Tools and Materials
Materials
How to Grow Clematis
Growing and caring for clematis is easy if you keep a few things in mind. Read ahead to discover which variety to choose and tips on planting and pruning your clematis.
Choose a Clematis Variety
There are hundreds of varieties of clematis you can introduce to your landscape. Alpine Clematis blooms in early summer in shades of blue, white and lavender, while the Bee’s Jubilee Clematis blooms in late spring and has deep pink flowers banded with red.
From the summer blooming to the fall blooming type, you can choose a few different varieties to add a bit of color to your garden in spring, fall and summer.
Lowe’s also offers live plant delivery, allowing you to have plants delivered directly to your home.
Where to Plant Clematis
Clematis is a perennial vine that thrives in containers and the garden. Most varieties are vining types and require specific conditions to flourish. Plant your clematis in a place with loose soil and plenty of sunlight.
Clematis is known to be harmful to pets. Be careful when choosing this plant variety and do not let your pets near it.
Preparing the Soil
The clematis plant prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Some varieties are more drought-tolerant and can handle dry soil better than others. Before planting, work compost into the soil to help provide nutrients to the plant.
Planting
With the help of a shovel, dig a hole in the ground about twice the size of the root ball and gently place the plant in the hole. Backfill with soil and press down firmly.
Watering
Water your clematis plant weekly to help the plant thrive and establish a strong root system. Keep the soil moist and not soggy.
Optimal Sunlight
Clematis plants love the sun and need at least six hours of daily sunlight. The plant's leaves flourish in constant sunlight, but the root system needs to be cool. Planting the roots about 4 inches deeper into the soil will provide the necessary conditions.
Mulching
Add a layer of mulch near the plant's roots to keep them cool. The mulch will help conserve moisture and prevent the soil from drying up.
How to Care for Clematis
Once rooted, taking care of a clematis plant is relatively easy. To take proper care of your clematis plants, follow these measures:
Use a Fertilizer
Clematis plants require regular fertilization. Use a low-concentrate nitrogen fertilizer made for flowering plants. Feed your plant two to three times a year and before every blooming cycle.
Always wear protective gear, such as a mask, rubber gloves and shoes, when handling fertilizers.
Pruning
Most varieties of clematis will bloom on old and new wood. It mainly depends on the specific variety of your plant. Using pruning shears to trim the plant effectively is an essential step in learning how to care for clematis. The clematis plants are divided into three main classes when it comes to pruning.
Type 1: Certain species, like Alpine, will bloom on old wood only. So, if you want to prune them, do it right after blooming. Just be careful not to cut off any new growth.
Type 2: Vines like Bee’s Jubilee bloom on old and new wood. Light pruning is done in late winter or early spring for this type of plant.
Type 3: Varieties like Viticella and Jackmanii grow only on new wood and require proper pruning every spring to prevent overgrowth.
Clematis can be toxic to humans if ingested. Always wear gloves when handling these plants to ensure safety.
Soil and Water Conditions
Clematis should be kept moist, but they shouldn’t sit in water. Consistency with your watering schedule is essential for optimal plant growth. Water your plant when the top 1-inch layer of soil is dry to the touch. Clematis also likes neutral soils, so if your soil is acidic, add lime periodically to balance its pH levels.
Understanding how to grow clematis is essential for proper care and healthy plant growth. By providing the right support, you can ensure that the clematis plant thrives in your garden.