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| Clematis is the finest, most admirable of all the flowering vines. To assure trouble-free success, particular attention should be paid to choice of site and to soil preparation. Clematis thrive in a rich, well drained soil with a ph close to neutral. When planting, dig a large hole. Mix generous amounts of organic matter with soil (peat moss in a sandy soil, soil pep if soil is clay) and a handful of fertilizer. |
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| Clematis can be planted with the crown an inch below the surface of the soil. This way, if the top is damaged by a mower or animal, there are a couple of dormant buds to initiate new growth.
Clematis prefer at least 4 hours of sun, but their roots prefer a cool, moist environment. Lay down a thick layer of organic mulch and underplant with groundcovers or perennials such as Silver Mound, Veronicas or Hardy Geranium.
In the garden, clematis will entwine and hold to shrubs, evergreens, trellis, fencing or any prepared structure. Some assistance is required, however, in training and directing for the best show. It does not cling well to solid brick walls or siding.
To assure recurrent bloom throughout the summer, fertility must be kept adequate for new shoot growth. One feeding with a good all purpose feed in early June will last for the entire summer. Keep soil moist, but not soggy. |
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| There is a great deal of intimidating mystique about how to prune clematis correctly. In fact, there are just three basic methods. The choice of method appropriate for a particular clematis is the most important part of pruning this plant.
Clematises are divided loosley into three groups, based on when they flower. These groups are widely referred to as Groups One, Two and Three type of clematis. When buying a new clematis, you will save yourself a lot of pruning indecision loater on if you take the time to find out and note the group that your clematis falls into. Getting the type right is important. If you make a mistake on identifying the type of pruning required, you could unwittingly remove the next flush of flowers.
Early flowering species such as Clematis alpina, Clematis armandii, Clematis macropetala and Clematis montana are commonly known as Group One Clematis.
These plants flower on growth produced the previous year and, if needed, are just given a light pruning to remove spent flowers immediately after flowering.
Old, woody plants can be pruned very hard - down to a couple of feet if necessary, preferably to just above some strong, healthy growth - after flowering to remove lots of the old, non-flowering growth. Plants may take a year or so to fully recover and start flowering properly again. |
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