How to Grow Clematis Vines

About Growing Clematis Flowers in Your Home Garden

Looking for a climbing vine with big, cheery blooms? Growing Clematis flowers may be your answer. Originating in North America, Asia, and Europe, the perennial Clematis vine can grow up to 10′ or more. With over 300 species, there is a lot of variation in plant habit and blooms. Some varieties have blooms up to 6″ wide. Most Clematis blooms once a year. But, there are some re-blooming varieties. This member of the Crowfoot family is perfect for a trellis or fence. Clematis seeds take a few weeks to sprout. You may want to start them indoors.

After the flowers fade, Clematis produces small fruit.

Flowers Bloom: Early Spring to early summer.

Flower Colors: Clematis come in a wide variety of colors. The most common colors include white, red, pink, violet, and blue.

Plant Height: Depending upon variety, this plant grows from 4 to 30 feet tall. As a result, make sure to check the plant height when you select the variety you want to grow.

Perennial, Ranunculaceae

Perennial Clematis Flower Propagation

Clematis vines are easily propagated by division. The plants do best if divided every two to three years. Simply dig out half to two-thirds of the plants, leaving the remainder in place. Then separate the portion you dug out into two sections and plant in another location or give them to a friend.

Clematis seeds can also be directly seeded into your garden or seeded indoors for transplanting later.

We recommend an indoor start, as Clematis seeds take a long time to germinate.

For outdoor starts, sow Clematis seeds early in the season, and cover lightly with soil. Water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist during the germination period. Make sure to clearly ark the planting site.

Days to Germination: Several weeks or more.

How to Grow Clematis Vines Plants

Clematis likes full sun to light, partial shade.

The plants grow best in moist, fertile, and well-drained soil.

Space plants 24″-36″ apart. The roots are shallow and should be shaded by growing other flowers around the base of the vine. The use of mulch is not recommended, as Clematis can suffer from wilt and fungus diseases present in decomposing mulch.

The fast-growing vines benefit from ample amounts of fertilizer. Add an all-purpose fertilizer once a month.

As a vining plant, Clematis needs something to climb. Growing Clematis on a trellis, fencing, or posts are good options.

Clematis will bloom in the spring to early fall. Some varieties bloom twice in a season.

Caution: It is important to know the variety of Clematis vine. Depending upon variety, some blooms emerge from old wood, while others grow from new wood.

After the first freeze, the plants can be cut back for winter. If you do not what variety you have, do not cut the vines back too far. Or, you risk cutting off next year’s blooms.

Ideal Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.0.

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