How to Grow Clematis
Clematis
Clematis are climbers that prefer sun on their tops and cool, shaded roots. Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive but free-draining soil; set the crown 5–8 cm deeper than in the pot to encourage resprouting. Provide a trellis or wires and tie in new growth. Keep evenly moist and mulch to cool the root zone. Pruning depends on type, but as a rule: prune after flowering for early bloomers, and hard in late winter for late-flowering kinds. Avoid waterlogging and harsh root disturbance.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Spring with a balanced fertiliser. Liquid feed fortnightly during flowering season.
Watch For
- Clematis wilt
- Aphids
- Earwigs
- Slugs on young growth
Companions
Roses, Lavender, Geraniums
Track your Clematis care schedule — pruning, feeding, and seasonal tasks
Start planning freeCare Requirements
☀️ Light
Tops in sun, roots in cool shade
Most clematis prefer their tops in sun and roots in shade. A south- or west-facing wall with low planting at the base is ideal.
💧 Watering
Keep moist; wall-trained plants need extra water
Keep soil consistently moist, especially for plants growing against walls where rain shadow dries the ground. Mulch well to retain moisture.
🌱 Fertilizing
Spring feed plus fortnightly liquid feed
Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring and liquid feed fortnightly during the flowering season to fuel vigorous growth.
✂️ Pruning
Prune by group; timing varies
Pruning depends on the group. Group 1 (early-flowering) — prune after flowering. Group 2 (large-flowered) — light prune in February. Group 3 (late) — hard prune to 30 cm in February.
🌿 Support
Trellis or wires; tie in new growth
Provide a trellis, wires, or obelisk for the twining leaf stalks to grip. Tie in new growth regularly to ensure even coverage.
Growing Tips
Cool the roots
Mulch and plant low growers at the base to shade the root area.
Plant deeper for insurance
Set the crown a few centimetres below soil level to encourage shoots from below ground.
Train and tie in
Guide new stems horizontally and vertically for fuller coverage.
Prune by group
Early bloomers: trim after flowering; late bloomers: cut back hard in late winter.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of green or black aphids on shoot tips and flower buds; distorted growth; sticky honeydew
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Encourage ladybirds, lacewings, and hoverflies
- Spray with a pyrethrin-based insecticide at first sign
Pest Earwigs
Identification: Ragged holes in petals and young leaves; earwigs found hiding in flower heads during the day
- Set traps using upturned pots stuffed with straw on canes near the plant
- Shake out and relocate earwigs each morning
- Rarely necessary; trapping is usually sufficient
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Shredded or missing young shoots at ground level; slime trails on stems and nearby surfaces
- Apply copper tape or barriers around the base of the plant
- Use biological nematode control (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita) in spring
- Apply ferric phosphate slug pellets around the base
Disease Clematis Wilt Calophoma clematidina
Symptoms: Sudden collapse and blackening of one or more stems, often just as the plant is about to flower; leaves wilt and die rapidly
Treatment: Cut affected stems back to ground level or to healthy tissue; the plant usually regrows from the base
Prevention: Plant the crown 5-8 cm deeper than pot level to encourage underground buds; keep the base cool and shaded
Disease Powdery Mildew Erysiphe aquilegiae var. ranunculacearum
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves and stems; affected leaves may yellow, curl, and drop
Treatment: Improve air circulation; remove badly affected growth
Prevention: Keep roots consistently moist; mulch well; avoid planting in stagnant, airless corners
Popular Varieties
Early-flowering
Late-flowering
Evergreen
Herbaceous
Nelly Moser
Classic large-flowered hybrid (Group 2). Pale mauve-pink petals with a striking deep carmine central bar. Flowers late spring to early summer, with a second flush in late summer. Prefers part shade to prevent flower bleaching. RHS AGM.
Jackmanii
The most widely planted clematis (Group 3). Masses of rich violet-purple flowers from midsummer to early autumn. Vigorous and reliable, hard prune to 30 cm in late winter. RHS AGM.
Montana
Extremely vigorous species clematis (Group 1). Covered in masses of small four-petalled pale pink or white flowers in late spring. Can reach 8-12 m. Only light pruning needed after flowering.
Ville de Lyon
Popular large-flowered cultivar (Group 3). Bright carmine-red flowers with darker edges and golden stamens from midsummer to early autumn. Hard prune in late winter. RHS AGM.
The President
Reliable large-flowered hybrid (Group 2). Rich purple-blue flowers with silvery reverse, up to 18 cm across. Flowers freely early to late summer. Light prune in February.
Niobe
Stunning large-flowered hybrid (Group 2). Deep ruby-red to almost black-red velvety flowers with golden stamens. One of the darkest reds available. Flowers early to late summer. RHS AGM.
Hagley Hybrid
Free-flowering cultivar (Group 3). Shell pink to mauve-pink flowers with chocolate-brown anthers from midsummer onwards. Compact habit, good for containers. Hard prune in late winter. RHS AGM.
Arabella
Non-climbing herbaceous clematis (Integrifolia Group). Blue-purple nodding flowers from June well into October. Excellent ground cover or scrambling through other plants. Cut to ground in late winter. RHS AGM.
Armandii
Vigorous evergreen species (Group 1). Leathery dark green leaves year-round with almond-scented pure white flowers in early spring. Needs a sheltered, sunny wall. Can reach 5-6 m.
Polish Spirit
Outstanding late-flowering hybrid (Group 3). Rich purple-blue satiny flowers from midsummer to autumn. Vigorous to 4 m, disease-resistant, and very free-flowering. Hard prune in late winter. RHS AGM.
Perle d'Azur
One of the finest sky-blue clematis (Group 3). Masses of soft azure-blue flowers with a hint of mauve from midsummer to early autumn. Vigorous to 3-4 m. Hard prune in late winter. RHS AGM.
Ernest Markham
Vibrant large-flowered hybrid (Group 3). Glowing magenta-red flowers with golden-brown stamens from midsummer to autumn. Vigorous to 3-4 m, best in a sunny position. Hard prune in late winter. RHS AGM.
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