Clematis is one of the most beloved climbing plants for UK gardens, admired for its stunning flowers, vigorous growth and versatility. Whether scrambling up a wall, softening the lines of a fence, weaving through a trellis or cascading from a container, clematis brings colour and elegance from early spring through to late autumn depending on the variety chosen. Planting clematis properly at the beginning is vital, as this long lived climber rewards careful preparation with years of reliable growth and spectacular flowering. Learning how to plant clematis involves selecting the right variety, choosing a suitable location, preparing the soil and providing the correct support for the plant to thrive.
Understanding clematis plants
Clematis is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, and includes hundreds of species and countless hybrids. Their flowers come in many shapes and sizes, from small star like blossoms to large, showy blooms in colours ranging from pure white to deep purple. Some varieties flower early in spring, while others bloom in summer or autumn. Understanding the flowering group of your clematis is important not only for planting but also for long term care and pruning. Group one clematis flower early on old wood, group two bloom in early summer on new and old wood, and group three flower later in the season on new growth.
Choosing the right clematis variety
When planting clematis, the choice of variety determines both the appearance and the flowering season. Early flowering types such as Clematis montana are vigorous and ideal for covering large areas quickly, producing masses of small blooms in spring. Large flowered hybrids such as Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ or ‘The President’ bring dramatic summer displays, while late flowering varieties like Clematis viticella offer colour through high summer into autumn. Dwarf or compact clematis varieties also exist, making them suitable for pots or smaller spaces. Choosing a mix of varieties allows for colour across several seasons.
Selecting the right site
Clematis has a reputation for liking its head in the sun and its feet in the shade. This means that while the top growth prefers a sunny or lightly shaded position, the roots benefit from cool, moist soil. A spot with at least six hours of sun each day encourages the best flowering, though some varieties tolerate partial shade. South, west or east facing walls and fences are often ideal. Clematis can also be grown in containers on patios or balconies, provided they are given the correct support and care.
Preparing the soil
Clematis plants thrive in fertile, well drained soil that retains enough moisture to prevent roots from drying out. Heavy clay soils should be improved with compost and grit, while sandy soils benefit from organic matter to hold moisture. Before planting, dig a hole about twice as wide and deep as the pot the clematis comes in. Mix in compost or well rotted manure to enrich the soil. Clematis prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, though most are tolerant if the soil is otherwise fertile and well prepared.
How to plant clematis
Planting clematis involves a slightly different approach from many other plants. The crown of the clematis should be planted deeper than it was in the pot, about five to eight centimetres below the soil surface. This encourages new shoots to develop from below ground level, making the plant more resilient and less vulnerable to clematis wilt, a disease that can kill stems suddenly. Place the plant at an angle if growing against a support, so the stems naturally find their way towards it. After positioning the plant, backfill with soil, firm it gently and water well.
Providing support for clematis
Clematis are climbing plants that use leaf stems to twine around supports. They require something to cling to, such as trellis, wires, netting or other plants. If planting against a wall or fence, install horizontal wires at intervals of about thirty centimetres to give the stems something to hold onto. In the early stages, you may need to tie the young stems loosely to their supports until they begin to climb naturally. Without support, clematis will scramble along the ground, which can make them vulnerable to damage.
Watering and mulching
Consistent moisture is key to healthy clematis growth, especially during the first year after planting. Water deeply and regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base with compost, bark or gravel helps retain moisture and keep the roots cool. At the same time, placing a low growing perennial or small shrub at the base of the plant can also provide natural shade for the roots, in keeping with the principle of sun above and shade below.
Feeding clematis plants
Clematis are hungry plants that benefit from regular feeding. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring as new growth begins, followed by a high potassium feed every four to six weeks during the flowering season. Liquid tomato feed is a popular choice, as it encourages strong flowers. Avoid high nitrogen fertilisers, which promote leaf growth at the expense of blooms. A well fed clematis rewards the effort with vigorous growth and an abundance of flowers.
Pruning clematis
Pruning requirements depend on the type of clematis you plant. Group one clematis need little pruning, only light tidying after flowering. Group two benefit from light pruning in late winter or early spring to remove weak stems and encourage fresh shoots, with a second light prune after the first flush of flowers. Group three clematis should be cut back hard in late winter to about thirty centimetres above the ground, as they flower on new growth. Understanding the pruning group of your clematis ensures it remains healthy and flowers reliably each year.
Growing clematis in containers
For those with limited space, clematis can be grown successfully in containers. Choose a large pot at least forty five centimetres deep and wide, as clematis develop extensive root systems. Use a soil based compost enriched with organic matter, and ensure the pot has good drainage. Plant as you would in the ground, with the crown slightly below soil level. Container grown clematis need more frequent watering and feeding than those in the ground but can produce equally impressive displays.
Dealing with clematis wilt and pests
Clematis wilt is a fungal disease that causes sudden collapse of stems. Planting deeply helps reduce its impact, as new shoots can regrow from below the soil. If wilt occurs, cut back the affected stems to healthy growth. Other issues include aphids and slugs feeding on young shoots. Regular inspection and prompt action help keep pests under control. Generally, a well cared for clematis is resilient and long lived, with problems being relatively minor compared to the rewards of the plant.
Companion planting with clematis
Clematis pairs beautifully with other climbing plants and shrubs. Roses are a classic companion, with clematis weaving through their stems to provide additional colour and interest. Evergreen shrubs provide structure that clematis can scramble over, while low growing perennials at the base help shade the roots. Careful combinations can create striking seasonal displays in the garden.
Common mistakes to avoid
Planting clematis too shallow is a common mistake, leaving the crown vulnerable to disease. Neglecting support structures can also result in messy or damaged growth. Overfeeding with nitrogen encourages leaves but not flowers, while underwatering leads to poor performance. Another frequent issue is confusion about pruning, so identifying the clematis group is essential to ensure proper care. Avoiding these mistakes sets the stage for success with clematis.
Why grow clematis
Clematis offers immense rewards to the gardener. Few plants provide such a range of colours, shapes and flowering seasons. With careful selection, you can enjoy clematis flowers in your garden from early spring until the first frosts. They are versatile enough to suit small gardens, large estates or containers on patios. Beyond their beauty, clematis embody the joy of gardening itself, transforming spaces with their exuberant displays year after year.
Conclusion
So, how do you plant clematis? It begins with choosing the right variety for your garden, preparing the soil and planting the crown deeply to encourage strong growth. Supporting the plant as it climbs, keeping the soil moist and cool, feeding it regularly and pruning correctly ensures success. Clematis is a plant that rewards patience and care with a dazzling show of flowers that brighten gardens for many months of the year. Whether you prefer the vigorous Montana types, the dramatic large, flowered hybrids or the reliable late bloomers, planting clematis is a decision that brings years of colour, beauty and satisfaction.
