Clematis is a stunning vine that graces gardens with a burst of colourful blooms. With a wide range of varieties available, the Clematis offers a range of hues, from deep purples and vibrant pinks to delicate whites and blues. Clematis is a surefire way to add vertical interest and vibrant beauty to your garden.
Planting Calendar
Spring is the best time to plant Clematis so that they can get establish before the heat of summer.
Harvest In
Clematis flower in Spring
Prepare
A newly planted clematis needs some time to settle in. It may take two or three growing seasons for the plant to reach full blooming size.
Position
Clematis will grow in partial shade, but flower best in full sun. Clematis like to climb up into the sun but their roots must be cool and shaded. Plant beneath a tree in the shade and let it climb up into the sun.
Soil
When planted into the ground Clematis prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Plant
Clematis unlike most plants like to be planted deeper into the soil, position the plant so that it sits about 5cm below the soil surface. This helps keep the roots cool. When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets, then mix together then backfill the hole with this soil. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
Care
Watering
Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods. Clematis do not like to dry out.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden. Clematis will also appreciate a little Lime being added into the soil in late winter.
Protecting
Clematis are susceptible to "wilt", which is a fungal disease that enters the plant at the soil line. It causes some or all of the plant's leaves and stems to suddenly turn black. Though the disease damages the plant for the current growing season, in most cases it will return the next year.
Mulching
Due to Clematis liking its roots to be cool, mulching will be beneficial. Make sure that they mulch is not right up against the stem of the plant.
Pruning
Group 1 - Consists mainly of early flowering species and evergreen Clematis plus the Montana hybrids. Prune lightly if at all. This group blooms on old wood (growth from previous seasons), so if needed, prune them right after blooming. Clean up these vines lightly in early spring by removing any dead wood. Group 2 - Prune lightly - Consists of early flowering, large flowered hybrids. Flat, single, semi-double or double flowers will appear on previous season's wood/stems and on new shoots from early to late summer. Generally, the second flush of flowers is single even on semi-double or double varieties. Prune before new growth starts in early spring. Remove any damaged stems and cut back all other stems to where there are obvious new leaf buds. Group 3 - Prune Hard - Consists of late large flowered cultivars with outward facing, flat, single flowers that are borne on new shoots in summer or early autumn. Flowers can vary but are often star shaped. Prune in early spring before new growth starts removing all of the previous season's stems down to a pair of leaf buds approx. 15-30cm above soil level.
Beginner Tip
Clematis are rapid tendril climbers and will need some sort of frame, fence or a tree to climb up or along.
Expert Tip
If your clematis ever outgrows its space, you can cut back the entire plant to a height of 12cm. This can be done in autumn. Stray vines may also be trimmed back any time during the growing season.
Tip
Though Clematis are very deep rooted plants take care when weeding close to the root area as the roots and also the plant stems are vulnerable to damage. The stems can be quite brittle and will split easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water Clematis?
Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods. Clematis do not like to dry out.
When is the best time to prune Clematis?
1 - Consists mainly of early flowering species and evergreen Clematis plus the Montana hybrids. Prune lightly if at all. This group blooms on old wood (growth from previous seasons), so if needed, prune them right after blooming. Clean up these vines lightly in early spring by removing any dead wood. 2 - Prune lightly - Consists of early flowering, large flowered hybrids. Flat, single, semi-double or double flowers will appear on previous season's wood/stems and on new shoots from early to late summer. Generally, the second flush of flowers is single even on semi-double or double varieties. Prune before new growth starts in early spring. Remove any damaged stems and cut back all other stems to where there are obvious new leaf buds. 3 - Prune Hard - Consists of late large flowered cultivars with outward facing, flat, single flowers that are borne on new shoots in summer or early autumn. Flowers can vary but are often star shaped. Prune in early spring before new growth starts removing all of the previous season's stems down to a pair of leaf buds approx. 15-30cm above soil level.
Why are the leaves on my Clematis turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can indicate a lack of nutrients, overwatering, or poor drainage. Ensure the plant has well-drained soil and feed it regularly.
How long does it take for Clematis to bloom?
Clematis can take 2-3 years to establish and begin blooming profusely, though some varieties may bloom in their first year.
How do I protect Clematis from pests and diseases?
Regularly check for common pests like aphids and slugs. Treat with appropriate insecticides or natural remedies. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.