Tips for Growing Clematis

I've always thought I live in a pretty harsh environment here on the prairie to grow clematis successfully. However, some gardeners have good success with them, so I have planted several in different areas of my garden. Although, I have lost a few, I do have a few that are finally starting to grow well. I have collected 6 tips for growing success with clematis.

1. Start with the soil. Clematis prefer slightly alkaline soil, so do a soil test. If your area is on the acid side your clematis will benefit from the addition of some lime. Dig a nice deep (18") and wide hole. Work in a lot of moisture holding compost. Set the young plants deeply, so that the first two leaf nodes will be underground. This will encourage the plants to send up more stems and you'll have a thicker plant.

2. Mulch. They always say "Head in the sun, feet in the shade" when it comes to clematis. Is that true? Well, yes and no. They do need cool, moist roots, but a 4-inch layer of mulch will do just as well as shade. Keep the mulch about 8" away from the stems, though, to prevent stem rot.

3. Make the cut. When pruning make the cut just above 2 strong buds. These buds will quickly develop into new vines. Make sure when you purchase a clematis you know what variety it is and what the pruning needs are for that particular variety are. Some need to be cut back to within a foot of the ground and others just need the tips pruned.

4. Watch closely for disease. Clematis wilt will cause a portion of your vine to wilt very quickly. It is caused by a fungus that enters the stem just above the soil line. The only cure is to cut the wilted stem off at the ground and dispose of it in the trash. There are treatments that you can use to prevent wilt from spreading. Also, some varieties of more resistant to wilt, but if you plant your clematis deeply and watch them carefully, you may never have the problem.

5. Feed a balanced diet. Clematis like to be well fed, but don't overfeed. A good plan would be to feed once a year, right after pruning with an all-purpose, granulated fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10.

6. Choose the right trellis. Clematis do not twin around a object. They climb by twisting petioles, or leaf stems. If your structure is too large, the leaf can't wrap around it. Anything over 3/4" in diameter is too large. However, nylon fishing line is a great way to get clematis to climb a pole or post. Tie a small knot every foot or so to keep the vine from sliding down the line.

If you follow these tips, you'll soon be enjoying those big spectacular flowers that you see in pictures in your own garden.

Check out the selection of clematis at http://www.myprairiegardenhome.com/ and get started adding a beautiful climbing addition to your flower garden.