Clematis Is Versatile, Easy To Grow And Beautiful
Here is everything you need to know about growing Clematis; Clematis is the queen of the flowering vines. Experienced gardeners know this. Even if you are new to gardening, Clematis is one plant you should consider for a sunny border, a trellis, or even your mailbox.
Clematis blooms are available in many shades of purple, white, pinks and reds and come in a variety of forms. Most varieties bloom from spring to summer, with the aptly named Autumn Blooming Clematis, extending the season well into the fall.
Cultural Requirements For Clematis
The number one rule for growing Clematis is that they require full sun locations. This means at least six hours per day.Anything less and the plant will not thrive and will probably be rather thin.
Clematis prefer cool root systems. This is easy to accomplish with a ground cover companion planting. A two inch layer of mulch will also accomplish this.
Clematis are not difficult to grow but do require something to climb. Mailboxes, fences, pergola posts and trellis all make suitable anchors. Even a dead, high-cut stump will work.
Pruning Clematis Vines
When to prune Clematis depends upon when it flowers. For the sake of simplicity, Clematis plants are generally divided into three groups.
Group I blooms in early spring from buds set last year on old wood. These varieties do not die back in the winter. These plants should be not be pruned until after they flowers and then only sparingly. Focus on removing dead wood and tidying up the plant.
Group II blooms includes varieties that rebloom, meaning they bloom on old wood in the late spring and then again on new wood in the late summer. In early spring, remove any dead wood and prune the remaining stems back 6”-8” to a pair of strong buds. Doing this will encourage new growth for flowers later in the season but not remove promising buds for the early bloom.
Group III varieties die back to the ground in winter and then flower on new wood. In early spring, prune these plants back to within 12” of the ground. Clematis in this group will re-grow back to their mature size quickly and flower on the new growth. The best way to know which group your plant is in it is best to consult the plant tag that was on the plant when you purchased it, consult the nursery where you bought it, or look it up on a Clematis nursery website.
Some Favorite Varieties Of Clematis
Clematis ‘Mrs. Robert Brydon’
This graceful ground cover or vine features blue and white starry flowers in large clusters from July to September with contrasting dark green foliage.
Flower Color: Purple
Pruning Group: 3
Clematis ‘Betty Corning’
This delightful vine features slightly fragrant bell-shaped pale lilac flowers from
June to September. New spring foliage is tinted bronze before maturing to dark green.
Flower Color: Lilac
Pruning Group: 3
Clematis ‘Duchess of Albany’
An outstanding vine worthy of royalty, features tulip-shaped deep pink flowers with darker pink bands and yellow stamens from July-September.
Color: Deep Pink
Group: 3
Clematis pitcheri
Native to SW United States, Clematis pitcheri features dull- purple to brick red bell shaped flowers on wiry brown stems.
Color: Purple
Group: 3
Clematis ‘Henryi’
A climbing vine. Features eight-sepaled white flowers with purplish anthers. Blooms occur in the early summer and again later in the summer.
Color: White
Group: 2
Clematis x ‘Jackmanii’
The most popular and reliable of the Clematis vines. Showy deep purple-violet flowers cover this climbing vine most of the summer. Excellent for trellises, fences, or on rock walls.
Color: Purple -Blue
Group: 3
