Planting clematis: when and how to do it

When to plant clematis

You can plant a flower on your site in the spring, when the soil thaws and warms up, and the daytime air temperature becomes consistently positive. In the south, clematis is planted already in the first half of April, in the regions of the middle lane - from mid-April to early May, in the north - in early May.

The second suitable period is September. In the north and in the middle lane, the procedure is carried out in the first half of the month, in the south - in the second. But these are only approximate dates. At planting clematis focus on the climatic features of your region. It is important to have time to place the plant in the ground no later than a month before the arrival of autumn frosts. So it will have time to take root in a new place and steadfastly endure the winter.

Note that open-rooted seedlings (plants with bare roots wrapped in peat or sawdust) can only be planted in the spring before the buds on the clematis twigs begin to swell. Creepers with a closed root system (those that grow in pots or containers with soil) are suitable for both spring and autumn planting.

How to choose a clematis seedling

For a seedling, go to a nursery or garden center - this way you will be sure of the quality of the plant and get a clematis that matches the declared variety.

Decide on a variety

Depending on the variety, clematis forms a vine with a length of 1.5 to 4 meters. He produces simple or terry flowers various colors - from white and cream to burgundy and deep blue. If you are new to growing clematis, try to choose varieties with purple, purple or blue flowers - they are considered the most unpretentious.

All clematis can be divided into three groups. The first includes the so-called princes - unpretentious and frost-resistant vines that do not require pruning and shelter for the winter.

Clematis of the second group bloom both on fresh shoots and on those that formed last year. Most often, these are specimens with double flowers. In autumn, the vine is removed from the support and shortened by about a quarter of the length. In summer, faded shoots should be removed.

The third group of clematis is characterized by abundant and lush flowering and does not bring much trouble in care. In autumn, it is enough to cut the vine completely, leaving a stump of 10–15 cm. The plant does not even need to be covered, with the exception of the northern regions with a more severe climate.

Usually, the plant group is indicated on the label with the seedling, and there is also a photo of the flower. If you did not find this information, check it with the seller or the owner of the cattery.

Pay attention to the quality of the seedling

Choosing a plant with an open root system, carefully examine its roots. They should be well branched, light, lively, without damage, rot and mold. A quality seedling has at least one healthy sprout.

The optimal age of seedlings with a closed root system is from two years. As a rule, such specimens have at least 3-4 well-developed shoots. Do not buy clematis with dry, damaged, wilted branches. On the surface of the soil in the container should not be mold.

Also, when buying, grasp the plant with your fingers at the base of the shoots and gently shake it from side to side. Clematis with a quality root system will sit tightly in the ground. If the plant is very staggering, most likely it was dug out of the ground immediately before the sale. In this case, you run the risk of buying a seedling with damaged roots, which will not take root well in a new place.

How to prepare a site for planting clematis

If you are planting several vines, place them at least 80–120 cm apart.

Decide on a site for clematis

For growing clematis, choose a well-lit place. Light shading is allowed during the midday hours. This is especially true for vines with bright colors that can quickly fade in direct sunlight.

You can plant clematis near the fence, gazebos and another structure that will serve as a support for the bush. In other cases, place the plant so that there is room nearby for installing a pergola, arch or other structure along which the vine will weave.

Since clematis does not like too wet soil, do not plant it where groundwater is high or puddles collect after rain and snow melt.

Make a landing hole

Dig a hole 60 cm deep and 60 cm in diameter. Pour 10 liters of sand, 10 liters of compost or rotted manure, 10 liters of peat, 100 g of superphosphate, 200 g of bone and dolomite flour at the bottom of the hole. Also add 200 g of any complex granular fertilizer for growing flowers. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients with a shovel or fork.

How to plant clematis

Make a hole in the ground in the center of the planting hole. Place a pot of clematis and make sure that the root collar (where the roots and stems meet) is about 8 cm below the ground in the flower bed. Add or remove soil from the bottom of the hole as needed.

When planting a seedling with an open root system, on the contrary, make an earthen mound in the center of the pit. Place the clematis roots on the sides of the hill. Make sure that the root neck is 8 cm below the soil surface in the flower bed.

Pour about 5 liters of water into the hole.

Carefully remove the clematis from the pot and place it in the center of the planting hole.

Place a seedling with open roots on a mound and spread its roots to the sides.

Fill all the voids around the clematis roots with soil. Lightly tamp its surface with the palms of your hands.

Moisten the soil around the plant with water, using a watering can with a diffuser attachment so as not to wash out priming.

If the clematis already has long enough stems, gently spread them over the support.

How to care for clematis

At first, the plant will not require additional top dressing - all the necessary food was laid in the pit during landing.

Water the clematis

In the first year after planting, make sure that the soil in the flower bed is always slightly damp. Water clematis about once a week, and in hot weather - 2-3 times more often. Pour about 10 liters of water under the root of one plant. Perform the procedure early in the morning or in the evening at sunset and do not get the liquid on the leaves so that the clematis does not get burned.

Trim your clematis

Within a year after planting, do not let the vine bloom. Without regret, cut off all the buds that take away the strength of young plants. Then clematis will properly take root in a new place, build up a strong root system and will delight you with a lush and plentiful flowering.

Also, before the first wintering, you need to cut off all the shoots of clematis, leaving stumps no more than 30 cm high. The procedure is carried out around the end of October before the arrival of stable frosts.

Cover the clematis

In autumn, after pruning, cover the remaining clematis stems with spruce branches, and put a layer on top. spunbond or other non-woven material, securing its edges with heavy objects such as boards or stones.

In the spring, when the daytime air temperature becomes consistently positive, remove the shelter.