PLANT PROFILE:
Clematis

These charming climbing vines are true showstoppers in spring to late summer. Valued for their showy displays of bell- to star-shaped flowers in many variations of pink, blue, mauve and red, clematis are a perennial favorite in Washington gardens. They can be trained to climb up trellises and arbors but will also make themselves at home in the branches of another host. One of the best uses of clematis being trained into a host can be seen when it is added to ivy, the leaves seem to become invisible, and when the flowers erupt the ivy appears to be blooming – quite fabulous.

Clematis enjoy having their feet in the shade and their vines in the sun, so plant them in a bed where they will be able to grow above the surrounding plants while having their roots shaded by them. Grow in fertile organic soil in full to part sun. Pruning can be done immediately after blooming to control size. The next pruning should be done in late winter when old stems can be cut back to strong buds