My 2 year old Clematis Vine flowered and is loaded with buds for it's first blooming. I am so happy with this one, the color is bright and I love the striping on the petals. So pretty! It is somewhat shorter than some of the others I have but I love it just the same. I may have to plant a later, taller blooming vine around it.
How To Grow Clematis
Clematis Vines need a sunny location with at least 5-6 hours of sun to really produce an abundance of blooms. They do however like their roots shaded to keep them cool during the heat of the day. You can accomplish this easily by under-planting the vine with an annual flower that is much shorter or a ground cover.
There are a variety of colors, patterns and sizes to choose from. They can range in size from 5' to 20' tall. If buying a tall, aggressive variety you will want to make sure that it has a sturdy structure to climb on. Whatever type of trellis you decide on, make sure that it's rungs are small in nature, not to big in diameter as the leaves are fragile and need to wrap themselves around a small circumference. Otherwise you will need fishing line, string or twine to help it climb easier.
Soil drainage is very important as they do not like their roots too wet. So a well-drained area is also key to a happy Clematis. If your soil is a bit on the acidic side, adding a little lime will help as well. They prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soil for optimum growth.
Some Clematis start their growth early in the Spring. If you wait until the growth has begun you will know where you can trim last years growth off. As some growth happens on old vines and some create new vines from the ground. Waiting to see which type of Clematis you have purchased after a years growth will help you to know how to trim your vine.
Choose your location wisely before you plant and being careful not to break the tender roots and you will enjoy your Clematis Vine for years to come.
