How to grow colourful climbing Clematis Plants
SEASONAL TIPS FOR GROWING CLEMATIS
Early Spring -
Prune late flowering clematis back to the lowest pair of buds in
the 1st year.
In the next 2 years prune to less than 30cm.
In following years cut to less than 50 cm.
Late Spring -
Trim any early flowering clematis that have become untidy.
Feed mature plants
Summer -
Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and help feed.
Autumn-
Plant new clematis to establish roots for the following season
Keep the newly planted clematis well watered until they are established
in their new location.
POPLUAR VARIETIES
Clematis Montana - several varieties are available. Spring flowering with small flowers ranging from white and pale pink to dark pink flowers. Very vigorous growth.
Clematis Armandii - An evergreen clematis with dark green leaves and clusters of almond scented, white, star shaped flowers. Grows to 6 metres high
CLEMATIS PAGES
CLEMATIS SOCIETIES
CLEMATIS - A VIGOROUS FLOWERING CLIMBING PLANT
Clematis is a vigorous perennial
climber which provides flowers in a wide range of attractive colours.
The plants climb by twining their leaf stalks around trellis work, supports or other plants as they grow.
There are over 400 varieties which come in different combinations of tender or hardy, deciduous or evergreen.
HOW BIG CAN CLEMATIS FLOWERS GROW TO?
Clematis blooms can vary in size from 2.5 to 20 centimeters across. The large flowers on some varieties make a stunning display in the garden
It is possible to buy Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter flowering varieties of Clematis to provide all year round colour in the garden
WHERE TO PLANT CLEMATIS?
Clematis like to keep their roots
cool in the shade and grow best in a moist but well-drained fertile soil.
Plant in a position in full sun or partial shade. Plants will produce more flowers in a sunny spot, but remember to keep their roots in the shade. The vigorous climbing varieties of Clematis can be trained up a support almost anywhere in the garden.
TRELLIS SUPPORT FOR CLEMATIS
A trellis or pergola is the traditional support for these climbers which may also be grown over a garden fence.
There are types of clematis that are low growing and can be planted Some people even grow the smaller clematis in hanging baskets or patio tubs.
HOW TO PLANT A CLEMATIS?
- Prior to planting soak the clematis plant in a bucket of water for a few hours.
- Prepare the soil by digging plenty of well rotted manure, leaf mould or compost into the soil.
- Dig a hole large enough to plant the 5 cm deeper than the depth of the rootball.
- Gently tap the plant out from its container - try to keep the rootball intact - and place into the hole. Make sure that the crown of the clematis is around 5 centimetres below ground surface.
- Fill in the hole around the clematis with soil mixed with compost or other organic matter and gently tamp down around the roots (firm the soil with you fingers).
- Water in the plant well and add a mulch to prevent loss of moisture.
- Prune back the clematis to about 15cm (6 inches) high. This will lead to stronger, bushy growth, and as a result more flowers. Always make cuts just above healthy pairs of buds.
GARDENING ARTICLES FROM GARDEN GROWER
Clematis - How to plant and grow colourful climbing clematis plants in beds, containers or hanging baskets. How to grow, where to plant Clematis - vigorous perennial climber - hardy, tender, evergreen deciduous varieties. Tips for spring summer, autumn, pruning