Learn the best way to planting Clematis in your garden

  • Remove the clematis and its rootstock from the post. Do this carefully making sure that you do not disturb the rootstock. The rootstock can crumble easily because it is very fine and sensitive.

  • The clematis, together with its support stick must be placed in the middle of the hole, having the top edge of the rootstock ends up about 5cm below the soil surface.

  • Place plants that are to be trained up against a wall at an angle towards the wall. Ensure that the plant is about 40cm away form the wall to allow the roots to be accessible to rain water.

  • Plant the clematis at the outer edge of the root system of the supporting tree to allow the clematis to freely climb up the tree.

  • Add the soil all around the rootstock and gently press down firmly.

  • Irrigate the plant thoroughly avoid water logging.

  • Insert a climbing stick into the soil next to the rootstock and connect it to the support stick.

Irrigate the plant regularly and tie up the delicate shoots with raffia or sisal string. When planting make sure that you do not bend or break the soft shoots because fungus spores may easily develop and enter the damaged places and infect the plant.

Creating shade around the planting surface

Clematis grow well in cool shaded positions. The clematis requires shady feet and this can be achieved in various ways.

  • The planting surface can be covered up with well rotted compost, bark mulch or cover the area with huge stones.

  • Under planting with low-growing plants such as lavender, heather, Potentilla species or using the shrubby Hebe. These plants remain small and provide shade all the time.

Planting in a large container

When selecting a container you will need to consider the height to which the clematis will grow. An ideal container will have a diameter of at least 30cm and a height of at least 40cm. A clay or wooden container with drainage holes would be most suitable. Plastic containers are not that good because the roots of the clematis will be subjected to extensive heat in summer and too much cold in winter.

Method

  • Cover the drainage hole with a potshard and place a 6cm thick layer of Hortag or gravel in the bottom of the pot

  • Add garden compost to the garden soil to enhance its quality. Cow dung can also be used, combined with peat.

  • Add 2 handfuls of an organic compound fertilizer.

  • Place 5-10cm of the compost in the pot

  • Place the plant and climbing aid in the container and train the clematis up the support stick

  • Add the rest of the compost and irrigate carefully

  • Water daily and after the plant has acclimatized to the container, fertilize at least once a week with liquid fertilizer.