Categories: White clematis, pink clematis, 2 pruning group, large-flowered, double-flowered
The ‘Andromeda’ clematis variety was obtained in Great Britain in 1987. It was obtained by the breeder Ken Pyne, having grown seeds from free pollination of clematis ‘General Sikorsky’. In 1989 the seedling bloomed for the first time, and in 1994 the variety was introduced to the UK.
Characteristics
| Group | Early-flowering large-flowered clematis |
| Pruning Group | 2 (light pruning) |
| Height | 6.5…13.1 ft (2…4 m) |
| Flowers | Semi-double large, up to 7.9 inches (20 cm) in diameter, with 8+6 petals |
| Flower Color | White-pink |
| Bloom Time | From May to June and again in September |
| Hardiness Zones | 4-9 |
Description
‘Andromeda’ forms shoots up to 4 meters long, but this is with poor pruning and warm winters. In our conditions, it is cut shorter, and the shoots often freeze anyway, so even up to 3 meters plants rarely grow (which is rather a plus).
With weak pruning, flowering begins in May and lasts until the end of June. Clematis bloom again in September, with single and not terry flowers with 6 or 8 sepals. When flowering is strong, it starts about 3 to 4 weeks later. The time of re-blooming is also shifted.
Pictures
Clematis ‘Andromeda’ planting and care
The clematis variety ‘Andromeda’ is considered to be quite heat-loving. It can grow in northern US states such as Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and even South Dakota if you cover it carefully. However, the most favorable climate for it will be that of New York State and similar states, which have relatively mild winters and long warm summers. In addition, it grows quite well in California. In Europe, there are excellent reviews of this variety from Germany, Poland, Great Britain, France and even Italy. In the countries of Northern Europe, perhaps it grows, but I do not know anything about it. In Russia, it is grown in many regions, but most of them require sheltering for the winter.
Planting dates
Clematis ‘Andromeda’, just like other large-flowered clematis, is best planted in early fall or late summer, or at the beginning of the growing season in spring. I prefer fall planting on the eve of a long period of relatively cool weather, which is late August. Under these conditions, the clematis will form a good root system and will be perfectly prepared for the first winterization. Transplanting in summer or late spring is undesirable, because at this time clematis is actively growing, and when planting you can easily damage the roots or stems. In such conditions, you can only transplant the clematis with a clump of soil into the open ground.
Choosing where to plant clematis
Clematis ‘Andromeda’ is extremely prone to burnout in full sun, so even in northern states it is best planted in a location where it will be protected from direct sunlight on a hot summer afternoon. When growing in southern states, this is all the more important. The best place to plant clematis is one that is lighted in the morning and evening and protected from the wind. In northern states this can be the west, east or south wall of the house, in southern states it is preferably north, and the hotter the summer, the more important it is to protect the clematis from overheating of the root system and burnout of the flowers.
Soil for growing clematis should be light, well cultivated with a high humus content. Clematis grows rather poorly on poor and sandy soils, and very poorly on dense clay soils that are often waterlogged. In such conditions, its root system rots. If you have heavy clay soil, it should be improved by applying organic fertilizers.
Preparation of the planting pit
The planting hole for clematis ‘Andromeda’ should be large enough. I make the pit about one and a half feet in diameter and also about one and a half feet deep. I mix all the soil extracted from the hole with compost in a 1:1 ratio and add about one ounce of simple superphosphate and one ounce of potassium sulfate. This is to ensure good mineral nutrition for the clematis after planting.
If you plant your clematis in the fall or spring, before planting, be sure to remove the clod of soil and inspect the root system. There may be damaged or rotten roots in the pot and these should be cut back. In addition, the roots should be untangled and straightened. All cuts and damages are covered with ash and crushed coal. In general, it is recommended to cover the root system of clematis with a mixture of ash and sand to create an additional barrier for soil fungi that cause clematis wilt. I also cover the base of the tiller and the lower part of the stem with this mixture.
When planting, spread the roots in different directions and make sure they do not twist. Then carefully fill the clematis with the prepared soil mixture. If the clematis has a woody lower part of the stems, it is possible and desirable to bury it by one or two pairs of buds when planting. If the clematis is green underneath, because it is a young plant, it should not be buried. It should be planted so that the whole green part is above the ground, and you can transplant it deeper next year or in a year.
After planting, the clematis should be watered abundantly so that there are no air gaps between the roots and the soil.
Care of clematis ‘Andromeda’
To get good flowering of clematis ‘Andromeda’, it is necessary to provide it with optimal soil moisture and good mineral nutrition. Water ‘Andromeda’ clematis only when there is a prolonged drought, preferably with warm water, at once in large quantities, but rarely. It is worth pouring 2-3 gallons of water under an adult plant at once, and about one to one and a half gallons of water under a young plant.
Mulching the soil around the clematis protects the soil and roots from overheating, prevents water evaporation and provides an additional source of organic matter for the soil. I use freshly cut grass from mowing the lawn for mulch. You can also use hay or straw. When mulching, make sure that the mulch does not touch the stems of the clematis – there should be a gap.
Fertilizing clematis
Clematis ‘Andromeda’ is extremely responsive to fertilization. A good complex fertilizer will give you much more intense blooms. I feed ‘Andromeda’ clematis in the same way as all other large-flowered clematis. In the first year after planting, I apply only 5 grams of nitrogen per plant in spring for better growth of leaves and young shoots.
In the second year after planting, at the beginning of shoot growth, I feed clematis with organic fertilizer, using compost or humus, which I spread around the seedbed. In addition, I make in the form of solutions in the soil mineral fertilizers that contain 10 grams of nitrogen, 5 grams of phosphorus and 5 grams of potassium by active substance.
The second feeding I conduct at the beginning of budding, at the end of May, bringing 5 grams of phosphorus, 5 grams of nitrogen and 5 grams of potassium, as well as a full complex of macro- and microelements. I prepare this complex myself, but you can buy ready-made in a store for gardeners.
The third I feed about 3 weeks after the second, its composition is the same – it is 5 grams of nitrogen, 5 grams of phosphorus and 5 grams of potassium.
The fourth fertilizer I conduct at the end of the vegetation, at the end of August, bringing into the soil 5 grams of phosphorus and 5 grams of potassium. In addition, if you are in the northern region, at the end of the growing season you can spray the shoots with a solution of potassium monophosphate in a concentration of 0.5%, this will improve their maturation and increase frost resistance.
Pruning clematis ‘Andromeda’
Clematis ‘Andromeda’ belongs to the second pruning group. It flowers on the last year’s shoots and then on the current year’s shoots: it should therefore be pruned so that the plant can flower twice.
In summer, after flowering on the previous year’s shoots has finished, cut off the generative part of the shoots at a height of 120 cm.
At the end of summer, after flowering on the current year’s shoots, which also takes place in the fall, cut off the generative part of the shoots. Then these long shoots, about 120 cm long (which equals 4 feet), should be laid on the ground, pinned, and if you are in a region with cold winters, thoroughly covered.
It is best to erect an air-dry shelter over it, which includes non-woven breathable insulation, a frame and a waterproof film on top. It is necessary to leave a vent on the side of the shelter for ventilation. It is better to place it on the leeward side, so that cold winter winds do not blow in. In such a shelter clematis ‘Andromeda’ perfectly winters even in regions of Russia with rather harsh winters. This means that it will also winter well in most states of the USA.
Clematis ‘Andromeda’ Reviews
- Michigan, near Detroit: clematis ‘Andromeda’ is one of our favorites. Growing for 4 years, it has absolutely stunning pink and white flowers. Requires good fertilization to ensure abundant blooms.
- Texas, Amarillo: Clematis ‘Andromeda’ burns out very badly in full sun, so it should only be placed in shade. At first the author planted it in a fairly sunny spot, and its delicate pink flowers in the Texas sun instantly turned to a pale white rag. I had to transplant it to the darkest spot in the back yard, and then the author finally saw a truly beautiful bloom of this clematis.
- North Carolina: The author describes ‘Andromeda’ as a stunningly beautiful, trouble-free plant that has never had wilt in 8 years. The author is not the only clematis, but he considers ‘Andromeda’ to be one of the most unpretentious.
- Poland, Lodz: The clematis grows on the west side of a fence, is well protected from the wind and is therefore only covered with netting in winter. No problems, but careful pruning is required.
- Manchester, UK: Clematis blooms later than The President and grows next to it. When both are in bloom, they complement each other very effectively.
If you too have grown ‘Andromeda’, please leave your feedback in the comments so that other readers can form an opinion about this variety.
About the author
Fedor Fironov
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