Growing Clematis

Summer is in full swing here in the high country of Northern Arizona.  And, for me that means that I'm between blooms on my clematis vines. 

The varieties that I'm growing put out a huge flush in late spring and since I pruned the vines, they should flower again in late summer or early fall.  I'm hopeful, and meanwhile I wanted to share a little bit about this wonderful plant along with images from my spring flush.

Backround

Clematis is a luxurious old-fashioned climber that is a showstopper in part-sun here in the high desert.
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Growing in most temperate parts of the world, Clematis is a showy and vigorous vine with over 400 wild varieties. 

The name comes from the classical Greek "klema", meaning vine or tendril, and it's a plant that has been collected and admired since the middle ages. 

There is a bit to know about what type you have (or want to grow) which affects how to care for and prune your vine for success.  Clematis varieties are grouped into one of three categories - spring bloomers, repeat bloomers, and summer or fall bloomers.   They generally do best in part sun, with their roots cool.  And they do best with something vertical to climb on, or can be left to tumble down from a raised location.  They are perennials and will bloom more actively after they are established for a couple seasons.
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​some tidbits from my garden in Prescott

Here at Juniper Hill Cottage I've got two varieties of clematis growing side by side in one spot, tucked under an old, multiple trunk  Alligator Juniper tree.

You will notice that they are planted in a large pot.  Because the tree is so large it's pretty hard to plant anything directly underneath it without using a pot - this one big at about 30" diameter and 40" tall.  Because the pot is on drip and the tree offers dappled shade all day until late evening, the vines do really well here and can scramble up the tree as well as tumble over the edge of the pot.

This winter, we designed and made a steel trellis for the vine to climb up and the results were pretty spectacular!  It's kind of in the shape of an umbrella and this gives a nice, sturdy support for the vine to spread out and deliver it's show.

I adore using pots in my landscape and recently wrote a blog post offering 5 Great Reasons to Use Pots in your Garden.  I hope you will check that out to get some inspiration.

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Clematis Niobe
This is a fairly new variety with very large velvety red-burgandy blooms.  Will grow to 8 - 10 feet high.

Belongs to Group 2, which flowers in early summer on last year's growth.  So be careful not to chop the new growth down after flowering.

Clematis Jackmanii 
Considered a modern variety but introduced about 100 years before Niobe.  The blooms are a a dark purple and smaller but quite a bit more prolific than Niobe.  Will grow to 8-12 feet high.

Belongs to Group 3, which flowers in late summer on new growth.  This one can be hard pruned back in late winter.

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Thanks for reading and I hope you will consider planting a clematis soon.  I'd love to hear which one you are considering or currently have in your garden.  Let me know in the comments below!

Peace and contentment,
~Miriam

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