For most people, when they think of clematis, they think of the star-shaped flowers of the popular clematis vine. Many people are unaware of the beauty of small-flowering and shrub types. Explore clematis to find out what it takes to make it flourish.
In USDA Hardiness Zones 4–8, clematis is a common perennial climber that thrives in full sun. Fences, walls, and trellises are all excellent uses for them.
A vast range of alternatives is available because clematis comes in a diverse range of colors, sizes, and forms. Sun or shade? Some are better in the sun, while others are better in the shadow. There are two distinct seasons for different sorts of flowers: spring and late summer. The correct clematis cultivars can provide a wide variety of vibrant blooms throughout the year.
Clematis Planting Time Table
Potted clematis should be planted in the spring or early fall, depending on the variety. Avoid planting in the height of summer, as the harsh sun and heat can hinder the establishment of the plant.
Choosing a Site for Planting
- When choosing an area to plant a tree, make sure the roots are well-shaded and cool, while the stems are exposed to full sunlight.
- At least six hours of direct sunlight are required by most kinds of clematis.
- Loose, well-draining soil is ideal for Clematis. Pre-plant the soil with heaps of compost.
Clematis can be grown from seed
- A planting hole twice the width of the pot should be dug.
- In order to avoid root rot, place the plant’s crown 2 to 3 inches below the surface of the soil.
- Put some mulch on top of the dirt to help keep the roots cool.
- Clematis vines require a trellis or other structure to grow on in order to thrive.
Clematis Gardening Tips
- Do not disturb the plant after it has been planted in the ground.
- Water the soil once a week for the first year to keep it moist. Keep the soil moist.
- After planting, use a liquid seaweed or fish emulsion fertilizer to help your plants thrive. In later years, use a granular organic fertilizer in the spring for fertilization.
- Compost around the plant in the spring.
- Remove any stems that are more than four years old from older plants in the spring.
The process of cutting back Clematis
Varied clematis cultivars require different pruning schedules, just like hydrangeas. There is a mixture of young and ancient timber that has bloomed.
Pests/Diseases
- Clematis wilt is the most dangerous illness. A fungus is to blame for the stem rot/leaf spot illness. Clematis hybrids with big flowers are the most commonly affected.
- Clematis is also vulnerable to powdery mildew, rust, and virus.
- Aphids, vine weevils, slugs/snails, scale insects, spider mites, and earwigs are some of the more common nuisance insects.
Species to Consider
Clematis has more than 200 varieties and hundreds of hybrids. Saucers, bells, tulips, doubles, and semi-doubles are all examples of these flower forms. Flowering plants with smaller blooms make up for their lack of stature with an abundance of their smaller counterparts. In addition, they have a longer flowering period.
‘Betty Corning’ Clematis viticella: This vine produces an abundance of bell-shaped, light-purple flowers throughout the summer. Winters bring the plant to its knees and each spring it bursts into an incredible growth spurt, reaching up to 10 feet tall. To keep it upright, you’ll need a tall pole or shrub, or tree.
Clematis heracleifolia a shrub that dies back to the ground each winter. New growth appears in the spring and by summer it has grown to a height and width of 4 feet and more. There are hyacinth-like blossoms on it towards the end of August, and it’s a beautiful sight.C. Tangutica features bell-shaped, bright yellow blooms. Silky seed heads are another attractive feature of this plant. The evergreen backdrop is a perfect choice for this piece.
‘Sweet Summer Love’ small bluish-purple blooms with white centers bloom in mid-summer on a 5-foot-tall plant. A severe winter is no match for this tree.
‘Lincoln Star’, a bi-color with raspberry blooms bordered in white, and ‘Elsa’ are two examples of clematis that bloom both early and late, on both old and new growth.
Spath‘, a prolific bloomer, produces a large number of solitary blue-purple flowers each year.
Wisdom and Humor
- There was an ancient Greek word for climbing vine that eventually became the English word clematis.
- Many clematis cultivars have fragrant blooms. The tender C. armandii is the most aromatic of the species.
- The buttercup family includes clematis (Ranunculaceae).
