Clematis

There are so many different types, and then varieties within the types.

I have so far only tried Montana, grown to scramble up an old apple tree in my previous garden.

Took off like a weed!

Don't be scared of them petra Get yourself a second hand copy of Best Clematis by Stefan Buczacki as all the information you will need about planting and pruning is in there and it's very easy to follow.

They certainly don't die that easily, petra! We have a couple of rather neglected ones in the garden which flower reliably every year, and one in a pot which I always forget to prune but it still struggles manfully on...

Yes, I agree, they get a press that terrifies ordinary folk like me. I now have several growing up fences, and two in pots, that like Ana's do remarkably well. I put one in a couple of years ago that died quickly. It had 'clematis wilt', once seen, never forgotten.

Heads in the sun, roots in the shade, seems to be the rule. I always put some stones over where the roots are. Then if I have to prune, do it after flowering. Other than that they seem to get on well left alone. I do feed in the spring with Rose feed.
We had Montana spread over several silver birches (35+feet in the air). Like the Hanging gardens of Babylon, in the spring. Two years ago we had the trees pruned and the tree surgeon cut away the clematis. In the following spring several new strong shoots rose from the stump of old clematis. Now they are half way up the trees again. They are tough plants, do not be afraid! X

Oh thanks for that everyone. Feel a lot happier now. Sounds like Montana is a favorite.

Especially wonderful if you have lots of room, although you can cut it back like a hedge after it has stopped flowering. It smells wonderful, and is a sight to behold if it is able to grow thickly. The slightly darker pink montana rubens isn't quite as rampant.

I love them, I have lots and stick them in wherever a space is available. I reckon you could have one in flower throughout most of the year if you are careful in your choice of earlies and lates. Clematis cirrhosa balearica starts early in january in a good year. The ones with the largest flowers are the late flowerers, and can carry on until the frosts. I do lose the odd one, but as it is possible to buy 3 for £10 in many garden centres that isn't such an expensive failure as it was in the past.

Petra
They are a beautiful plant and can be amazingly hardy. It,s a bit like having a prescrition for tablets, if you read the enclosed directions that tell you you could suffer from this and that illness you wouldn't bother taking them.

I agree the Montana is an excellent starter but let's face it they are a pretty cheap plant to try, simply give them a go. Look out for the variety that flower twice a year and of course the double bloom are usually very showy.

You do obviously need a fence or wall to grow them and I personally have never found a bad spot as long as there is some sunlight. Don't be afraid to 'cut them back' to the instruction supplied when you purchase them. Also if they are growing quickly make sure you 'tie' them to the holding fence quickly as they do have a tendency to curl around anything in it's path and snap easy if try and unravel them.

Good luck.

I didn't realise they could be that cheap. I was thinking about £10 a plant.
Now, has anyone grown them in pots ( I do like a pot) in the books it says only concrete or wood to keep the temperature of the roots constant.
Concrete pots are hideously expensive. OH is good at woodwork so he could make them. So, if it's the wooden ones, assumedly I would line them with plastic.
Sorry to keep referring to books but until I found this mine of info on here I had no one else.

Petra

I found pots quite unsuitable, no matter how large.

I have had great success growing Clematis Barbara Jackman in a large glazed terracotta pot. It's on a north facing patio so the roots are shaded and there is plenty of sun later on in the afternoon for the plant to thrive. It climbs up a trellis fixed to the wall.

Thank you. I will take a chance on Babara Jackman, and keep roots in the shade.

I too have Clematis in pots, one of them in a large plastic pot and it does very well, had it in there for about 4yrs so far and its been very productive each year... it has its own metal trellis in the pot and has grown to about 5ft by 4 in the pot.
I did notice this morning one of the others I have in a pot against the sth facing garage wall has lots of new shoots although I'm sure they won't survive any frosts to come but I've never had them shoot in the middle of Winter before..

Ooh! Never thought of that. A clematis to twine through my vine. A white or yellow one perhaps? Suggestions please.

The RHS have a little book about clematis, which tells you which type is which and at what time of year you should prune them. It's very good value and informative. I have a very pretty one which climbs up a couple of trees. I think it's Princess Diana. Another one I love is The Bride which is a medium sized pure white one.

I love clematis! I agree that the montana types are VERY hardy and scramble everywhere. They're great for covering things - garages, fences, whatever. Also, the Viticella types, which flower later in the summer, flower well and are less susceptible to clematis wilt. There are several Clematis Viticellas - smaller flowers than the early-summer flowerers, but just as pretty. Again great for growing through trellis, trees, with roses (you could get one to complement or contrast with a climbing rose) or a vine

The montana types are pruned after flowering - or just leave them to it, and give them a good hacking every few years or they could get into a bit of a birds' nesty tangle!

There is also a late-flowering clematis called Clematis tangutica - 'Bill Mackenzie' is a good variety. Otherwise known as Orange Peel clematis because their petals (ranging from different shades of yellow/gold/orange) curl like orange peel. These flower up till about October, when you can hack back all the top growth.

Whatever type you plant, plant it nice and deep - they like to be deep, and are more likely to succeed. Enjoy!

Galen I have 'Grandiflora' white growing at the front of our house. A large white flower, hardy and vigorous.

I have some special ones in pots. Secret is to have a tall pot so that the root can go deep. Again cover the root area with large stones to protect. Make sure there is something to climb up and tie it into as it climbs. Also water well and feed in spring. X

Just to mention, I love rescuing plants from gardening centres, at the end of the season and nurturing them for the following year. Clematis are often in the reduced area because after they flower they do look 'past it'. You can pick up great bargains for a couple of pounds.x

Brilliant idea, J52! I've noticed some National Trust gardens do this too. I always make a point of nosing out some bargains if there are any to be had. The full prices are often eye-watering!

National Trust gardens often have half price sales in October, just before they shut for the winter. X

I have grown clematis in plastic-lined wooden barrels in the past, they do like cool roots so need to be planted in something that holds water well and stays cool, so a large pot behind a shrub is ideal. I have also used an old chest freezer. I make all my climbers work hard for their keep, so have clematis growing through climbing roses, a grapevine, actinidia kolomikta, honeysuckles etc. I try to time it so that once the vine has finished the clematis takes over, or vice versa. I also have them growing through trees and shrubs and over a pergola. I have a bit of a thing for them...

J52 - Chartwell still has a table of bargain plants that I can never resist - if you're ever in that direction (Kent). It's had them out all autumn and they were still there at New Year

I will have to try pots again. I think I may have big enough pots but in too much sun.