Plant of the Month: Clematis

Clematis is a lovely vine plant with varying flowers that originally comes from China. When the plant started spreading to other portions of the world like Europe, its different species became a symbol of intelligence, art, and poverty.

@vasquezarts

There are several different types of Clematis stemming from species like Virgin’s Bower with large white flowers and species like Montana with small flowers and thick vines. To grow Clematis, you must first choose the right type for you. Picking one and planting one can be a complex process, but after your Clematis begins to grow, the care is simple.

You should pick a bright and sunny spot in your garden, and dig a large hole in healthy soil for your Clematis. Plant the Clematis a little bit lower in the ground than you would in a pot and make sure you’re gentle with the roots. While Clematis flowers need sun, their roots need to stay cool in the shade. Once your Clematis is planted, cover the roots with healthy soil, preferably compost, and something to keep the roots shaded. For shade, you can use mulch or find some perennial plants you enjoy to not only add to your garden, but help your Clematis plant to grow.

Clematis plants are vine plants so they need somewhere to climb. Unlike other climbing plants, Clematis plants will not wrap around anything too thick. Try placing some wire, rods, or twine near them to give them a good home. After you’re done planting, all you need to do water your plant, and change the mulch each spring. Some pruning is necessary, but is specific to each species.

Clematis plants might seem like a lot of work, but their care is easy once they are planted. Add some perennials and some wire for them to climb, and you’ll have a beautiful addition to your garden.