Growing Clematis and the importance of planting, feeding and training

Growing Clematis

Autumn is the ideal time for planting; the soil is still warm enough to encourage the plant to develop a better root system before spring and you don't have the problem of regularly watering the plant before the roots get established.

Limey soils are ideal for growing clematis, but really they will grow in any good garden soil.

Cover the manure or compost with 10cm of soil. It is important that the new roots of the growing clematis should not come into direct contact with the manure or compost. Mix plenty of peat in with the returned soil. Do not add fertiliser if planting in the autumn.

If the plant has been pot grown and the root ball is dry, soak in a bucket of water for about an hour. All climbing plants should be placed at least 40cm from walls and 60cm from the base of a tree.

Unlike any other plant where you always plant to the same depth whether re-potting or re-planting, clematis require the crown of the root ball to be 10cm below soil level; this is if the plant succumbs to clematis wilt, (which kills of all the foliage above soil level), the plant will still survive to grow again the following year.

Planting to this depth also encourages extra roots and shoots to form below soil level. Tread the soil down carefully around the plant to firm it in and remove any air pockets, then water in well.

Because growing clematis like their roots in the shade and their heads in the sun, you can cover around the roots with a peat, manure or compost mulch, alternatively stones, tiles, gravel etc can be placed around the base of the plant.

A 15cm flower pot can be sunk near the base of the plant to assist in watering the plant, this method is also excellent for applying a liquid feed.

Wrapping a piece of wire netting around the base of the plant will protect it from careless gardening or the attentions of any pets or vermin.

Support

If growing clematis against a wall or similar flat surface then they will need the support of wires or netting, because unlike some climbers that have suckers such as ivy, clematis need a framework around which the leaves can twist.

Trellis has the advantage that it can be detached from the wall easily to allow for routine painting or other maintenance. Which ever form of support you choose at least 2.5cm must be allowed between the framework and the wall to allow the clematis to twine in and out as it grows upwards.

Natural supports can be particularly attractive e.g. train a late flowering clematis through an early flowering Rose or Wisteria. Clematis montana is ideal for growing through large trees and will not require pruning, growing quickly up to 18m.

Other large flowering hybrids are excellent for growing through shrubs

All the large flowered hybrids should be cut back to a pair of buds the first spring after planting, this encourages the plant to shoot from the base and provide a good fan of stems that will carry the flowers instead of a jumbled mass of stems at the top of one long stem.

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