Clematis

Clematis is a vining perennial. Perennial means that a plant will come up year after year. With proper care, clematis will provide your yard a brilliant show of color!

Types of Clematis

There are three basic types of clematis; ones that produce flowers on this year's growth (new wood); ones that produce flowers on the previous year's growth (old wood); and those that produce flowers on both new and old growth.

Location

Clematis require a site that will recieve at least one half day of direct sunlight. This helps in bud and bloom production, and in lowering susceptability to crown rot. Young clematis are extremely susceptable to crown rot, which is a disease. Crown Rot can usually be prevented by treating the plant with a garden or flower fungicide throughout the growing season.

The plants are also susceptable to any root disturbances. These can include animals digging arounf the roots, or growing in a low spot where water may collect.

Clematis like to have a cool root zone. Place a layer of mulch around the base of the plant or plant clematis bu shrubs, perennials, or annuals that will shade the root system.

Give clematis time to get a good root system established before you expect flowers. This may take a year or two. Double flowering varieties may take a bit longer.

Pruning

Clematis that flower on new growth should be heavily pruned every winter or early spring back to the first pair of leaf buds above the ground. This usually means 6"-8" above the ground.

The Second and third types of clematis, which flower on old, or old and new growth, are best pruned in early winter or spring. Prune lightly, which involves more judgment. Prune to reduce the plant to a manageable size or to revitalize. Trim lightly when it is necessary to retain vines. Light pruning is always preferred for clematis that flower only on old wood, because only a minimum of buds are removed.

Watering

Clematis need water, but not too much. Feel the soil between waterings. Plants that are too wet can be affected by crown rot. How often clematis need to be watered will depend on the weather.

Fertilizing

When planting clematis, fertilize with Dragon Plant Starterª according to label directions. After the vine is established, use fertilizer recommended for flowering plants.