Clematis
Clematis
Clematis are a stunning addition to any garden. There are hundreds of varieties to choose from: colors, size of flower, petal number, flat facing or bell-shaped, bloom time, and height. Clematis makes a statement on a trellis or climbing a tree. Clematis tendrils and airy vines add a whimsical touch to arrangements, both in flower and the seed pods.
How to Grow Clematis
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Beneficial Critters
Growing from Seed
Collect seeds when brown in fall. Plant in pots and set outside in December or cold stratify 3 months before sowing.
Planting Considerations
Clematis like cool feet: mulch base very well or use ground cover. Clematis is highly toxic to humans, cats, children, dogs, and horses if ingested. Fatalities are low due to immediate mouth pain. Can also cause contact dermatitis.
Feeding
Feed with a low-nitrogen fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Harvesting
Cut vines when terminal flower is in bud.
Pruning
Pruning depends on which group your clematis is in: Type 1 sets buds in fall and blooms in spring (old wood). One example is C. montana. Type 2 blooms on old and new wood. Prune in late winter/early spring. These are hybrids like C. x jackmanii and C. x hybrida. Type 3 are new wood blooming varieties like C. texensis and C. recta. These can be pruned to the ground in late winter.
