How to Grow Clematis

Give clematis the proper start. Even though it takes up to two years for your vines to take off, your initial care will give clematis the boost it needs to thrive in your garden.

• Plant in an area with six or more hours of sun each day.
• Dig a large hole and amend the soil with compost.
• Make a mound inside the hole.
• Mix in fertilizer with water inside the hole before adding the clematis.
• Plant clematis vine by spreading the roots around the mound. Fill in the rest of the hole.
• Water thoroughly. Regularly water your clematis, as they are thirsty vines. 
• Add a 1-inch layer of mulch to clematis when new growth appears. Its roots like to be shaded.
• Train your clematis to climb by gently wrapping them around a trellis, mailbox post, arbor, fence post, pergola or wherever you’re planting your vines. 

Tip: For containers, plant in pots larger than 24 inches wide and follow the same instructions above.

Always hard prune clematis the first two seasons after planting. Then follow the guidelines below. Generally, it’s hard to mess up pruning your clematis because it eventually grows back.

• Early spring bloomers: Remove dead flowers and dead vines after the blooms completely die back.
• Late spring to summer bloomers: Prune back clematis by about 1/3 in the spring before it blooms to encourage growth.
• Summer to fall bloomers: Dramatically cut back clematis vines in early spring to about 12 inches.

Low-maintenance clematis will provide long-lasting blooms. While most varieties thrive in sun, some prefer shade, so check the plant tag to ensure proper care.

• Soak garden-bound clematis once a week and water containers more regularly during dry, hot weather.
• Deadhead spent flowers for continuous blooms.
• Feed with a balanced granular fertilizer in spring and fall.
• Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch at the base of your vine in spring and fall. 
• Use slug bait around young vines to prevent infestations.