How to: Plant Clematis

If you only know one piece of information about planting a clematis, it should be this:

- Clematis like to have their roots in the shade but their stems in the sun. -

To make sure your clematis is planted in the right conditions, bear our top tips in mind before getting started:

• Make sure the rootball is planted well below soil level. Clematis need deep, fertile, moist soil so remember to add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to heavy clay or sandy soils.

• Clematis do not like dry soil so keep newly planted clematis well-watered and ensure that established plants do not suffer during hot, dry spells.

• Provide good support for the growing stems using trellises or structures within the garden, whilst tying new shoots in to keep the shape in check.

• Feed your clematis in late winter/early spring with a potassium rich fertilizer, such as comfrey tea.

• Young and newly planted clematis can be cut back to 3cm above soil level to encourage multiple stems.

To ensure your clematis continues to grow and flower well, follow our guide to pruning. If a clematis is left unchecked it can soon become an unruly tangle of stems, so it’s worth checking which type of clematis you have and how to keep it under control.