Common Name : Clematis

Latin Name : Clematis

Description : Clematis are famous for their spectacular summer display of purple blooms. Although there are hundreds of varieties of clematis available nationwide, from vining to shrub types, from white to red to purple, the purple “Jackman” outshines them all in our area, and has for decades.

Clematis may require a little help to get the vine started on the trellis each spring. The old vines must be pruned away each spring. But once established, a clematis can bloom for decades.

Clematis like their root kept cool. Perhaps for this reason, they are reputed to grow best on the east side. However, if the root is protected by mulch, or if the lower part of the plant is shaded by small shrubs or other plants, the Clematis will thrive on the south and west walls of a building as well.

Establishing a Clematis vine can be difficult, but by following a few basic guidelines, success can be within reach for any gardener.

•Dig a large hole, even as deep and wide as two feet if you really want to do it right. Fill the hole with peat or organic matter. The object is to create an ideal place for the root to spread out and remain healthy for twenty or more years.

•Strip the leaves off the bottom three inches of the plant. Be sure not to disturb the root ball when you remove the pot, or when you are planting. Plant the root ball about three inches deeper than the soil surface.

•Keep the vine trimmed to about six inches in height the first season. Pruning will force the plant to to develop the all-important root.

A trellis is necessary for a Clematis, but it needn’t be fancy. A swatch of chicken netting attached to the wall is sufficient. A chain link trellis works well.

Clematis in our area will die back to the ground in most winters. Some people have had luck laying the entire trellis on the ground, vines and all, and covering it up with leaves, or even a carpet. If the vine stems survive the winter, the display of bloom the next spring will be earlier and more spectacular.