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18 July 2009
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Clematis

Plant a climber

Follow our advice on planting climbers and you'll quickly be able to cover up a bare wall or fence.

What to do

  • Dig out a planting hole about twice the size of the pot and half as deep again.
  • It needs to be about 30cm (12in) away from the wall or fence, to ensure the climber gets plenty of moisture - the soil can become very dry near the base of a wall.
  • Lightly fork the bottom of the hole. Knock the plant carefully from its container and if the roots look congested, tease them out gently.
  • Place in the bottom of the hole and make sure the hole isn't too deep or shallow.
  • Fill around the roots with soil and firm with your foot.
  • Water well and mulch with bark chippings to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.
  • Spread out stems and tie to the supports or trellis with garden twine.

Tip: Clematis should be planted 6cm (2.5in) beneath the surface, but the top of the root ball of other climbers should be at the same level as the top of the soil.

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Time needed


30 minutes

You will need

  • 1 climbing plant
  • Spade
  • Garden fork
  • Horticultural grit
  • Watering can
  • Mulch material
  • Garden twine

In Lifestyle

Climbers for small gardens
Taking clematis cuttings
Plant a hanging basket
Plant finder

Elsewhere on bbc.co.uk

Gardeners' Question Time
Gardeners' Corner

Elsewhere on the web

Royal Horticultural Society
National Gardens Scheme
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