Training and Growing Clematis

Clematis is a beautiful flowering, climbing vine that's ideal for covering your fence or trellis. This prolific bloomer does require slightly more care and attention than some other plants, but its beauty and versatility make it well worth the extra effort it requires.

Clematis Types
There are hundreds of types of clematis for gardeners to choose from. Clematis flowers are found in a great variety of colors, in shades of blues, purples and pinks and even white. The degree of hardiness, bloom time and care required varies quite a bit among the different types of clematis, so be sure that the type you choose is suitable for your location, climate and gardening style. You can buy almost any variety of clematis online, but that doesn't mean it will thrive in your landscape. Check for winter hardiness, sunlight and soil preferences before you choose a variety. With so many cultivars available, there's a type of clematis that will thrive in almost any environment.

Planting Clematis
When considering where to plant your clematis, keep in mind that most varieties have quite a long lifespan, so the clematis you plant today could be growing and blooming eighty years from now. Clematis prefers full sun to partial shade, and neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Some clematis can be quite bushy at their bases, crowding out other plants, while others grow from a woody stem and will happily coexist with groundcover. As a rule, however, it's best to keep clematis on their own.

Once you've chosen a location, it's time to prepare the soil. Dig a hole that is at least six inches deeper than the root ball. Add some compost, and then place your plant in the hole. The top of the root ball should be six inches below ground level. Bacfill with topsoil, adding a handful of bone meal, then fill in the rest with compost. Water very thoroughly. It is essential to attach the vines securely yet gently to your trellis or fence to support your new plant.

Clematis Care
Clematis requires regular care and maintenance in order to thrive. It is important to keep your plant watered very well, to avoid letting the roots dry out. This is especially important during the warm summer months. You must be sure that the vines are well supported on the trellis or fence with soft ties, taking great care not to damage the stems, as this can make the plant vulnerable to disease. Some larger varieties of clematis can grow to look bare at the bottom, a problem that can be easily remedied by planting a lower-growing plant in front of your clematis.

Clematis are among the hungriest plants you can add to your landscape. Monthly fertilizing is recommended from early spring until the plants bloom. A good rose fertilizer is ideal for these plants. Pruning needs vary. All clematis should be deadheaded after the blooms fade. From there, the amount of pruning depends on your particular clematis variety. Some need the new growth trimmed after blooming, some require extensive pruning. Clematis are highly susceptible to disease, so getting rid of dead shoots is a high priority.

If you give your clematis the love and attention it requires, you will be rewarded with many seasons of glorious, showy color that will be a major focal point of your gardens.