Sometimes it can happen that we see a plant growing in its natural habitat and we don't like it too much, but then we find it in a garden and it amazes us. That is the case of the Clematis flammula, a creeper native to the Mediterranean basin that those of us from that area are very used to seeing them together with brambles, and of course, its ornamental value is hidden behind the leaves of that one.
But if you start looking for images, you will find a surprise: it can be a fantastic garden plant. And, do you know the best? Resists drought and high temperatures better than other species.
Origin and characteristics
Our protagonist is an evergreen climber whose scientific name is Clematis flammula. It is popularly known as odorous clematis, squirrel's tail, streamer, muermera or mountain jasmine. It is native, as we mentioned, of the Mediterranean, being found in the Balearic Islands, east and south of the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, Corsica, Sardinia, and in Italy.
It can reach a height of more than 5 meters, as long as you have a tutor or a plant to support you. The leaves are divided into two orders of leaflets, which are narrow. The flowers are white, measure about 3cm in diameter and are aromatic. It blooms in summer.
What are their cares?
Do you want to have a copy? If so, we recommend that you provide the following care:
- Location: outside, in full sun.
- Earth:
- Pot: universal growing substrate.
- Garden: limestone. It lives well in poor and / or eroded soils.
- Irrigation: 2 times a week in summer, and every 6-7 days the rest of the year.
- Subscriber: from spring to late summer it can be paid with organic fertilizers (guano, compost, mulch, humus) liquid if it is potted, or powder if it is in the ground.
- Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
- Pruning: after flowering. Dry, diseased or weak stems should be removed, and those that have grown too large should be trimmed.
- Rusticity: withstands cold and frosts down to -5ºC.
Also, you have to know that the Clematis flammula is irritating if rubbed against the skin, so gloves must be worn when handling it.
What did you think of this plant?