| |
Choosing a site:
The
ideal site for a clematis is one which retain
moisture throughout the growing season but will
not become waterlogged during winter. These
conditions can be created by adding peat and
compost to the soil when planting and providing
shade for the roots in the form of gravel, bark,
or, more naturally, other plants.
Planting:
When you have selected the position for your
clematis dig a large hole (ideally 18ins x18
x18) and fork over the sides and base to improve
drainage.
Add a few handfuls of bonemeal, two spadefuls
of peat and plenty of well-rooted manure or
garden compost if available. Cover with a 2in
layer of peat mixed with garden soil, or John
Innes No.3 compost if your soil is poor. 
If you have chosen a large flowing cultavar
these need to have 4in of stem below soil level
– all other species need only 1ins below ground.
Herbaceous clematis do not need to be planted
deeply.
If the plant is dry, place the plant in a bucket
of water for 30mins before planting. Fill in
the hole with more garden soil, compost or John
Innes No.3 plus another handful of bonemeal
and firm carefully being careful not to tread
too close to the stems.
Water thoroughly – about two gallons. Two clematis
may be placed in the same hole but for sanity’s
sake it is advisable that they both belong to
the same pruning group.
Feeding:
Clematis have huge appetites. Lightly hoe a
good general fertiliser into the ground around
the clematis in the spring, carefully avoiding
the stems. Follow this with an alternate weekly
feed of tomato fertiliser and Phostrogen or
Miraclegrow (or similar), making sure the ground
has been well watered first so the feed goes
down to the roots rather than running of the
dry surface. However once the buds starts to
form, stop the feeding as this will shorten
the following season.
In the case of Group 2 clematis, when the first
flush is over resume feeding until the later
buds appear.
An autumn mulch of well rooted manure plus bonemeal
is always appreciated.
Watering:
Watering is of prime importance. In the first
two years during the growing season regular
watering is required. "Wilt" is usually blamed
when a clematis starts to droop, however nine
times out ten the plant is in desperate need
for a good drink.
Pruning:
(Group 1) No regular pruning is required. If
space is limited tidy plant as soon as flowering
has finished.
(Group 2) No regular pruning is required. To
tidy the plant however start at the top of each
stem and cut just above a pair of buds discarding
the dead tip. Also remove any dead or damaged
stems.
(Group 3) Prune all stems back to 12in from
the ground in mid-February.
Pots and Containers:
All clematis except the most vigorous species
(armandii, montanas, tanguticas etc) can be
grown in containers. The containers must be
a minimum of 18in x 18 x 18.
After about three years it would be advisable
to remove from pots and plant them in the garden.
Where clematis can be grown:
Clematis are extremely versatile and can be
grown in tubs, over shrubs, through trees, with
other climbing plants (especially roses), and
up trellis, pergolas, walls and fences. Just
let your imagination run wild!
Composting with
worms
Passion
for peonies
Hosta hints
Growing Cymbidium
orchids
Growing
Phalaenopsis orchids
Succeed
with Primula auricula
Back to visits page
|
