Clematis

Plant clematis in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5, keeping the root zone cool with mulch. Apply compost in spring and identify the pruning group before cutting, since bloom timing determines which stems to retain.

Sun

Sun on top, shade at roots

Water

1 in/week, even

Spacing

24 in

First harvest

Perennial vine; blooms year 1-3

Tips

• Plant large-flowered clematis with the crown 2-3 inches below soil level, but follow nursery depth guidance for other species, spacing vines at least 24 inches apart.
• Provide about 1 inch of water weekly and mulch the root zone without piling mulch against stems.
• Apply compost in spring and use a balanced fertilizer according to a soil test or label.
• Watch for sudden stem collapse from clematis wilt and cut affected stems back to healthy tissue.
• Prune according to the cultivar group, leaving old flowering wood on early-blooming types.