Tips for Growing Clematis

Clematis is often called “The Queen of the Vines” and for good reason – few vines rival their beauty when it comes to the number of blooms. We get many questions about planting clematis and here are some tips to help your plants get off to the best start –

1. Choosing healthy plants – When looking at clematis plants, take a look at the base of the plants. Select the plant with the most canes coming from the bottom. Give them a gentle tug to ensure that the roots are firm and unbroken.
2. Choose a good location – Clematis do well in sun or part shade. Clematis that have bold colors like purple and red hold up better in more sun. Clematis with delicate colors, like light pinks and white, will look better with some shade.
3. Prepare the planting hole – Dig a hole about 18 inches deep and mix in an organic fertilizer (they like rose fertilizers or alfafa meal), bone or blood meal, and some rich compost. Mix these well with your existing soil.
4. Plant large flowered varieties deeply – Clematis that bloom in summer with large flowers should be planted about 3 inches deeper than the top level of the rootball. All other varieties of clematis should be planted at the same level as the potted plant.
5. Water well – Gently place the clematis in the planting hole at the proper depth and refill the hole, lightly tamping the soil down firmly. Water thoroughly.
6. Shade the base of the plant – Clematis like their roots to be cool. You can provide shade by planting a low groundcover or placing rocks or broken pottery around the base of the plant.
7. Insert a stake to guide the plant – If you want the clematis to cover a fence or structure, insert a stake to guide it in the direction needed.
8. Prune – This will hurt you more than it will the plant, but after the clematis is in the ground, cut it back to about 12 – 15 inches. Your plant will be healthier and stronger as a result.

Post Care – Remember to keep your clematis watered well – we recommend at least one deep watering per week. Additional water may be needed in extreme hot temperatures. Wait until the first flowering has ended before fertilizing again. After the first flowering, plants can be cut back slightly or half-way to promote later blooms.

For more questions, please consult one of our greenhouse employees. Enjoy your summer and your clematis!