Growing Clematis

Clematis prefer a loam soil rich in organics, which is well-drained yet moist. When planting, choose a site which will receive adequate moisture at all times, as clematis use large amounts of water. Avoid planting clematis under the roof eaves of buildings. This area is generally too dry. Dry sites are probably the number one cause of transplanting failure. If you want to train your clematis against a wall, plant it beyond the dripline of the eave and train it in to your trellis.

Dig the planting hole 20 cm (8 in.) deep and 30-40 cm (1 ft +) wide. Fill the hole with rich soil, hopefully with good compost worked in. Add a handful of bonemeal, as this is rich in phosphorous, which aids in early root development and a handful of blood meal for a slow release form of nitrogen for top growth. The crown of the plant should be placed several inches below the surface of the soil. These buried stems will produce their own roots and if the stem is broken or attacked by clematis wilt the buried buds will send up healthy replacement stems. Clematis prefer a sweet soil (pH 6-6.5 is ideal). Have your soil tested or purchase a pH kit. If the soil is acidic add agricultural lime to the soil. A rule of thumb is to make the ground white with no actual thickness. Repeat every 6 years.

Mulch with shredded bark or other suitable material. Water the plant in well. A water soluble fertilizer or manure tea can be used at this time. If you use a granular fertilizer be sure it is not overly high in nitrogen and apply sparingly on the soil surface only. Keep your plant well watered, but not soggy, until it is established. Keep your plant weeded and maintain a light mulch covering so that the roots stay cool and moist. Clematis generally prefer a sunny location although some shade is tolerated and some varieties will have more intense color in partial shade.

Clematis grow by twining tendrils around whatever they meet. They can be grown against walls or up poles if some means of support is given such as a trellis or wires. Clematis can be used to good effect by planting so that they can grow up trees or against shrubbery. As well, they can be trained as groundcovers by using a frame of wood or wire to keep them slightly above the soil surface.

Clematis are a varied group and slightly different pruning methods are used according to the variety. For ease of understanding we have divided the varieties into 2 main groups.

Jackmannii and Viticella Group:

This group flowers during the summer on new wood only. These should be pruned 30 cm (1 ft.) from the ground in very early spring. This group includes varieties such as Bee's Jubilee, Comtesse de Bouchard, Ernest Markham, Gipsy Queen, Huldine, Jackmanii, Lady Betty Balfour and Ville de Lyon.

Patens, Languinosa and Florida Group:

This group produces larger flowers on the last year's wood in late spring, then smaller blossoms on the new wood during the summer. Prune back dead wood until green is encountered in the stem. Leave all live wood. If some thinning is necessary on older plants, prune immediately after the early blooms are done. Varieties include Duchess of Edinburgh, Elsa Spaeth (Xerxes), Henryi, Miss Bateman, Ramona (hybrida sieboldii), Silver Moon, and William Kennett.

As to how you say "clematis" - Clem' a tis or cle ma' tis -- it's up to you. Both pronunciations are accepted by the dictionary.