The name clematis is derived from a Greek word, klema, which means vine-like. There are over 200 documented species of clematis, native to many parts of the world. Early plant collectors imported species to Britain as early as the 16th century, and perhaps this accounts for the plant’s popularity in Britain today, compared to North America.
The familiar large-flowered clematis are cultivars, that is they were bred by crossing the largest of the wild clematis from China and Japan. Instead of petals, clematis are made up of tepals and their color palette ranges from pastel pinks to whites to deep blues, purples and purple-reds. Many clematis have very decorative seedheads which add additional form to the garden, after the tepals have dropped.
Planting
Plant a new clematis in late summer or early autumn so that the plant can establish new roots before winter arrives. Plant it with the crown (the point where the roots and top structure join) about 3 inches below the surface of the soil. Choose an organic potting soil which will provide good drainage. Clematis generally prefer sun, although some can tolerate semi-shade.
Training
Because most clematis are prolific climbers, you’ll need to incorporate some type of support in the container for the plant’s tendrils to twist around. You can find lovely metal obelisks or create a wigwam out of thick bamboo poles. Train the stems horizontally around the support, as low down as possible, to create a bushy plant
Water
Clematis are thirsty plants and need sufficient water, particularly in hot weather. They like cool, moist roots but they don’t like to be soggy – so, make sure you provide good drainage by raising the container up on feet. Use a ceramic pot and mulch to retard water loss.
Fertilizer
Clematis are heavy feeders. Use an organic, balanced (16-16-16) water soluble fertilizer (like Maxsea) every 2 weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
The pruning rules for clematis always sound complicated, but if you remember this simple principle, it will give you the clue on how to prune: the earlier the clematis flowers, the less pruning it requires; the later it flowers, the more pruning it requires. Early large-flowered clematis such as C. ‘Nelly Moser’ or C. ‘The President’ bloom on the previous year’s growth, so they don’t need much pruning or you’ll prune the blooms away. Late large-flowered clematis such as C. ‘Pink Fantasy’ bloom on new growth, so severe pruning in late winter or early spring encourages more growth, and thus, more flowers.
