Clematis |
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The best time to plant clematis is spring, summer, or early fall. Since clematis roots are so close to the surface they need to be protected from the elements. A good idea is to plant annuals around the base or mulch the ground around the clematis. Naturally, clematis are climbers so they must have something to grow on. This could be any number of things, including a trellis or arbor, fencing, or even around the trunk of a large tree. Keep your clematis well watered when it is first planted. During the growing season apply a balanced fertilizer, for good root structure and prolific blooms. How and when you prune your clematis depends on when they bloom. Clematis are classified into three groups for this reason. Group 1This group of clematis produce their flowers on “old wood” from the previous year. Therefore, pruning must be done directly after they are done blooming in the summer. Prune by removing all dead and weak stems after flowering. Large established plants are not normally pruned. Group 1 are early flowering species that normally bloom in April and May. The latest date you can prune this group without losing blooms the following year is July. Anytime after that, your clematis won’t have time to produce new growth for the next year’s flowers. Group 1 clematis include the following: Clematis Montana (Elizabeth, Grandiflora, Marjorie, Mayleen, Rubens) Clematis Alpina (Blue, Helingborg, Ruby) and Clematis macropetala (Markams Pink and Blue).
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Group 2Clematis classified under group 2 are your more common varieties. This type generally blooms in periods from late May to early September. They bloom on the short stems of last year’s growth (old wood) and often flower again in late summer on new growth (new wood). The best time to prune this group is in February or March. At this time watch for swelling of leaf buds to begin and cut all the dead material off above these swelling buds. Be sure all growth is tied up to a trellis, etc. at this time, so you don’t disturb it later as it blooms. Group 2 include the following: Bee’s Jubilee, Dr. Ruppel, Duchess Edinburgh, Edith, Elsa Spath, General Sikorski, Henryii, Lanuginosa Candida, Mrs. N. Thompson, Nelly Moser, Ruby Glow, The President, and Will Goodwin. Group 3This group blooms later in the season and on their new growth. They are especially easy to prune since you do not need to maintain any old wood. In early spring, usually March, cut each stem to about 2 feet. You will be removing good, viable stems but this method helps induce a more prolific bloomer. Clean out any old foliage at this time. The clematis in this group include the following: Comtesse de Bouchard, Durandii, Ernest Markham, Gypsy Queen, Jackmanii, Royal Velvet, Ville de Lyon, and Sweet Autumn Clematis.
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