Several years ago I was fortunate enough to visit a park called Ninfa. Located south of Rome, Italy, this park is unique in many ways. I really love this park and always say it is one of my favorite parks. What surprised me the most was how they planted the clematis under some seedlings and trained the clematis to climb trees and make flower-like branches from the tree branches.
There are many types of clematis and each one varies greatly in size. There are producers which are very hardy and can reach heights of 20-30 feet. Most of the hybrids you see in garden centers have large flowers that grow 8 to 12 feet tall, while the smaller varieties are 2 to 5 feet tall. I discovered that Proven Winners offers 'Stand by Me' bush clematis which I have been wanting to try because I don't grow bush clematis.
There are two things I've heard over the years to remember when growing clematis. Clematis likes "head in the sun, feet in the shade." Sun helps them have more flowers, and planting a bush or structure to cover the roots is ideal. Secondly, the growth rate of clematis. "In the first year they sleep, in the second they crawl, in the third they jump." They spend the first year putting down deep roots, and once established, clematis are vigorous growers.
Be careful when planting clematis. Newly growing roots, crowns, and vines break easily. Plant the clematis slightly deeper than you would plant them in the container, so that the first true leaves are below soil level. Water thoroughly during the first summer to remove all air pockets and except for an inch of rain every week. You can also mulch around the plant, but place mulch only where it is sticking out of the vine.
These beautiful flowers have different beautiful colors. You can find soft pastels like yellow, pink, lavender, and blue, as well as dramatic colors like deep pink, hot red, and maroon. There are also white people. Most flowers are very large and showy, but star or bell shaped. I love Lavender Blues like Diana Delight, Jackmani and HF Young. There's even one in the shape of a little blue bell they like to call "Betty Corning." She is kind and beautiful. If you are looking for a red flower color, Rebecca might be what you are looking for. The color glows in the sun.
When choosing the right clematis for a particular location in your garden, it is important to know the size of the mature plants. This will determine the type of support you need. Some clematis grow up to 5 feet tall and can hang from shrubs in your garden, while others grow up to 20 feet tall and are very heavy and require a sturdy support such as a trellis, fence or sturdy tree. Rich palette of colors and textures to weave and make your garden more beautiful.
I planted clematis 'Sweet Autumn', one of which grows on a tree. These clematis can grow twenty feet tall and the vines climb up the tree and then join several tree branches. In August my black gums showed white blooms on the lower branches.
Now cutting is something that alienates some people. Clematis pruning can be classified into one of three different groups or pruning methods. You can remove dead or damaged stems at any time, but if you want to know more about pruning, the label will tell you which group you fall into. The key is to pay attention to the plant and know when it will flower. Clematis is cut at the ends of the flowers.
Group 1: In spring, the vine grows on last year's shoots. Prune these vines in spring after flowering. The new stems that grow will have enough time to form next year's bouquet.
Group 2: These climbers bloom in late spring or early summer and then sporadically on new shoots and old stems. Grapes that grow mainly on old stems have more flowers in late spring, while grapes that grow mainly on new shoots have more flowers in the second half of summer.
Group 3: These vines grow on new shoots that appear in late summer or early fall. These are the easiest vines to cut. Cut all stems before seasonal growth begins at the collar about a foot above the ground.
I have tried planting clematis next to shrubs and trees to get the same effect as nymphs. Can't say mine is the same as nymph but I'm still trying to get a similar result. I have beautiful clematis vines gracing the top of the wall, a few climbing trees and another gracing the statue.
Clematis is the "Queen of Creepers". Consider growing some of these hardy vines for their beautiful flowers and graceful habit. It may take years to get the size you want, but it's worth it.
Betty Montgomery is a hydrangea gardener and author. How to Plant, Grow, and Enjoy and the Four Seasons South Garden. He can be reached at bmontgomery40@gmail.com.
This article first appeared in the Herald-Journal. Clematis Gardening: "The Queen of Flowering Vine".