How to Plant a Clematis

When to Start: Early fall
At Its Best: Depends on variety
Time to Complete: 1-12 hours

Materials Needed:

• clematis plant
• well-composted organic matter
• shovel and garden fork
• all-purpose granular fertilizer

• bamboo cane
• wires and vine eyes (if planting next to a wall or fence)
• garden twine

Prepare the Ground

First, dig plenty of organic matter into the soil. If growing clematis up a wall or fence, position the plant 18 inches away from it. Dig a hole about 12 inches deep, fork over the base, and add some fertilizer to the excavated soil.

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Check the Depth

Clematis are best planted deeply, so that if clematis wilt strikes, the plant will survive. Place the clematis in its pot in the hole, and lay a stake or string over it to check that the lower stems will be 2 inches beneath the soil surface when it's planted.

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Plant and Backfill

After watering thoroughly, remove the clematis from its pot and plant it in the hole. Carefully backfill with the fertilized soil, pushing it gently between the brittle stems with your fingers and making sure there are no air pockets as you go.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited