Clematis Vines
Clematis is a very popular flowering vine and with routine care will grow well throughout the spring and summer. This plant is derived from the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and includes well over 300 types or species. Some of these species have been growing since the eighteen hundreds.
This attractive vine can be planted in containers or in the ground. It grows well along fences or from a trellis. When planting make sure it is in an area of the garden that receives at least six hours of sun daily. But while enjoying full sun, Clematis roots require planting in cool, well-drained soil. To do this, apply a layer of mulch around the plant, or plant low growing perennial plants at the base of the vine. Water at least once a week.
Pruning Clematis -For purposes of pruning, Clematis vines are labeled in groups as 1, 2,or 3 (or may also be labeled as Group A,B, or C,).
Group 1: This group of Clematis produces early blooms that begin between April and June, and does not require pruning. But should you want to clean it up a bit, pruning should be started as soon as the plant finishes blooming. This is important to give this vine plenty of time for growing and to encourage new buds for the next flowering season. It is also important to prune only dead branches or stems, as this vine blooms from the previous years buddings. Avoid cutting back the woody stems of any vine in in this group.
Group 1-Clematis Montana
Group 2: Pruning this group of Clematis is done in the spring before new growth begins. Trim or cut away any crowded or damaged branches. It is important to begin one to two feet down from the top of the vine. Cutting should be done above the buds. Flowers usually begin blooming in early summer and may bloom again in late summer or early fall. If the vine has become tangled and requires a hard cutting back, the best time to do this is after the first blooming time. It may be difficult to think of trimming a plant that is blooming, but in the long run you will be rewarded with more flowers on a healthier plant.
Group 2-Clematis Nellie Moser
Group 3. This group of Clematis flower on new growth each year. The best time to prune this vine is in the spring about two feet off the ground. Look for healthy buds on sturdy stems and make your cut just above these buds. These are the longest blooming of the Clematis growing from early summer into fall.
Group 3-Clematis Jackmanii
