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| Everyone loves clematis and they are a perfect companion to once blooming ramblers and old climbers. We have put together information on planting clematis and also some food for thought on where to place your clematis. We carry two varieties of clematis both old varieties. |
| PLANTING CLEMATIS Clematis can be planted at any time if you purchase potted plants. In our climate we suggest early spring planting so that the vine can get established before the heat of summer hits and be an established plant before winter’s freezing this. If summer planting care must be taken to ensure the soil is moist while the roots are developing- Water frequently. Consider the placement of your plant before digging, if against the foundation of a building be sure your hole is at least 24” away as soil right against it is usually powdery and very dry. CLEMATIS WILL NOT TOLERATE WATER LOGGED SOIL OVER WINTER. Clematis will rot even in a single winter if their feet are in standing water, So, do NOT plant in heavy clay or where water may puddle and keep them more wet than moist, especially before the ground freezes. Clematis must have a cool and moist root zone, often difficult to achieve because they are planted against buildings where it may be hot and dry. Heavy mulching with first mulched or composted old leaves topped with bark mulch is ideal. A few flat stones placed 2”-3” apart will then keep the soil cool where the sun hits the base of the plant. Also, a close planting low growing perennials like creeping phlox or creeping thyme will help keep the sun from warming the base of your clematis. Whatever you choose keep in mind that SLUGS LOVE TO FEED ON CLEMATIS, especially the basal growth. Many a clematis has been killed by it’s new growth being devoured by slugs! Keep a close eye out for the critters and a light dusting of salt from a shaker will kill them on contact. Beer in small, deep cups will drown them. Clematis are not self clinging, instead they wrap their leaf stalks quickly around whatever they can find. You must provide a climbing support, wire is ideal but wood can be used as well. Don't worry about the support detracting from the effect of your blooming clematis, as the vine will soon cover it completely and it won't be visible at all. Tie stems at intervals in the direction you want them to grow. If planting at the base of a tree or shrub, plant on the north side of the trunk as this is the coolest and least dry, the rest of the vine will make its way to the southern side in no time. HOLE PREPARATION: Begin by digging a hole a minimum of 18” inches by 18” - remember, this plant will be in your garden for years to come. As clematis love soil with a very high amount of humus or organic matter, you can provide this by mixing a generous amount of compost, bagged manure or composted or shredded leaves along with a few handfuls of coarse sand into the hole. You will need a heaping handful of bone meal to ensure lots of roots developing and to provide food for the development of plentiful blooms over the years. Phosphorus does just that and it stays in the soil for quite a few years to come. Make sure all the ingredients are mixed very well before actually placing the vine in the hole. Make sure you have a few inches of sandy pure soil where the plant is actually going to be placed on top of. Do this until the soil level in the hole is up to the point where the top of the pot you are planting is just 2-3 inches from the original ground level. Fill the hole with water and allow it to soak in. Remove your plant from its pot by squeezing the sides and gently tugging the root ball from the pot. Gently tease the roots at the bottom apart before placing in the hole, then replace the rest of the soil and firm it up around the plant. Water it in well, then top with at least 2 inches of mulch. AN IMPORTANT NOTE: Usually, the soil will sink as it settles. Ensure that the crown of the vine is still located just below the surface of the soil.(THIS IS IMPORTANT IN OUR COLDER CLIMATES). This will require some topping up quite likely. If the hole has sunken in quite a bit, then gently take a small spade and remove the plants with some soil still around it and put more mixed soil in the hole then replant it. Cover then with your composted leaves, mulch and rocks. Clematis will enjoy and thrive on compost tea of manure or alfalfa pellets several time a year. This will give the plant some nitrogen needed to produce green growth. If you don’t want to use organics then some Miracle Grow will do the same but be sure to follow the correct dilution in water before applying. Never fertilize with this when the grown is bone dry. Always water well before hand. |
| Clematis Etoile Violette |
| Everything you need to know to plant and grow your clematis ! by Peggy-Anne Pineau of Heirloom Roses. |
| aromatica "Joy Creek" |
