Clematis is a garden favourite blossoming vine that is low maintenance, compact and easy to grow. With single and double flower varieties as well as small to large flowers, the star-like flat open discs or nodding bells come in a wide assortment of colours and petal textures.
Add a beautiful Clematis climber along an arbour, fence, pergola, trellis or wall. Or keep things lively by training them to grow on a tree, shrub or alongside climber roses. Like any variety of climber plant, Clematis will search for something to wrap its leaves around and if it does not find something the plant will stop growing.
It is important to note that a clematis vine does not climb by twining around something. Clematis climbs by wrapping its short leaf stems around something – so you will want to be sure that the wire/rod/branches for climbing are no more than 1/2″ in diameter for the leaf stem to twist around. Easy options for Clematis to grab onto include fishing line, thin branches, twine, wire, dowels, or rods. The more climbing opportunities the better, so even if you plan on using a beautiful trellis or arbour, consider adding some “helper” lines.
Now that you have decided on incorporating Clematis into your landscape that are three important factors to consider: Plant Height, Flower Type and Care.
Plant Height: You will notice from the extensive list of Clematis varieties below, that plant height can range from 4 feet to 13 feet. So be sure to choose a variety that works for the structure you plan on supporting it with.
Flower Type: Clematis standard flowers bloom with 6-7 petals, some smaller blossoms, some double blossoms, or even bell-like flowers. Colours range from deep hues to pale pastels- reds, pinks, purples and yellow.
Clematis Care:
Sunlight: Every variety is different, however Clematis, for the most part, will be happiest in a sunny spot with at least six hours of sun each day. However, if you choose a pale-coloured flower, they can easily be bleached by the strong afternoon sun, so partial shade would be ideal.
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline. Once you dig a hole for your Clematis, add lots of compost and granular organic fertilizer (follow amount directions on label).
Water: Once a week you should be watering your Clematis for the first season of its planting. Adding mulch 2-3” away from the base of the plant will assist in conserving moisture.
Pruning: To encourage a bushy vine with a lot of flowers, prune your Clematis in early spring every year. Cut back all the old stems to the lowest pair of live buds. If not pruned this group often produces straggly plants with only a few blooms at the top.
