'Rhapsody' Clematis

Clematis

We have a nice selection of Clematis in two sizes this spring! Some of the varieties include:

CLEMATIS 'JACKMANII'
CLEMATIS 'WADA'S PRIMROSE'
CLEMATIS 'CARDINAL WYSZYNSKI'
CLEMATIS 'LANGUINOSA CANDIDA'
CLEMATIS 'NIOBE' SWEET AUTUMN
CLEMATIS CLEMATIS ARMANDII (EVERGREEN)
CLEMATIS INTEGRIGOLIA
CLEMATIS SWEET AUTUMN
CLEMATIS BARBARA HARRINGTON
CLEMATIS COMTESSA DE BOUCHARD
CLEMATIS ARMANDII 'SNOWDRIFT'
CLEMATIS DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH
CLEMATIS HENRYII
CLEMATIS LANGUINOSA CANDIDA
CLEMATIS MRS. CHOLMONDELEY
CLEMATIS NIOBE
CLEMATIS TERNIFLORA
CLEMATIS FIREWORKS
CLEMATIS JACKMANII
CLEMATIS RHAPSODY
CLEMATIS ROUGE CARDINAL
CLEMATIS ROSEMOOR
CLEMATIS SUNSET

There are some others that are starting to flush and look beautiful!  We put together some planting tips to help make your experience more rewarding!

CLEMATIS NOTES

Here are some tips and tricks we have accumulated over the years to encourage these flowering beauties to perform their very best! 

-The best time to plant is in the fall.  Barring that, many people prefer to choose their plants when they are blooming.  Resist.  Alternately, plant in the early spring when the vines have emerged and look healthy and vigorous.  The first spring after planting, cut vines back to 12” each.  This will promote a stronger root system and a more vigorous plant.

-Amend the soil well.  Clematis like well-drained, rich soil.  Dig a hole at least 2-3 feet wide and 24 inches deep.  Mix the native soil with good compost and/or soil conditioner.  In the future, we recommend using mushroom compost as a top dressing each spring along with a good, organic fertilizer.  Clematis need regular feeding and moisture to perform well!

-Plant deeply.  Even though it contradicts everything we seem to know about planting, clematis will benefit—and even thrive from a deeper planting hole. This may be the number one reason many people do not have success with their plants.  Ideally, the crown should be at least 2” below the surface of the soil.  Many more shoots will develop at the base (under the soil) and if one succumbs to wilt, cut it off at the base and there will be several others to take its place!  Disturb the roots as little as possible.  Do not loosen or untangle the root ball when removing from the pot. 

-Plant your clematis where it will get at least 6-8 hours of full sun each day.  It will flower much more heavily with full sun rather than partial shade.

-Mulch well.  When placing the mulch, be sure to leave 2” around the stems mulch free. The base of the clematis plant needs to be shaded.  It does very well with companion plants that will shade its roots.  Many people plant shrubs or perennials in front of them.  Keep in mind the pruning requirements when choosing other plants to place around it!

We hope these pointers will encourage you to try clematis in your garden this year!