How to Grow and Care for Clematis

Image source: Flickr

Clematis produce showy flowers, and some varieties can fill the air with their sweet fragrance. Different species bloom at different periods of the year. They are among the best climbing plants you can plant in your backyard. If you want to enjoy clematis blooms throughout the year, grow different species of this flowering vine into your yard. Their flower sizes range from small bells to broad dinner plates. Here are easy tips for planting and caring for clematis.

Types of Clematis Flowers

There are different varieties of clematis flowers bearing various growing features. Here are some of the best for your homestead;

‘The President’ Clematis

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The deep purple flowers of ‘The president’ clematis are the first picture people get when they think of clematis. This deciduous vine is a happy trellis climber that grows 8-10 feet high. It bears star-shaped flowers that can be as big as 18 cm wide. The blooms come in shades of deep violet-blue. It blooms twice a year, in late spring, early summer, and early autumn, bearing small flowers.

Clematis ‘Belle of Woking’

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This variety bears large star-shaped double flowers with a silvery-mauve color. You can grow it as a vine plant, and it can grow to about 12 feet tall. Its growing height makes it a perfect clematis for your trellis or fence. You can grow it as a ground cover together with other flowering perennials. It flowers twice, during late spring to mid-summer as well as late summer to early fall.

Fragrant Clematis (Sweet Summer Love)

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Fragrant clematis offers you all you want in flowers; sweet scent, showy flowers, and manageable growth and maintenance. This variety blossoms all summer long, and on hot humid days, their scent tends to hang in the air. The flowers reveal a cranberry hue and change to purple as they age. Sweet summer love growth height can range from 10 to 15 feet and spread to up to 10 feet wide. They make great choices for trellis beside a patio or an entry arch. 

Clematis ‘Fireworks’

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This climber produces bright purple and star-shaped flowers that can grow to about 8 inches wide. This climber can grow to 12 feet tall. Its petals have red stripes that descend to the center, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. Clematis ‘fireworks’ bloom in late spring and early summer. 

Clematis ‘Jackmanii’

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Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ is among the famous and easy to grow clematis varieties you can introduce to your yard. Its deciduous vines are covered by a mass of velvety dark purple blooms. The blooming period starts from early summer into fall. It’s a good choice for trellis, and you can train them to climb a fence, arbor, or wall.

Clematis Care & Maintenance

Once your clematis vines are established, they will require minimal care, except for watering them. The roots love to be cool. If you decide to do mulching, ensure to replenish the mulch each spring.

Clematis vines may also require pruning once in a while. Pruning clematis helps them remain attractive and flowery.  

Propagating Clematis

You can propagate clematis vines is by taking cuttings in the late spring. And prepare to plant in the summer when there is light, warmth, humidity, and time to nurture the plants.

Alternatively, grow clematis plants from seeds, but the growth rate will be slow. You can also divide and transplant mature vines if you have them.

Clematis Growth Conditions

Light

Clematis loves sunny regions. The vines should get at least 6 hours of sunlight for proper blooming. At the same time, the soil should be cool. You can maintain the coolness of the soil through mulching.

Soil

Whether you are planting them in containers or the ground, clematis thrives in well-draining soil. Before planting, you can amend the soil using compost.

Water

Watering should be about an inch once a week; increase the watering frequency during dry spells.

Clematis Pests and Diseases

Pests to watch for include aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Typical insecticides will treat the common problems.

Conclusion

Clematis is one of the best climber plants you can introduce to your yard. Identify your preferred combinations and introduce them today. Subscribe for more gardening tips.