Best practices

18 years ago

I am relatively new to clematis in my garden. I have three Jackmanii clematis that are doing ok - but not great. Two are coming into their fourth year and one I planted last spring.

I would like to get three more, but I want to hear from those of you who have been growing clematis - what do you consider to be best practices for planting and caring for clematis?

I want to pair the new clematis with climbing roses. I'd like them to be group 3 - then I can prune them when I prune the roses. This is what I'm considering:

Etoile violette/New Dawn (light pink)

Polish Spirit or Victor Hugo/Darlow's Enigma (clusters of small white blooms)

Warsauska Nike or Niobe/Polka (large apricot blooms)

If you have any thoughts on these combinations, I'd be most grateful.

Thanks so much!

BettyN

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Comments (7)

gardenbug
18 years ago
Those sound like perfect combos to me! I grow all the above clematis but must struggle with different roses due to the Canadian winters.

You might want to read some clematias books (at the library?) for helpful growing advice. Have you studied the Clematis FAQ section? See the link below. There is also lots to read at the Hull University site: http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/

Enjoy!

Here is a link that might be useful: clematis FAQ
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calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
18 years ago
My garden is closer to yours and I understand your growing conditions a little better. Planting and planting preparation is the most important consideration if you are to have clematis that thrive. Dig your planting hole 2 feet wide by 2 feet deep. Mix up to 50% compost with soil removed. Plant clematis about 4 inshes deeper than it was in the pot. Be prepared to water at least 2 gallons daily and fertilize monthly during the growing season. Be sure to mulch heavily with an organic mulch. Clematis eat and drink like teen aged boys if they get the chance. Al
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BettyN
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks gardenbug - I visualize these combinations, but one never knows for sure until you can see them together and I've only seen these clematis in photos.

Thanks also for the links. There was a link to the American Clematis Society on the Hulls site and I also found that helpful.

Calistoga - thanks for the very clear planting description. That was just what I wanted to hear. I'm afraid that the three that are in the ground were not planted with such care. If I continue with a monthly feeding program and good organic mulch, will they eventually come around? They are growing and flowering, each year a little more, but not with the vigor that I had hoped for....

Do you water that much for established clematis as well? I haven't done any watering yet with all the rain we've had.
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calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
18 years ago
No water is needed here in the winter. We have had 64 inches since November. In sunset zone 14 you do need regular summer water And the mulch helps keep the roots cool and conserves water through our long hot summer. You will be amazed at how they respond when well fed and watered. Al
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suzymac
18 years ago
Al, you're spot on. Great advice, all of it !
Suzy
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BettyN
Original Author
18 years ago
One more question - for now...

I need to make the trek to Healdsburg to buy the clematis. If I can get them in the ground in the next two or three weeks is that early enough?

And - thanks for all your expertise. I really appreciate your advise.

BettyN
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katie
18 years ago
Betty,

I would go with the Polish Spirit. It's a much better grower. I've had problems here with Victor Hugo. If you're looking for a white I would consider Huldine - quite possibly my fav. I'm making my spring trip to Chalk Hill on May 13.

Katie
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Best practices

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