, decorate garden arches and pergolas. This variety is also suitable for growing in containers such as pots, flowerpots or containers.

The belonging of the Avangard variety clematis to the third pruning group means that flowers are formed on the shoots of the current season. Therefore, pruning is carried out once in the fall. During this procedure, all shoots and stems are removed from the bush: the length of the stumps is about 20 cm, while maintaining several buds on each of them.

Due to its unpretentious nature, clematis "Avangard" successfully takes root and blooms profusely in most of Russia, including even regions with a rather harsh climate, such as Siberia and the Far Eastern District.

The appearance of flowers and features of the flowering period

Clematis Avangard: photo of the variety

Flowering of clematis varieties Avangard begins in June and lasts until September. During this period, the vines are covered with a large number of lush flowers of bright and unusual colors. Flowers of this variety cannot boast of outstanding sizes - their diameter reaches 5 cm. Despite this, the effect of splendor of flowering is achieved due to the number of flowers, their non-trivial shape and color. The petals can be conditionally divided into two levels: the lower one is formed from several oval-shaped petals, most often there are 6 of them. They are characterized by a slightly corrugated surface and a wavy contour. The main part of the petal plate is colored in some shade of pink, always saturated - dark pink, deep cherry. In the middle, there is usually a couple of stripes of a lighter color. The petals of the second level have a needle-like shape and a delicate pink color - they are concentrated around a darker core.

Clematis variety "Avangard" consistently gives abundant flowering throughout many seasons. Compliance with certain recommendations will make it even more magnificent:

• It is important to provide clematis with the correct light regime so that the plant has enough sunlight.
• Organic and mineral fertilizers should be applied regularly.
• Systematic sanitary and formative pruning plays an important role in the development of flowering vines.

Clematis get along well with other crops, but in the case of the Avangard variety, it will be quite difficult to find neighbors who will not yield to spectacular dark pink flowers. The best solution is to place clematis of this variety against the background of a regular lawn, which will create a winning backdrop for bright colors. Also, the neighborhood with simple-shaped petunias of delicate colors will become favorable and harmonious.

Clematis Vanguard: reproduction

In theory, vegetative propagation methods are suitable for clematis of this variety using cuttings, layering, and also by dividing the bush. However, due to the youthfulness of the "Avangard" variety, it is better to purchase ready-made seedlings in special nurseries and place them in open ground. Young healthy clematis bushes with strong, fully formed roots, as well as at least a couple of shoots with several living buds, are suitable for planting.

Of the three vegetative breeding methods for clematis, the least laborious and most effective is the method of propagation by layering. In the spring, for this purpose, one of the lower shoots of clematis is selected, which is placed in a depression in the soil and covered with earth from above approximately in the middle. It is necessary to water the forming cuttings together with the main bush. Over the summer, it will acquire an independent root system, and in the fall it can be transplanted separately.

Clematis Vanguard: planting and care

The best choice for planting clematis varieties "Avangard" will be the elevated part of the garden. Places to the north of outbuildings, fences and walls are suitable. Walls and structures will act as supports along which clematis shoots will climb up. You can place clematis "Vanguard" and in sunny areas, since the color of its petals does not suffer from exposure to bright rays. This variety looks great in the decor of arches, pergolas, garden pavilions.

The best time for planting clematis "Avangard" is at the beginning of autumn. It is recommended to prepare a site for placing seedlings in advance: it is necessary to dig out planting holes with a diameter of 0.6 m, and also install supports next to them. This should be done 2-3 weeks before the planned planting day.A drainage layer 10-15 cm thick must be placed at the bottom of each recess. For this, you can use broken brick, pebbles or crushed stone.

A nutritious soil mixture is poured over the drainage layer (the thickness of its layer should be equal to the drainage layer). You can prepare it yourself, for which it is enough to mix in equal proportions the soil extracted when digging the planting holes with peat and humus. The introduction of fertilizers rich in potassium and phosphorus (superphosphate) and wood ash will help to increase the nutritional value of the soil mixture. Before planting, it is necessary to spill the wells with water and wait for the soil to settle in them naturally.
When starting planting, first you should pour a small hill from the same mixture or earth on top of the nutrient layer. A clematis seedling is placed on the hill, its root system must be carefully spread along the slopes of the mound. It is necessary to deepen the seedlings by about 8-10 cm. After planting, the soil of the root diameter must be covered with a mulch layer consisting of sawdust or peat.

Further care for Vanguard clematis does not require much effort and boils down to the following procedures:

• Seedlings need regular watering, with age, the frequency of procedures and the amount of water used for this can be reduced. Warm, well-settled water is suitable for irrigation.
• Regular loosening of the soil will saturate it with oxygen and will contribute to an even distribution of nutrients in the soil.
• Twice a month, clematis needs to be fed by adding organic matter or mineral complexes.
• At first, the seedlings must be tied to supports, in the future, clematis bushes need to be formed annually.

Due to its frost-resistant nature, Clematis Avangard successfully winters without shelter in regions with mild and snowy winters. However, where the air temperature in winter is below -15 degrees, additional plant protection is indispensable. To do this, the hemp remaining after the autumn pruning is covered with fallen leaves, needles or straw, and also covered with non-woven material that can be fixed at the ground. Also, coniferous spruce branches are suitable as a shelter. The insulating layer will protect the clematis root system from severe frosts.

Protection from diseases and pests

Clematis Avangard: photo of the variety

One of the main advantages of the Avangard clematis variety is the high degree of resistance to various diseases characteristic of flowering vines. However, following simple agrotechnical recommendations will help to further reduce the risk of spreading fungal infections.

So, thickening of the clematis plantings should be avoided, therefore, even at the stage of placing the seedlings, it is important to maintain the interval between the holes. Excessive soil moisture and stagnation of moisture in the soil is a risk factor for the development of diseases, therefore, it is advisable to choose areas with deep groundwater for clematis, and also observe the irrigation regime. Preventive treatment also helps to reduce the likelihood of clematis contracting a fungal infection. For this purpose, at the very beginning of the growing season, it is recommended to treat clematis bushes with Bordeaux mixture or Fitosporin.

Harmful insects are the main threat to the Avangard variety of clematis. Especially it concerns bear, slugs, may beetles and other pests, which penetrate into the root system of plants and lay the larvae there. The only way out of the situation is to regularly inspect the clematis plantings in order to detect the presence of harmful insects in time. In order to scare away or destroy, you can use insecticides purchased at the store. Treatment should be carried out immediately, as soon as pests have been detected, in order to prevent their mass spread on the site.

Conclusion

A relatively new variety of clematis Avangard has already become a favorite of domestic gardeners. The secret of its popularity lies in its unpretentious nature, thanks to which even inexperienced novice gardeners, as well as busy gardeners who do not have the opportunity to take care of the plants daily, can afford to grow a spectacular blooming liana on the site. In combination with the bright appearance, the undemandingness of the Avangard clematis makes it a universal variety of this culture, which successfully takes root in a variety of conditions.