Clematis - My Perfect Garden

Clematis

Clematis has been one of the most popular garden plants for hundreds of years. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans were great fans. Given the Clematis’s popularity ever since ancient times, many cross-variations have become available. There are all sorts of varieties, colours and sizes. There are even evergreen varieties.

How do I care for my Clematis?
In its natural setting, Clematis winds itself upwards along shrubs. You can mimic this best by using a bush a trellis or other climbing plant in your garden. To trail your Clematis along a trellis or fence, it is best to guide the plant occasionally. This can be done by guiding its new tendrils through the trellis or tying them onto the fence. The Clematis actually climbs upwards by wrapping its leaves around a branch. A fence is too large for this. Good pruning will also enhance richer growth. Make sure your Clematis gets plenty of sun. This will produce even better growth. However ensure that its base (lower section) does not get the full sun all day. You could cover this or plant it a little deeper.

When does the Clematis flower?
Flowering periods for different Clematis vary a great deal. The Evergreen Armandii and Avalanche start flowering in April. The Alpina and the Montana are next and usually start flowering in April/May. The large-flowering species flower after the small-flowering varieties. Some species within this group produce their blooms in early summer; others in the late summer. By growing a nice mix of various types of Clematis in your garden you can enjoy their beautiful flowers from early spring until late summer!

What is the best location for Clematis?
Climbing plants naturally grow from shade towards the sun. They start low as young plants and climb their way upwards. Most climbers thus do very well in both semi-shade as well as in full sun. This makes a climbing plant suitable for most locations in your garden, which is very useful! Take care not to have the base (bottom) of creepers exposed to full sunlight all day. Most plants will thrive better with more sun. This also applies to the Clematis.

Can I prune Clematis?
You certainly can, pruning is quite important for Clematis plants. As is the case for most plants, pruning is not crucial, but it does keep the plant under control and improves flowering. How and when you should prune depends on flowering times.

Small-flowering species like the Montana and the Alpina are best pruned in the summer. This is because they flower on old wood (branches of the previous year). In the summer you actually prune Clematis into shape for the following spring. Don’t forget to completely remove all of its old or dead branches.

Clematis species that flower in early summer do not necessarily need pruning. If you do decide to do this, it is best to do so after flowering in the autumn or winter. The varieties included in our ‘Our Choice’ selection are also in this group. These will normally have the longest flowering periods.

The summer flowering varieties need to be cut right back to about twenty centimetres above the ground every year. This is best done in early spring. Don’t be afraid to do this, the Clematis will grow back beautifully that same year!

Winter hardiness:
Good
Soil type:
Humus rich
Moisture levels:
Normal
Location:
Sun/semi-shade. More sun will help Clematis to produce more flowers. However protect the base of he plant from all day sun exposure.
Height:
Up to three (large flowering varieties) or six (small flowering varieties) metres.
Evergreen or deciduous:
Most are deciduous, except for evergreen Armandi and Avalanche.
Pruning:
Pending flowering period. To keep Clematis fresh and full, good pruning is important.
Fertilizing:
Apply humus/organic fertilizer in the spring
Flower:
Prolific blooms. Colour and size depends on variety. Some large flowering varieties have flowers of up to 15 cm in size!
Flowering period:
Depends on variety; spring or summer
Trivia:
In its natural setting, Clematis also commonly grows as a creeping groundcover, so if you want something different you can also use your Clematis as groundcover plant. This provides a beautiful sight when it is flowering!

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