PLANTING

The best time to plant is in the spring or fall in a location of 5-6 hours of sunlight.  Clematis roots are long and deep and like it cool and damp.  Plant annuals around the roots, or select the shady side of a wall or fence where the vines can climb into the sunlight.  Mulch during the summer with shredded bark to retain moisture.

Loosen the soil to a depth and width of 2 feet.  Mix the soil with peat and sand and a handful of lime. Place the plant in the hole so that the crown is one inch below soil level.

Stake the plant on three sides and wrap with a piece of screen for protection to the new growth.  Also, this provides support to train its growth towards the permanent support.

 MAINTENANCE

Water freely and often the first year.  In the subsequent years, always soak well once a week in dry weather.

Feed twice a season with a good garden fertilizer such as 5-10-10 or a 15-30-15 and lime.

Prune the first spring after planting to 6-12 inches from the ground.  The tips of the growing shoots can also be pinched out during late spring and early summer to induce additional branching.  The more you prune, the first year, the better the future of your plant.

After plants are established for at least a year, prune hard all late flowering varieties.  Early bloomers leave alone.  Prune in late February or early March.  Prune out dead wood as necessary.  Do not damage live wood, cut back after growth starts.

While plant is dormant, protect base from winter freezing and thawing by applying mulch.