Jane dives into the most eye-catching of ornamentals, climbing clematis and learns how to grow them from some dedicated specialists. If you’re looking for a colourful climber or creeper for cooler climates, look no further than the Clematis. These pretty perennials are just perfect for adding an outrageous pop of colour in the garden, with many of the hybrids and cultivars flowering from spring right through to autumn. Subscribe 🔔 [ Ссылка ]
As a rule, Clematis are most suited to temperate climates, and most will struggle in the tropics. Wild clematis have their origins in China, but their beauty and popularity saw them become the ‘must-have’ garden plant throughout Europe during the 19th century. Due to continued interest and breeding, there are over 400 Clematis cultivars available commercially, and Alameda Homestead Nursery, on the outskirts of Melbourne, grows around a hundred different deciduous varieties.
Varieties for Pots:
“There are some great compact varieties that are perfect for pots, even hanging baskets” says Saffron Button, the dispatch coordinator. “The purple flowering variety Edda is a beauty for pots, even hanging baskets, as it only gets to 1.5m maximum. Another one we love here is ‘Ice Blue’, a deciduous clematis, it’s compact and tidy, only gets to 2m so it’s great for a narrow spot that needs some colour. It’s got beautiful big flowers, about 15cm across, and they are an off-white with blue tints, and flowers from spring to late autumn”.
Position and Planting:
Judy Button, Saffs’ mum, chief propagator, nursery owner and the undisputed ‘Queen of Clematis has a really simple rule when it comes to picking the perfect posi for a clematis – “if you can grow a rose in the spot, you can grow a clematis”. Judy goes on to say that “they are easy to grow, easily lasting ten years if given the right conditions and attention. Grow them in an east-facing spot, they require lots of light, most need a minimum of 5 hours from spring to autumn to flower at their best. The roots like a cool area to grow and spread - feet in the shade, head in the sun”. Underplanting clematis with pretty perennials assists in keeping roots cool, as does mulching – “just ensure mulch is kept away from emerging vines to prevent rot” says Judy.
Getting them Growing:
“Part of their fussy reputation is due to the fact that they can be a little tricky to get established” says Judy. “It’s easy to kill them in the first year”. The trick to getting clematis established comes down to preparation and planting. “They need a pH neutral to slightly alkaline soil that is free-draining. Waterlogging will kill them off very quickly” says Judy. “Take care when planting them out, the roots and crown can be a little fragile, and plant them so the first set of true leaves are just below the soil surface, this helps them develop a stronger root system”.
Watering:
“I recommend watering them weekly for the first season, more often if they are planted in a pot or container” says Judy. Finding a balance in ongoing the watering is crucial – “if they dry out completely over the warmer months of the year, you’ll lose them. Same can be said if they are over-watered, so try to keep the soil moist, but not wet, from spring to autumn”.
Feeding:
Feeding is also important. “They are really hungry plants, I recommend feeding them three times a year – spring, summer and autumn, with a handful of pelletised chook manure or organic rose food for those in the ground, or slow release fertiliser for those in pots” says Judy.
Pruning:
“They have to be pruned” says Judy “otherwise they just won’t keep flowering, and they’ll get pretty tired looking”. Clematis are split into three ‘pruning groups’, based on flowering times and whether they flower on new or old growth.
Featured Plants:
CLEMATIS ‘ICE BLUE’ - Clematis cv.
CLEMATIS ‘EDDA’ - Clematis cv.
CLEMATIS ‘ELSA SPATH’ - Clematis cv.
CLEMATIS ‘BELLE OF TARANAKI’ - Clematis cv.
CLEMATIS ‘VANCOUVER STARRY NIGHTS’ - Clematis cv.
CLEMATIS ‘ALLANAH’ - Clematis cv.
Filmed on Boon Wurrung & Bunurong Country | Devon Meadows, Vic
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