GROWING GUIDE - CLEMATIS
Looking to grow beautiful, healthy clematis in your garden? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive growing guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from planting to harvest.
QUICK FACTS
- Sun Requirements: To Light
- Soil: Level
- Suitable for Canadian growing conditions
- Follow package instructions for best results
- Contact T&T Seeds for personalized growing advice
PLANTING
Clematis require a sturdy trellis or climbing structure, which should be in place before planting. They prefer full sun to light shade and should be planted in a protected location, avoiding strong winds and soggy areas.
Plant the crown 6 in. below soil level. Firm the soil and keep it moist but not wet.
To help maintain root health, shade the base with mulch (2 in. thick) using peat moss or bark.
TIMING
Choose a sunny spot for planting, as clematis require at least six hours of sunlight daily to reach their full blooming potential. Some cultivars, such as ‘Nellie Moser’ and ‘Henryii,’ will tolerate partial shade.
SOIL & WATERING
• Clematis thrive in moist, well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline in pH. If the soil is acidic, add limestone or wood ash periodically.
• Before planting, dig a deep hole, working in compost and granular organic fertilizer.
• Water deeply but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
FERTILIZING
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer at planting and continue feeding throughout the growing season to encourage healthy growth and blooms.
PRUNING & WINTER CARE
• Clematis commonly die back in winter. Prune dead wood in spring.
• In areas with harsh winters, lay the vine down in late fall, cover it with leaves, and lift it back onto the trellis in spring.
SUPPORT
Clematis are natural climbers. The vine’s growing tips need a structure to latch onto, or they will stop growing. Ensure a trellis or support is available from day one.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PERENNIAL CARE SEE: TIPS FOR PERENNIALS
READY TO START GROWING?
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2 comments
Do you have any tips regarding boxelder bugs invading the house?
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T&T Seeds replied:
Boxelder bugs can be such a nuisance! The good news is they’re mostly harmless, but when they start sneaking into the house in large numbers, it can definitely feel overwhelming.
They usually head indoors in late summer and fall looking for a warm place to overwinter. The best long-term solution is prevention. sealing up small cracks around windows, doors, siding, and foundations makes a big difference. Even tiny gaps can be an open door for them.
If they’re already inside, the easiest way to deal with them is simply vacuuming them up. Try not to squash them, as they can leave stains and a bit of an odor.
Outside, it helps to clear away leaf piles, debris, and stacked firewood close to the house since those spots give them a place to gather before moving in. If you have boxelder or maple trees nearby, keeping fallen seeds cleaned up can also help reduce the numbers.
In heavier infestations, some homeowners choose to apply an exterior treatment around entry points in late summer, or consult a local pest control professional for advice.
I hope that helps a little! They’re persistent little visitors, but with a few preventative steps, you can usually keep them under control.
We have a large clematis on the south side of our house. Last 2 years the plant has been devastated by aphids. I’ve looked into lady bugs to buy or can I cut it right back to about 4’ tall and dust it with bug spray?