Clematis - Clematis - Źródło Dobrych Pnączy

Growing Clematis

Clematis vines are climbing shrubs or herbaceous perennial plants with beautiful flowers in a rich variety of hues. Besides attractive flowers, many varieties can also boast quite a remarkable seedheads. They offer endless possibilities for enhancing the landscape, but in order to achieve the best results, it's vital to learn about their requirements.

Close attention should also be given to selecting the right cultivars as well as to careful preparation of the site. The effort will certainly pay off, as the plants may grow abounding with flowers for many years to come, rewarding us with their growing fullness and lushness.

 

Requirements & training

Large-flowered Clematis thrive best in fertile organic soil, rich in humus, calcium (pH 6 to 7) and kept moist but not wet. If your soil is not fertile enough add compost, rotted manure or a good media. Clematises like their roots shaded and the top growth exposed to the sun.

 

Such a position is required by most of the double-flowered cultivars like 'Duchess of Edinburgh', 'Kiri Te Kanawa', 'Matka Siedliska', 'Veronica's Choice' and 'Vyvyan Pennell'. Many clematis can grow well and bloom in semi-shaded places or against a wall facing north (e.g. pastel colored Clematis such as 'Comtesse de Bouchaud', 'Błękitny Anioł' and some small-flowered species - Clematis alpina and Clematis macropetala).

 

 

Training
 

  • over fences and walls
    Traning clematis to grow up various kinds of fences or walls is very popular.
     
  • over garden supports
    Clematis can be grown over various kinds of garden architecture such as arbors, arches or trellises, pergolas, or simply over rods and poles.
     
  • over natural supports
    Clematis feel at home when growing over perennials, or scrambling through trees, bushes or dwarf shrubs.