Every flower gardener should know the pleasure of growing clematis. If you already have one in your garden, you're probably scheming about how to squeeze in another!
It can take several years for a clematis vine to mature and begin flowering vigorously. To shorten the wait and help ensure your success, it's best to purchase a plant that's at least two years old. Look for a container-grown plant in a quart or gallon-size pot. If you're shopping for your clematis at a garden center or nursery, select a robust plant that's showing vigorous growth.
Where to Plant It
Ideally plant in a sunny spot. Though some clematis cultivars will bloom in partial shade (such as Nellie Moser and Henryii), to reach their full potential they need at least six hours of sun each day.
Clematis prefer moist, well-drained soil that's neutral to slightly alkaline in pH. Dig a hole for your new clematis, working in lots of compost and some granular organic fertilizer.
Be very gentle when settling the plant into its new home; the roots, crown and emerging vines of clematis can be easily broken. Position the plant slightly deeper than it was growing in the pot, so the first set of true leaves is just under the soil surface. Water weekly for the first season, to help the plant get established. If you can get your clematis through its first year, chances are good that it will continue to thrive. Mulching around the base of the plant will help conserve moisture and to keep the soil cool, but keep the mulch several inches away from the crown, where the vines emerge from the soil.
Pruning Clematis ~ The Group # Matters!
All clematis can be pruned to remove dead damaged¨ or diseased branches at any time.
Pruning at the wrong time or the wrong plant can set back flowering for a year or more.
Clematis’ are divided into 3 groups based on their pruning needs.
The tag should tell you the group number.
SEE THE PRUNING CHART BELOW
