Clematis vines are popular for their vibrant colours and can be distinguished by their large-flowered hybrids and smaller species. Clematis thrive in fertile, well-drained soil and require regular watering and fertilization. They prefer sunny locations with cool roots, which can be achieved using mulch or shade from other plants. Pruning varies by variety, based on blooming habits, and clematis vines need support like a trellis. Planting multiple varieties ensures continuous blooms.
This article is brought to you by Baseline Nurseries in London, Ontario, in partnership with Landscape Ontario. Let us dig into everything you need to know to grow these colourful climbers in your own garden!
HOW TO CHOOSE CLEMATIS FOR CONTINUOUS BLOOMS
To achieve continuous blooms with clematis, choose and plant different varieties that bloom at different times of the year. Here’s how you can proceed:
- Select Early Spring Bloomers: These clematis varieties bloom on last year’s growth. By including these in your garden, you can begin the blooming season early. They typically require pruning only to remove dead or weak branches after flowering.
- Include Mid-Spring to Early Summer Bloomers: These plants bloom on new growth in May, June, or July. Light pruning to strong buds in April will promote branching and fuller blooms. These varieties continue the show as the early spring bloomers are finishing.
- Add Late Season Bloomers: These varieties ensure that your garden remains colourful through the late summer into fall. They can be pruned back hard in early April, encouraging fresh growth and blooms later in the year.
- Mix Various Types: Integrate both large-flowered hybrids and smaller-flowered species for diversity in size and colour. This not only covers different blooming seasons but also adds varying forms and vibrant colours to the garden.
By strategically choosing and planting clematis varieties that bloom at different times, you can enjoy a garden full of continuous colour throughout the growing season.
EASY-TO-GROW CLEMATIS VARIETIES
Here are some easy-to-grow clematis varieties that are well-suited for various garden conditions:
- Clematis ‘Jackmanii’: Known for its vigorous growth and abundant deep purple flowers, ‘Jackmanii’ is a classic large-flowered hybrid that is easy to grow and very popular. It blooms in mid to late summer.
- Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’: This variety is ideal for shady spots, showcasing large pale pink flowers with deep pink stripes. It’s both hardy and adaptable, blooming in late spring and again in late summer.
- Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’: A viticella type, this clematis is robust and resilient, offering a mass of small, deep purple flowers. It blooms from mid-summer to fall and is excellent for training over arbors or trellises.
- Clematis ‘Blue Light’: Known for its double blue flowers, ‘Blue Light’ prefers cooler environments and displays a long blooming period from late spring through summer.
- Clematis montana: A mountain clematis that is vigorous and reliable, producing a profusion of white or pink flowers in late spring. It’s particularly great for covering large areas quickly.
These varieties are not only beautiful but also forgiving and adaptable, making them ideal choices for gardeners seeking minimal maintenance requirements.
BEST TIME TO PLANT CLEMATIS
In climates such as ours in London, Ontario. The best time to plant clematis is either in the early spring or early fall. Planting during these times allows clematis to establish roots while the weather is mild and before the summer heat or winter cold sets in. During spring, the soil is warming up which helps in root growth, and in fall, the cool weather supports the settling of roots without the stress of hot weather.
How should I care for clematis in different seasons?
Caring for clematis involves different tasks and considerations throughout the seasons to ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms:
Spring:
- Planting: If planting new clematis, spring is a suitable time.
- Pruning: Identify the clematis group and prune accordingly. Early spring bloomers need minimal pruning, while others may require more.
- Fertilizing: Start fertilizing as new growth appears to support robust growth and flowering.
Summer:
- Watering: Ensure regular watering, especially in dry periods, to keep the root ball moist.
- Shade: Provide shade to the plant’s roots, either with mulch or companion plants, to help maintain cooler soil temperatures.
- Support: Check and secure trellises or supports, as clematis vines can grow vigorously in summer.
Fall:
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to protect roots through the winter.
- Pruning: For late-blooming varieties, prune hard to encourage growth in the upcoming season.
- Fertilizing: Stop fertilizing as fall approaches to allow the plant to begin dormancy.
Winter:
- Protection: Some varieties may benefit from additional protection, especially in harsh climates. Consider covering roots with an extra layer of mulch or insulating material.
- Pruning: Avoid pruning in winter as this can stimulate growth during cold periods, which can be damaging.
By attending to these seasonal tasks, your clematis will continue to thrive and offer stunning displays throughout the year.
SOIL PREPARATION FOR CLEMATIS
Here are some tips for preparing soil for planting clematis:
- Select Well-Drained Soil: Clematis prefer fertile, well-drained soil to thrive. Ensure that your planting area does not retain too much water.
- Enhance with Enriched Soil Mix: Dig a hole four to five inches deeper than the root ball depth and fill with an enriched soil mix. This improved soil will support healthy root growth.
- Adjust Soil pH if Needed: Clematis benefit from slightly alkaline conditions. You can achieve this by applying horticultural lime around the root ball regularly.
- Mulching: Use mulch to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and keep the roots cool.
- Fertilization: Regularly incorporate organic fertilizer to maintain soil structure and nutrients, supporting robust plant growth.
- Consistent Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during dry periods, to prevent the root ball from drying out.
HOW TO PLANT CLEMATIS IN DIFFERENT EXPOSURE CONDITIONS
When planting clematis in different exposure conditions, consider the following tips to ensure healthy growth:
- Sunny Locations:
- Clematis generally prefer sunny spots where they can bloom profusely. Ensure that the top of the plant receives adequate sunlight for optimal flowering.
- However, provide shade for the base of the plant to keep the roots cool. This can be achieved by planting nearby leafy shrubs, perennials, or using mulch.
- North- or East-Facing Exposures:
- Some clematis varieties can adapt to lower light conditions found in north- or east-facing exposures. These varieties may still bloom well despite reduced sunlight.
- Choose clematis varieties known for their adaptability to these exposures, such as the ‘Nelly Moser’.
- Hot Climates:
- In excessively hot environments, clematis may suffer. Provide afternoon shade if possible to protect them from intense heat.
- Optimize watering to prevent the root ball from drying out and use mulch to help regulate soil temperature.
HOW TO PRUNE CLEMATIS PLANTS
Pruning clematis varies based on the bloom time of each variety. Understanding the blooming habits is crucial for effective pruning:
- Early Spring Bloomers: These varieties flower on last year’s growth. Pruning should be minimal, focusing on removing dead or weak branches after flowering to tidy up the plant.
- Mid-Spring to Summer Bloomers: These bloom on new growth in May, June, or July. Light pruning to strong buds in April is recommended to promote branching.
- Late Season Bloomers: Blooming from July through the fall, these can be pruned back hard in early April to just above a good set of buds, typically around 30 cm above the ground.
Proper support like a trellis or archway is also essential for clematis growth, and pruning helps manage their size while encouraging healthy blooms.
BEST COMPANION PLANTS THAT PROVIDE SHADE FOR CLEMATIS ROOTS
Here are some companion plants that can provide shade for clematis roots while complementing their growth and beauty:
- Hostas:
- Hostas are excellent for providing ground-level shade. They have large, leafy foliage that can shield the clematis roots from direct sunlight.
- Daylilies (Hemerocallis):
- Daylilies have lush foliage and colourful blooms that can offer partial shade to the base of clematis plants while adding visual interest to your garden.
- Ferns:
- Ferns are particularly well-suited to shaded areas and can help cool the soil around clematis roots with their dense foliage.
- Heuchera (Coral Bells):
- Heuchera features vibrant leaves that can protect clematis roots from excessive heat and sunlight, while also enhancing the aesthetic of the garden bed.
- Lavender:
- Lavender, with its fragrant foliage and purple flowers, can act as a ground cover that shelters clematis roots and attracts beneficial pollinators.
Choosing the right companion plants not only provides the necessary shade but can also create a visually appealing and harmonious garden space.
GUIDELINES FOR WATERING CLEMATIS WITH COMPANIONS
Watering clematis with companion plants requires careful attention to ensure that both the clematis and its companions thrive. Here are some guidelines:
- Consistent Moisture:
- Clematis needs regular watering to prevent the root ball from drying out, especially during dry spells. Companion plants like hostas and ferns also appreciate consistent moisture, making them well-suited as partners.
- Deep Watering:
- Water deeply to ensure that the moisture reaches the roots of the clematis and companion plants. This encourages deep root growth and enhances drought resistance.
- Morning Watering:
- Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow the plants to absorb moisture before the day’s heat. This helps both clematis and companions maintain hydration throughout the day.
- Mulching:
- Use mulch around the base of your clematis and companion plants to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
- Avoid Overwatering:
- While moisture is essential, overwatering can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage and check soil moisture levels before watering.
- Adjust for Environment:
- Depending on the exposure conditions (sunny, shaded, etc.), adjust the watering frequency accordingly. Shadier areas may require less frequent watering compared to sun-exposed spots.
By following these guidelines, you can maintain a healthy, flourishing garden with clematis and its companion plants.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Clematis can become an amazing focal feature in your garden. Whether you are trying to bring life to flat and uninteresting wall or fence, or you want them to cover an arbour, either way these amazing vibrant plants will add height and colour to any garden. The large colourful blooms will surely impress. By selecting the right variety, providing optimal soil, and watering conditions, and mastering the art of pruning, you can enjoy breathtaking clematis beauty for years to come.
At Baseline Nurseries, we are proud to be your go-to destination for all things gardening. For over 50 years, our dedicated staff has been helping London and surrounding areas grow beautiful landscapes. We specialize in a wide range of native and ornamental trees, shrubs, perennials, and large caliper trees—everything you need to create your own outdoor masterpiece. Our knowledgeable team has a deep love for trees and gardening, and we take great care in nurturing plants from seedling to sapling and beyond.
In addition to clematis, you’ll find an extensive selection of garden favourites, fertilizers, grass seed, top dressing soil and everything necessary to create a lawn that’s the envy of your neighborhood. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
So, why not stop by Baseline Nurseries for all your gardening needs? Let us help you cultivate the garden of your dreams. See you soon!
