•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.
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