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Clematis are hugely popular here in the UK
and rightly so, for it is possible to have clematis on flower
for most months of the year. Together with that, several of the
clematis varieties have attractive seedheads that are on the
plant well into the winter months and can be quite a feature,
if planted where the winter sun is behind.
They are normally seen growing up trellis or along a fence, but
clematis are much more versatile than that. They have many uses
-
most of which are unexplored by most gardeners. For instance,
have you ever thought of using clematis as a ground cover plant?
Most clematis are fully hardy here in the UK -
much hardier than is generally thought. They simply need to be
planted in the right place, and be treated properly! |
There are many species of clematis available, but here
we will concentrate on the main types in everyday use, and available
from most good garden centres. Several dedicated clematis (specialists)
growers exist if you wish to pursue the wider range available There is
also a Clematis Society!
Clematis Ooh la La! Image ©
David Hughes 2008
Most clematis bear masses of single blooms; some are
semi double; whilst there are an increasing number of fully double
clematis also finding their way into circulation. (Not my favourites!)
The colour range of clematis makes it a popular choice for many
different planting schemes or individual tastes. There can also be a lot
of variation in colour with the same varieties planted in different
places. For instance, the pastel pink Clematis Hagley Hybrid, soon
becomes bleached and fades in bright sunny positions, but is a deeper
pink, holding its colour well, in a semi-wooded or shaded area.
We often get requests for advice form visitors in some parts of the
world, who just cannot seem to grow clematis in their environment. Most
of the problems seem to be in the very hot countries, but the problem is
not the heat, but often because the clematis is not allowed a dormant
season owing to year round growing habitats. I think we have a long
way to go here in the UK with global warming, before we have the same
problem!
Scented Clematis
Most of the clematis have scent, but not particularly overwhelming -
it would not be the best plant to grow for a fragrant summer evening!
For that, Jasmine or even a honeysuckle would be the better option.
Clematis armandii an evergreen that flowers in February has perhaps
the best scent, but is rarely noted for that, for who goes wandering
around the garden in a UK February!
Plant enough clematis in the garden, and the scent will probably waft
around enough to be noticed. How many is enough? How big is your garden
and how acute your sense of smell?
Where to Plant Clematis?
Clematis can be planted;
- In tubs. Most clematis will be happy if planted in a large tub the main
requirements being a good potting compost to start the job a mixture
of soil-based and general purpose compost is best. Together with this,
feeding has to be a priority - as does watering. Container grown
Clematis are best fed at the beginning of each season with Osmocote
Fertilizer. this long lasting 'pellet' feed will feed the Clematis
throughout the whole growing season. At time of planting up the
container, it would also be a good idea to use
Water Retentive gel crystals. this will cut down the amount of
watering required through the hot summer months, which brings us
neatly to the subject of shading to roots of the clematis. Keep the
pot out of direct sunshine, as the compost will heat up and harm the
roots of the clematis. They prefer a cool root system. Either plant
in a shaded spot, or place a plant or similar in front of the pot to
prevent the sun from hitting the container.
- Up Trellis Almost goes without saying, for
that is where they are normally seen. Bear in mind that if you are
going to grow one of the more vigorous Clematis - such as Clematis
montana types, which do not need to be cut down each year - then the
thick, twisting stems of the plant will quite a challenge for all
but the strongest of trellis. That having been said, C. montana
types will probably support the trellis after a few years! the same
can be said for the vigorous Clematis armandii - shown below. The
flimsy diagonal trellis should be avoided for Clematis.
Clematis armandii foliage in Early
June - Image © David Hughes 2008
- Along a fence or wall - A clematis running
along the top of a fence or wall, can often be spectacular as it
just finds its own way along. For a wall or a fence, clematis will
probably need a wire framework on which to climb. Galvanised 'vine
eyes' through which you can train strong galvanised fencing wire, is
ideal for this job. Also think about training one of the large
flowered hybrids up through a rambling rose along a fence or wall.
Instant support, and an extension of the flowering period in this
area.
- Up a tree! Most Clematis are quite
happy to wander up through the branches of a tree - use Montana
types up through conifers and perhaps a vigorous large flowered type
up through smaller trees such as Silver Birch - or Malus (Flowering
Crab) even. A Clematis up through a flowering crab apple will give
you the spring flowers of the crab apple, followed by the summer
flowers of the clematis, and then the fruits of the crab throughout
autumn and into winter. How's that for all the year interest. At
planting, make sure that the Clematis is not planted too close to
the trunk of the tree - 30-40cms away is ideal.
- Along the ground! Yes - we are talking
ground cover planting here! Clematis are absolutely fine wandering
through a shrub border - smothering weeds as they go. Together with
this, Clematis monatna types and Clematis armandii, will both
perform magnificently as ground cover planting on an otherwise
difficult bank!
- In herbaceous borders. There are a few
true herbaceous Clematis for herbaceous borders. Together with this,
the large flowered hybrids will look superb in a herbaceous border
if they are grown up a suitable frame - or even a single pole with
wires, mesh or even in partnership with a climbing rose.
Planting position. Almost without
exception, all climbing clematis are quite happy growing in dappled
shade, woodland settings etc. Most seem to be happiest when planted with
roots in the shade, and then being allowed to grow up a framework to
reach the sun. They do not have to be planted in full sun.
This will cause more problems than it will solve.
Flower colour is also best in shaded positions -
especially for the paler coloured flowers on varieties such as Clematis
Hagley Hybrid - mentioned earlier and seen below and Clematis vagabond.
Clematis Hagley Hybrid <<<
>>> Clematis Vagabond
Images © David Hughes 2008
Worthy of Mention I thought! - Clematis Fond Memories
Images © David Hughes 2008
Clematis are normally classified into one of three
distinct groups - the classification is to divide the plants into three
distinct (and sometimes not distinct) flowering periods and subsequent
pruning regimes. With a
careful choice from within the three Clematis groups, it is possible to
have Clematis in flower for virtually every month of the year.
Group 1
Are generally the early flowering species types - such as
the well known Clematis montana - and its cultivars. (It is important to
note that these varieties flower upon growth made in the previous year,
so cutting them back in the winter - or late in the growing season -
will result in loss of the flowering wood for the following season.
Read the Pruning Guide )
Others within this
group are from the Clematis alpina and C. macropetala cultivars. The now
popular evergreen Clematis, C. armandii is also included in this group.
Clematis x cartmanni, and the unusual Clematis cirrhosa. The latter will
often flower at Christmas here in the UK (Note that not all
Clematis in a given group are pruned in the same manner! The Clematis
pruning guide will guide you through this aspect.)
Group 2
This group of Clematis, flower early in the season
through to mid-season, and include many of the large flowered hybrids
which have made Clematis so popular over the years. These flower on side
shoots from last seasons growth, and then also have a late flush of
flower on the new shoots that develop through the season. So, generally
there are two flushes of flowers with this group of Clematis - providing
they are pruned correctly! All Clematis in this group are deciduous.
They include ....
Clematis Barbara Dibley, C. Barbara Jackman, C. Bees
Jubilee, C. Carnaby, C. Corona, C. Florida group - inc Seboldii C. Horn
of Plenty, C Jackmanii albs and Rubra, C Miss Bateman, C. Mrs
Cholmondeley, C. Proteus, C. Ramona, C. Richard Pennell, C. Royal
Velvet, C. Snow Queen and others.
Group 3
Large Flowered Hybrids that flower later in the Summer
and/or Autumn. This group of Clematis flower on growth made in the
current season - from hard pruned main stems which are cut back in
February/March. Late flowering species types and also the herbaceous
types are included in this group. There is no need to worry about how
far back to prune these - just do it in February/March!
Clematis included in this group include....
Clematis Abundance, C. Alba Luxuriens, C. Betty Corning,
C. Bill Mackenzie, C. Comtesse de Bouchaud, C. Crispa, C. Ernest
Markham, C. Hagley Hybrid, C. Jackmanii, C. Perle d'Azure, C. Rouge
Cardinale, C. Star of India, C. Sunset, C. tangutica, C. Victoria, C.
Ville de Lyon, C. viticella (of which there are many types).
Read the Pruning Guide!
Clematis wilt |
Pruning Clematis | Feeding Clematis |
Clematis Varieties |
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