Clematis are popular flowering vines that come in various species and varieties, some of which are U.S. natives. They can be woody, deciduous vines or shrubs, and bloom in different seasons. Clematis vines produce spectacular flowers in shades of purple, pink, red, and white. Many clematis are vigorous growers and can reach 18 -20 feet tall. These beautiful flowering vines grow if you follow these simple steps for growing beautiful clematis in your own garden…

1. Select the Right Planting Site – Clematis prefers full sun to grow and bloom properly. Grow in fertile, well-drained, and cool soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. That means provide cooling shade for the roots with mulch or low-growing perennials or groundcovers.

2. Provide Trellising Support – Many clematis are climbers and need support to grow. Use a trellis, fence, or any other vertical structure to support the plant. Add the support system before planting the clematis to avoid damaging the tender vine roots.

3. Mulch Around the Plant – organic mulches helps to retain soil moisture and cooling shade to roots. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base of the plant but avoid covering the stems.

4. Proper Pruning Is key – In early spring, cut back dead and weak stems to promote new growth. Prune lightly after the first blooming period to encourage a second round of blooms. (See pruning tips below).

5. Water Regularly to provide consistent moisture during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure to soak the soil around the roots. Avoid getting the foliage wet to prevent fungal diseases.

6. Fertilize Regularly – Use a balanced granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 in early spring and again in early summer or water-soluble 20-20-20 every 3 – 4 weeks. Do not overfertilize clematis; when in doubt whether to feed or not, DON’T!

7. Protect from Pests and Diseases such as aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests, and fungicides to prevent diseases.

8. Choose the Right Variety that is well-suited to your plant zone and growing conditions.

Pruning Categories

Group 1 (Early Bloomers) bloom early in the season, so you can begin trimming, reshaping, cleaning, and deadhead vines shortly after they bloom; vines continue growing throughout the growing season and readies them for the next season. Very little pruning is required.

Group 2 (Early Summer Bloomers) produce flowers on the previous year’s growth and a second smaller flush of flowers later in the summer. Vines flower twice in a single year under ideal conditions.

In late winter or early spring when buds begin to swell, remove any broken, unruly, or dead vines from the plant. That’s it! Following spring blooming, cut back a third of last year’s growth to about 12 inches from the soil. Leave at least one strongly growing bud on each vine.

Group 3 (Midsummer through Fall Bloomers) includes an extensive collection of hybrids commonly found in retail centers. A popular example is Clematis jackmanii (shown above), which has large purple flowers. In early spring cut back old entire plants to about a foot above soil level; new growth will bring new flowers in late spring.