Planting Clematis

Written by Debra Wyatt (last updated March 11, 2022)

Clematis is a vine that is part of the buttercup family. This plant has over 250 species, as well as numerous garden-type hybrids. The leaf stalk will twine like that of a tendril. (A tendril is a modified leaf that will twist tightly around a thin support.)

During the spring through the fall this particular vine is very attractive. The flowers of this plant are very showy. They don't have any real petals as you might expect; they have anywhere from four to eight petal-like sepals. Each plant can have as many as 100 blooms per plant in one season and have very fragrant blooms (the hybrids are not as fragrant). During the winter this vine is found to be very unattractive, with the bare stems looking like a tangled up mess.

To have the clematis produce the beautiful flowers a lot depends on how they are planted and what type of care is given to the plant from the very beginning.

When planting clematis you will want to bury the crown of the plant about three inches below the ground. Be sure to remove any leaves that may be on the plant. This helps the stems to grow from the base of the plant and to grow faster.

The clematis requires a lot of water. When watering you will want to water deeply and frequently until the plant has established itself. The plant also needs good drainage. Sitting water will encourage pests and disease.

Roots of the clematis like to stay cool. To help keep the roots of the plant cool, try planting a plant with large leaves with a shallow root system, something like a hosta plant.

So, it is best to keep the roots in the shade and the plant in the sun. To help accomplish this, plant where the flower is in the sun at least four hours a day. Many of the different varieties will do well in full sun, they also do okay with a filtered light. In fact the pastel colored hybrid varieties blooms are more intense if placed in shadier locations. There are varieties where the plant does need some encouragement in flowering. Try putting super-phosphate on the soil when planting the plant. After the plants have matured than apply the super-phosphate in the spring and then again in the middle of June. As a reward for this added effort you will get a lot more beautiful colored blossoms.

Be cautious as you prune. When the stems are young and if they seem to be thin, pinch the leaves back to where the buds are. This will help to thicken the stems, making them stronger, while also encouraging the plant to produce more stems.

Author Bio

Debra Wyatt

Deb has a communications degree and applies her talents to her position as Marketing Specialist at Sharon Parq Associates. In her spare time she spends time with her children and grandchildren and devotes time to her church. ...

MORE FROM DEBRA

Organizing Linen Closets

Are you tired of opening your linen closet doors only to find that you can't find what you are looking for or, even ...

Discover More

Saving Water in the Garden

You want to conserve the amount of water you are using in your garden or on your lawn. Find out just how easy it is by ...

Discover More

Wedding Day Hair

There are so many things that you need to consider and plan for on your wedding day. One of the things that you don't ...

Discover More
More Gardening Tips

Types of Climbing Plants

Besides having a wide variety of species, there are also several types of climbing plants as well. Understanding what ...

Discover More

Wisteria Care

If you are looking for a great way to add color and elegance to your landscape design, then one of the best ways to do ...

Discover More

Helping Wisteria Bloom

Wisteria is a beautiful climbing vine that can add a touch of elegance and mystery to just about any landscape design. ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured gardening tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 7 + 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured gardening tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)