Clematis, clematis, clematis – this predominantly delicate plant genus with over 300 species and countless varieties and hybrids belongs to one of the largest botanical families, the buttercup family. As you can already guess from the German name, these are exclusively vine-like climbing and sometimes creeping plants. They are native to forested, tropical to subarctic areas and are distributed almost all over the world due to the diversity of species. Most Clematis species are evergreen, deciduous, perennial and can climb up to 5-6 meters in height and width. Here in Germany and Austria, the species common, upright, Italian and alpine clematis can be observed in the wild. In today’s article we would like to share with you some important clematis care tips so that you can enjoy this flowering ornamental plant at home.
Clematis is a genus with 300 species and thousands of cultivars
In full bloom, clematis are a real eye-catcher in the garden or pot
Interesting facts and trivia about clematis
Clematis are wonderful, extremely hardy and low-maintenance ornamental plants that can thrive in almost any condition. Clematis can be planted directly in garden soil or in a pot. This can then be left indoors or outdoors on the balcony or terrace almost all year round.
Similar to other vines, clematis branches are flexible and difficult to break off, making the plant perfect for windy gardens. Sprigs of clematis are also great for making summer wreaths with flowers. Frequent trimming also stimulates strong growth and richer flowering. So you can cut off branches regularly and carefree. Be sure to wear gardening gloves. Clematis belong to the buttercup family, so they contain toxins that can cause skin rashes and inflammation. As a plus, this same toxicity makes clematis virtually immune to the most common garden parasites.
With optimal clematis care, the ornamental plant produces large, colorful and sweet-smelling flowers from June to September. Depending on the type and variety, these come in white, creamy yellow, violet, red, pink, blue or multicolored combinations. After flowering, decorative, feathery nut fruits develop, with which you can easily propagate the plant.
Clematis care is unproblematic and perfect for hobby gardeners
As a container plant, clematis definitely need climbing aids
These plants can be found in almost every color of the rainbow
location and temperature
The Clematis genus includes over 300 species, which, as already mentioned, are distributed almost all over the world. All of them can do well in a pot. For the garden, however, you need hardy varieties that can easily survive sub-zero temperatures. The most famous and dainty of these are the common (clematis vitalba), upright (clematis recta), Italian (clematis viticella) and alpine (clematis alpina) clematis. With proper winter protection, these plants can even withstand -30 degrees.
Clematis is a robust, easy-care and hardy plant, but with an unusual location requirement. The vines need full sun all year round, while the roots feel better in a cool shade. Clematis is therefore often planted on house walls, fences, hedges, shrubs and trees. These not only provide the desired shade, but also serve as a climbing aid. A particularly dreamy, lively arrangement is created in the garden in combination with climbing roses. Their flowers and scents combine wonderfully in summer.
Cold-resistant, flexible, robust, but with sensitive roots
Blue is a color that is extremely rare in nature
The seeds and fruits of the ornamental plant are just as pretty as the flowers
water and fertilizer
When caring for clematis, the fine, superficial root system of the ornamental plant must definitely be taken into account. This requires regular watering and only careful mowing or weeding all around. Just like in the forest, where many Clematis species come from, the soil should always be slightly moist. This is particularly important in late spring, summer and early fall. Soft water or rainwater are usually best for this. Your clematis can also benefit from drip irrigation. In winter, of course, you should only water your garden plants occasionally or not at all.
If you grow your clematis in a container, always discard excess water from the tray to avoid root rot. The top 3-5 cm of soil should always be dry between waterings.
Feed the clematis once in the spring with a fertilizer rich in potassium. It’s relatively easy to make at home, as banana peels, coffee grounds, and horse manure are all high in potassium. Mulch with organic mature garden compost immediately afterwards. Many gardening professionals also recommend adding some lime to the soil every 1-2 years.
Depending on the species and variety, clematis flowers can have a maximum size of 20 cm
Flower heads often sit very close together, creating a veritable wall of flowers
soil and potting
Clematis is planted in the garden or pot in spring or autumn. These ornamental plants prefer moist but well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (7.0-8.5). Due to their delicate roots, clematis should only be repotted when they are too big for their pots. Alternatively, their growth height can be limited by regular trimming.
Clematis care is relatively unproblematic and will reward your efforts year after year with impressive flowers. Once introduced to the garden, it is easy to understand why clematis is a favorite of so many gardeners around the world.
Clematis offer colorful privacy, wind and noise protection
They can also completely cover unsightly old walls
In some species, the flower heads hang down
Be careful, pets and children are not allowed to nibble on clematis
Clematis means genius, sophistication and spiritual beauty in the language of flowers
