Clematis thrive in full sun – at least 6 hours a day for good flowering. However, the sensitive roots cannot withstand the heat; keep plant roots moist and cool with compost, low-growing plants and ground covers. Soil must be loose, well-draining with a neural pH. Before planting, mix in compost or aged manure, plus a few handfuls of bone meal.

When to plant clematisPlanting in the cool spring is generally more successful than fall plantingPlant clematis in pots anytime after the last spring frost and before the first fall frost.How to plant clematisDig a planting hole that is about 2 to 3 times the width of the root ball and a few centimeters deeper. To stay cool, the crown (the part of the plant where the stem and roots meet) should be about 4 inches below the soil surface. This will encourage branching and stem development underground.Fill with soil, water thoroughly and compost to keep roots cool and minimize weeds.Place the climbing structure, if used.

Purple and blue clematis climbing an old stone wall in Salzburg, Austria

Clematis General Sikorski