Growing Clematis in Northern California

Your complete guide to cultivating this time-tested staple and a few favorite cultivars

Known as the “ king of social climber , ” clematis ( Clematisspp . , and cvs . , zone 4–11 ) are long - lived repeated vine of awful variety , usable in a wide range of heights , growth habits , bloom times , and flower colors and forms . Some are evergreen and some are deciduous . Some are even sweetly sweet-smelling . They can be small , delicate , and dainty , or they can have showy blooms measuring up to 8 inches across . The forms diverge too , from whizz - shaped singles to frilly reduplicate , or from dainty clump of miniature wiz to nod bell - shaped flower .

Clematis can play a multiseason function in any blossom garden with their dazzling video display of colorful blossoms promptly followed by a textural show of soft , fluffy seminal fluid heads . Their value as turn out blossom is unsurpassed ; they look delightful in a nosegay .

flighty about growing your first clematis vine ? ‘ Elsa Spath ’ , ‘ Guernsey Cream ’ , ‘ Ville de Lyon ’ and ‘ Sapphire Indigo ’ are four tops gentle - to - turn , vigorous , long - flower beaut that produce two rosiness of abundant flush for even the novice gardener .

Exposure

In Northern California , clematis vines are happiest when planted in locations shaded from the hottest afternoon sun . Coastal nurseryman with foggy , misty , cooler conditions can uprise clematis in full sun , and Italian clematis ( C. viticella , Zones 4–11 ) and blood-red clematis ( C. texensis , Zones 4–8 ) are more sun - large-minded than others . However , for most clematis species , in most component part of California , the ideal locating should receive at least 4 hours of morning sunshine with shade from noon forwards , or filtered bright light all solar day .

Soil

Clematis apprize deeply cultivated , deep , well - drained , and slightly alkalic soil , remedy with compost or well - maturate manure . When institute a new vine , dig a wide , deep hole ( 18 inches inscrutable and 18 inches wide at a lower limit for a 1 gallon plant ) , and mix 2/3 of your native soil to 1/3 amendment , adding bone repast or E. B. Stone Organics Sure Start into the mix . Position your plant life slightly deeper than it was growing in the batch , so the first stage set of true folio lie in just under the soil ’s Earth’s surface . in the end , spread a 2 - to-3 - in bed of mulch around the base of your new found clematis to keep the roots cool and help with wet holding .

Watering and feeding

Clematis are thirsty vine and grow most smartly and flower most liberally with even irrigation . This is especially important during the hotter summer month . abstruse and thoroughgoing lachrymation at least twice weekly is recommend , but with every garden have its own alone conditions , be sure to observe your own plant ’s needs to determine good irrigation practices .

From March through September in Northern California , a regular feed schedule is urge to further the development of deep , healthy root , vigorous growth , lush leaf , and of track , abundant and dramatic blooms . Use a well - balance , all - determination fertilizer — either granular or liquid — and fertilise your clematis every 4 to 6 week throughout the grow season .

Support

Though there are some exclusion , most clematis are climbers and involve financial backing . A clematis vine does n’t twine as a magnetic pole bean or a morning glory ( Ipomoea purpurea , annual ) would , instead wrapping its leaf stems around its support . These foliage stem are not retentive , so the best possible supporting complex body part should be composed of grabbing opportunities not value more than 1/2 - inch in diameter . Though twine , wire , garden gauze , or simple twig can be used , the attractive , American - made , blade topiary and trellises fromArtisan Trellisprovide stark support for turn your clematis vines , with the well - space , 1/4 - inch - diameter blade mesh ideal for promote vigorous up growth and abundant blooms . Allowing your clematis to wrap through a climb rose or clamber up a tree is even more spectacular !

Pruning

Simplifying the mystery around clematis pruning , I recommend no pruning ( apart from tidying up or airt ) for those in the Montana group ( Clematis montanaand cvs . , Zones 4–9 ) or for evergreen variety show such as ‘ Armandii ’ and ‘ Avalanche . ’ For all others , I ’ve discovered the chase to be the easiest , most reliable method acting , guaranteed to promote the good , most floriferous results : In previous wintertime , before spring growth has appear , cut your young clematis vines down to a pair of buds about 10 to 12 inches from ground grade . For vine three geezerhood one-time or old , lop to a pair of buds 2 to 3 base from ground stratum . After pruning , bung your plant using your choice of well - balance plant food , and sit down back and hold off for the show ! After this lovely long - blooming first flush of colorful efflorescence is drop , it ’s prison term to prune and fertilize again — cutting your vine back by half this sentence . This hard pruning stimulates band of fresh increase and a second breathtaking video display of colorful efflorescence in the crepuscule , which lasts all the way to the first hoarfrost . Always use healthful prune procedure to help oneself keep your plant healthy .

Pests and diseases

Deter pests and diseases by keep your clematis stress free and at optimal health by following the develop instructions above . Thrips , whiteflies , scale , aphids , and foliage - rolling caterpillars are all likely gadfly , so monitor and regale appropriately if necessary . Clematis wilt and powdery mildew are fungous disease that can affect these vine . They can be remedied by physically removing all the infected stems and leaves from the industrial plant , along with any fall leaves or debris in the area . If you resolve to utilise a fungicide or insecticide to combat any trouble affecting your vine , tally the recording label to check that it is suitable for clematis plant , and follow software directions cautiously .

— Fionuala Campion is the possessor and coach of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma in Petaluma , California .

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‘Elsa Spath’ clematis rapidly reaches 6 to 10 feet tall, generously covered in huge indigo flowers.Photo: courtesy of donahuesclematis.com

‘Guernsey Cream’ clematis bears huge buttercream-colored blooms that have a hint of chartreuse.Photo: courtesy of donahuesclematis.com

Easy to grow and generously covered with big crimson blooms, ‘Ville de Lyon’, which grows 10 to 12 feet tall, is a must-have for the beginner.Photo: courtesy of donahuesclematis.com

A shrubby low grower reaching just 4 feet tall, ‘Indigo Sapphire’ is perfect for pots, hanging baskets, or spilling over retaining walls.Photo: courtesy of donahuesclematis.com

Clematis should receive shade from the hottest afternoon sun.Photo: Fionuala Campion

Clematis should be watered deeply at least twice a week during the hottest summer months.Photo: GPOD contributor

The leaf stems need a supporting structure to wrap around for support.Photo: Fionuala Campion

Mature clematis vines can be pruned in late winter to 2 to 3 feet from the ground.Photo: Fionuala Campion