"Ville de Lyon"

"Belle of Woking"

"The President"

Clematis (Ranunculaceae)

Hardiness Depends on variety
Bloom Time - April - Fall (depends on variety)
Colors - All colors
Foliage - Large, basil, stemmed
Size - Varies (some species climb to 25 ft.).
Exposure - Full sun with roots shaded

Culture - For years, I tried to grow clematis and never had any success. I finally learned that at least two key elements are required - specific planting requirements and PATIENCE! Long after I had given up on clematis that I had planted, up they rose like a phoenix from the ashes. Here are some planting tips that I have learned - choose a location where the upper part of your clematis can get 5-6 hours of sun but keep the lower part shaded. This can be achieved by applying a heavy mulch or by placing rocks, broken pottery or something similar at the base of the plant. Your soil should be rich in organic matter and well drained. Clematis like alkaline soil - a handful of lime or wood ashes added to your planting hole will be beneficial. Dig a 1' hole and lay the clematis in it at an angle and gently scoop your soil back it around it. Pay no attention to how the plant grew in the container and bury the lower portion of the clematis vine with the soil (it is like planting a tomato). Be sure that the clematis has a support to climb on - add a stick or piece of wood if there is any space between the plant and the support. Then just keep it well watered - several gallons of water a week won't be too much. It is important that water reach the roots (which are deep if you followed the directions above). It wouldn't hurt to put a piece of pvc pipe in the ground next to the clematis and water it through the pipe. Then just be patient! You may not see significant growth or blooms the first year but hopefully you will beginning the second year.

There are over 200 species of clematis and each have different characteristics as well as blooming times. Pruning clematis depends on the variety. For more in depth information, I suggest that you visit this Clematis web site (although this site originates in England, the information here is still beneficial, especially the pruning advice.)

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