How to Grow Clematis

Clematis are the most popular of all climbing vines. They are available in a vast variety of colours, species and types. Growing them is quite easy if you follow these guidelines.
 

Types of Clematis

Almost all Clematis are deciduous, but one Clematis armandii is evergreen. Evergreen clematis has long evergreen foliage and early spring blooming, fragrant white flowers. Deciduous clematis come in a variety of colours and flower sizes.
They are divided into three groups A, B and C, also called type 1,2 and 3,
Group A are the early spring bloomers that flower on old wood (previous years growth). They typically finish blooming by mid to late spring. Some of the more common species include Clematis armandii, Clematis montana and Clematis alpina
Group B bloom in spring and early summer. Flowers are produced on old and new wood. In other words, this years growth as well as last years growth. Most of the more colourful Clematis fall into this group
Group C produce flowers on new wood (this years growth). Blooms appear in late summer and fall.

 

Planting Clematis

Plant clematis in full sun, but the roots should be in shade to part shade. They tolerate many soils, but prefer moist, well drained soils. For new plantings, dig a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the pot. Clematis is one of the few plants that don't mind being planted a little deeper than normal. Amend the planting hole with bonemeal and other organics. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Pat down the soil to remove air pockets. Water deeply to get the plant established. Using a Liquid Transplant Fertilizer with your watering is also a good idea.
 

Watering Clematis

Water Clematis regularly and deeply. Water more often during the heat of the summer
 

Fertilizing Clematis

Clematis appreciate a regular fertilizing program. Fertilize with an all purpose plant food, or preferably a fertilizer designed for Vines and Climbers like our GardenPro Perennial and Vine food. Fertilize once in early spring, before new growth begins. Do a second application later in the season. Don't fertilize once summer begins to allow the plant to slow down its growth.
 

Pruning Clematis

Pruining Clematis can be intimidating to new gardeners, but it is not that complicated. If you do it wrong, the plant will survive, but flowering may be deferred or delayed.  Failure to prune will result in a lanky, rangy plant with blooms only in certain locations on the plant. The key is to understand that Clematis are divided into three pruning Groups A, B and C that correspond to the types of Clematis
 

Pruning Group A

These plants flower on old wood (last years growth). The secret is to prune right after the plant finishes flowering. This gives the plant enough time to produce more stems and foliage before dormancy. To prune, cut to limit size or adjust shape, as well as to remove any dead, damaged or diseased wood. If you choose not to prune the impact will be minimal
 

Pruning Group B

Yearly pruning is essential with this group. These plants flower heavily early in the season and then bloom sporadically in the summer and fall. In late winter or early spring, prune all dead, damaged and diseased wood down to the ground. Cut back the rest of the plant to a pair of strong buds. After the first round of blooms, prune back to a pair of strong buds. This will give you more blooms in the summer and fall
 

Pruning Group C

To maintain health and appearance, pruning this group is essential. This group of Clematis dies back each year leaving a tangled mess of vines. As it produces flowers on the current years growth, prune it back to within 1-2ft of the ground in late winter or early spring