Pruning, planting & caring for clematis | Great garden vines | The Impatient Gardener

Clematis care: Pruning, planting, fertilizing and more.
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The Plant Lover's Guide to Clematis: amzn.to/3fk3Srp
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Clematis growing guide: www.theimpatientgardener.com/...
My name is Erin and I love sharing inspiration and information with real-life gardeners. I live and garden in southeastern Wisconsin, zone 5.
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[@allisonhadland7148]

I love this! "It's not that important." "Just watch it for a year and see what happens." We tend to overthink gardening and we really don't need to!

[@gummybears24]

My mom has gorgeous clematis in our home garden. After moving out on my own and wanting the same in my garden I asked what types they are, how she prunes them, maintains them. She had absolutely no clue what I was going on about! Turns out she's only every watered these plants, no pruning at all. "Just leave it for a year and see what happens" Well it turns out you can leave it for 5-10+ years and they just keep on blooming!

[@shirleysenkler781]

I clip last years vines off at ground level every spring. They grow like crazy and bloom beautifully. Learned from my parents growing up, also try growing 2 colors together for a more stunning display

[@Tinyteacher1111]

Thanks for the tips! That’s perfect!

[@CSFAV]

Whenever I see clematis, I click instantly!! My absolutely favorite plant!!! So easy to grow and so many gorgeous flowers!! 💗💗💗🧸

[@robynmoxham4255]

I first planted clematis about 15 years ago. The following year it started going through all of my bushes. At first I was concerned, but now I love it! look forward to May when it blooms because it’s so spectacular peeking out all through the bushes. Great video. Thank you! 💚

[@taylorswf23]

So funny when you hear that you’ve had an obscure/unimportant shared experience. My dog LOVES licking up Espoma fertilizer!

[@wanderly9950]

Perfect timing! I have three going in after this weekend's cold spell passes. Thanks, Erin!.

[@mn4040]

You inspired me to get clematis plants. I already had three, but now I’ve doubled my clematis count. I got a couple of trellises to train them that I’ll be setting up this week. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@snu3877]

I have fallen deeply in love with one of the clematises you mentioned: Gravetye Beauty. What a beauty indeed! Those lovely wine/ruby colored trumpet shaped flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds as well. For those who are new here to growing clematis, I find that the saying is true: the first year, they sleep, the second year, they creep, and the third year, they leap. They get better and better each year.

[@Tinyteacher1111]

I want one!

[@mariale7821]

Great video. Probably one of the most detailed ones I’ve seen. Thank you!!

[@carolhansen5419]

Love the information and "how to's." Just bought my first clematis yesterday and looking forward to seeing how it does in my yard.

[@junesmart7352]

Just ordered the Clematis book through your link and am so excited to be getting this book that you recommend. Clematis do so well on my property, so I have added a few new ones this year. This video is extremely helpful to me. Thanks for all you do, and for sharing with us.

[@janetg1691]

Thank you for clearing up the matter. I can breath easier now with my new plants.

[@jacih1034]

We just planted 4 clematis on a beautiful trellis. Thank you for the great info.

[@pambonesteel3775]

Le jardin birdcage support from Gardener’s Supply. I just purchased one that I am using as a support for one of my peony plants. Okay, you did it! I’m going to bite the bullet and plant my first clematis. Thanks for another great video.

[@DixieGirl9876]

Loved this one! I've had one in fun sun for more than a decade and it has always done well, then I have another that just gets morning sun and it does well also. I totally understand the confusion. lol

[@YAorNAmovies]

Great video Erin. Thanks for taking the fear out of growing clematis.

[@chrystalsabin4091]

Thanks so much Erin for this video. I'm planning on planting clematis soon and need all the info I can get.

[@lizpoole82]

Just ordered my 1st 2 clematis this year! Can't wait to try them out. Now I needs to research which group they're in so I can give them their best life!

[@treezza2817]

I've never had any success with Clematis, but now I know why and am ready to grow some. I've got a 4-pack from Costco at a great price, and one still in the post from last year that I thought had died, but is now growing. Thanks so much for the info!

[@maureenmckenna5220]

Thanks for explaining how forgiving plants can be and that mistakes in the garden can turn out ok.

[@mabelgoddard5813]

Thank you so much for Clematis information!! Great tips!👏👏🌷🌷 I’m protecting my clematis, put a cage around them so the rabbits don’t destroy them! Once again thank you 🙏

[@marciagrant6687]

I love clematis!! I plan on buying more this year. Thanks for the video!

[@marysmith9934]

Forgot to mention, I have a Sweet Autumn Clematis that i planted on our cats' pen fence 15 years ago and it's gigantic. Cut it down or leave the dead leaves, it comes back every year. We didn't cut it down this Spring and it's covered in new leaves. You almost can't kill it. Great privacy plant!

[@asinheaven]

This was perfect timing! I am growing my first clematis and it is already climbing into the top of the giant lilac bush next to it. I'm so thankful you explained your method of allowing clematis the freedom to grow through nearby shrubs. That was the idea I had for this one and now I can rest assured its going to be ok.

[@Tinyteacher1111]

Same here!

[@nangel270]

Thank god for gardeners like you Erin who keep it real. When just starting out you can get so confused by all the advice and “proper” methods for success that you just don’t bother trying some things. I agree with your “just try it and see what happens” method because we have different environments and there is not one way that works for all. There are just guidelines.

[@sandraryan7713]

Just planting clematis today! Thanks for the tips. 🌸🌸🌸

[@patsyjennings5133]

You explain things so clearly

[@anjahansen6936]

This was exactly the information I needed today. Thank you

[@rusticanrefined]

Great video, thanks for taking the time to give a lot of information on clematis. I'm thinking of growing them in a few pots as a spiller this season then planting them out in the yard in Fall. I'm inspired now!

[@laquerisma]

Love! I just bought another clematis today...Blue Ravine. I've grown so many clematis over the years and lost quite a few too. It's definitely a love of mine. Great info and I like your matter of fact style.

[@jstallings2070]

Great information. Thank you for putting this together.

[@sharonallen805]

Erin thank you for making this video, I will be using it for references, I have several clematis with my roses, mostly group 2. Best gardening channel.

[@lindaadams1008]

Thank you for this tutorial... I can refer back to it when I purchase my clematis and plant them...💕

[@Ruckus333]

Thank you! I just bought 2 one candy stripe and a lavender one. Both type 2. I like the idea of having it climb up the huge oak tree I have as my main focal point, bird feeder and bird bath. Lol it'll be great! Thanks again.

[@yonokzeller5402]

Thank you so much for the great info!🙏🙏

[@TO-wi5qu]

Very clear and informative, thank you.

[@joycejosue2380]

Thank you Erin, very informational. Here’s just something that made me laugh when you said “I do do”🤣

[@anitahadley2871]

I’ve always loved clematis. Took me awhile to realize that some really like to be cut back hard. Sometimes I don’t have a choice as the stems are broken. Never thought it could be the darn rabbits. I love the look of them with roses but for some reason never tried it. I think I will now. Just need to find the right type, or maybe it doesn’t matter. The ones I have are already blooming. I also got some of my clippings to root.

[@bonitadc3]

I have been wanting to try a clematis or two from Brushwood, but didn't know where to start, so thank you for this. Thank you also for your comment on the Rose Tone, I thought it was my imagination about the fertilizer attracting animals, not just dogs. Every time I use any of the Espoma fertilizers I have problems with something digging in the bed. It's gotten so bad that I have gone to covering a newly planted area with a piece of livestock fence I fashioned into a small dome to place over new plantings, and I leave it there sometimes a few weeks, that has helped.

[@marilynruggeberg]

I also Love Clematis. Thank you for the useful information and tips for growing. I am going to have to try one of the Bush types. MKR Creations

[@mattieburton9896]

My favorite too! Thanks!

[@user-hj1dc2hv7d]

Best video ever thank you !my favorite flower!

[@GrowingAGreenFinger]

Nice video. I have 3 clematis, but couldn’t tell you much about them. I’m definitely going to pickup the book to better educate myself. Thank you!

[@marysmith9934]

I love clematis! I have at least 30 different clematis and have good luck with them here in Georgia. My husband made 5 obelisks like the one you have and they grow on those with a little help from me and floral tape. I have the best luck with metal obelisks and the plants grow all over them with no help. They are in bloom right now and are spectular. I fertilize them with vegetable fertilizer.

[@kathrynowens2678]

Great info, Erin. I am only left with one clematis out of 3. Unfortunately the deer took out the other 2. Now I am armed with Bobex which works well for us. We put an alert on our phone to spray every 2 weeks. I'm ready to try again, as I really love them.

[@debbielebovic6573]

This was an amazing video. Thanks so much! I have about 6, only one of which I still know the name of. I always think I’m killing them so you really put my mind at ease

[@prajaktajoshi6280]

My first love too. They are beautiful

[@maureenmckenna5220]

Thank you for talking about rabbit damage and clematis. Rabbits bit through some of mine well after they were budded out, right at the bottom. So, vines just began dying off, turning brown, and looking miserable. I tried to cut out the dead pieces, but cut some of the live ones too, and it was one miserable effort. Finally, I was left with a very thin clematis, almost no flowers, and able to see right through to the support. I have never sprayed rabbit repellent seriously on my clematis, but will in the future. Waiting all year to see them bloom and losing them to rabbits is way too disappointing, I will also feed them, which I have rarely done. This is great information. Thanks.

[@markrichmond9576]

I have a group 2 clematis called vyvyan pennell that wilted five years in a row every year I threatened to dig it up and compost it then last year it bloomed for the first year a total diva be if ever there was so glad. I kept it now great video very informative keep up the good work

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Thanks for making this video, Erin! I love clematis but have always been confused about when and how to prune them. I have 4 different ones and would love to add more to my garden. I need to Google them (if I can find the tags) to find out what types I currently have. I really appreciate all the information and tips you provide! ~Margie

[@alice_rabbit8345]

I have a Jackmanii that I cut down to about 6-8” every fall. They come back every year more vigorous!!

[@DawnRenae22]

Needed this. Thank you.

[@kaylabryson1932]

I needed this video! Great info !

[@clairec298]

I have always been confused by clematis. Thanks for this video! I just ordered two group 3's from Brushwood :)

[@peggyjk]

My favorite is Sweet Autumn! I have another that is solid 2 feet wide at the base and gets about 8 ft tall with small trumpet type pink flowers (Etoile Rose).

[@gardengypsy70]

Thanks for your content, appreciate you!!!

[@marymonroy8442]

I have one Clematis and because I live in Southern California (zone 9B), it blooms early. By now, early June, it has completed blooming. Then the leaves start getting “rust.” I allow the leaves to die a little bit and give it a hard cut. I’ll get a second bloom later this summer. At the end of the second bloom, another hard cut till next spring. The second blooms are not as showy and big, but it is still beautiful

[@karentemple5619]

You really helped me out today. In fact, I just bought a Gursey Cream. I will no doubt have more success now by using your info and tips. Thank you!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Karen Temple I love that clematis so much.

[@virginiav.1172]

Great informative video. Thank you.

[@louisev8590]

So helpful, thank you.

[@paddyboy6155]

Excellent info thank you.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks for the great video. I have a clematis setting outside ready to be planted under a Miss Kim lilac. Now I know what to do.

[@karenross3457]

I have a love/hate relationship with mine. They are gorgeous in spring and summer but are ugly the rest of the year. I am not sure what category 2 out of the 3 are in my garden. After watching several videos I am still not sure how to prune them. I now realize that I need to prune earlier. A word of advice to any one planting one the first time, choose trellis three times the size you had planned. Once established they go grow like crazy.

[@snu3877]

I STILL am trying to solve the mystery of what kind of support to use that will really let them grow! An average sized trellis/tuteur just is not tall enough. I don't mind them spilling over once they reach the top, but I worry about stem breakage.

[@alexanderlilov]

Great tips. Thanks.

[@paultsworld]

I have the montana clematis in my English garden - the large mid Summer flowering clematis can suffer from wilt - fortunately the montanas don't - and look great! The late flowering varieties are also easy because you just cut them right back each year, as they flower on new growth.

[@julesdavis1845]

Phew! That was helpful. Thanks.

[@kristinarossphoto]

I planted my first clematis this spring. So excited to see how it does! And yes, dogs do love espoma fertilizer. Mine are obsessed and follow me around when I'm fertilizing and then proceed to dig in the ground with their noses to get to it. I think I'm going to start separating them from the sections I fertilize for a couple of days afterwards because it's kind of crazy!

[@rdarrett3635]

Kind of crazy! Lol.

[@redlantern3371]

I have a dark blue alpina that I planted last year under a double white French lilac. Prettiest thing in my garden right now! The blue bell shapes are so sweet amongst the lilac buds.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

The alpinas are lovely and so wonderful this time of year.

[@KayleneKing]

I’m planning on doing a video planting these with my roses. First time for everything

[@terrya.]

I didn't know there were different types. I just have always cut them back to the ground right before winter is supposed to hit (zone 4b). I guess I'm lucky I've had the right kind for that. I just bought 2 new ones, though, and I see they are type 2. Thanks for the tips!

[@claudettemonty4077]

I have one who flowers very early (June 15th flowering is finish) and since last year, I didn't prune it. Now, I don't know how but it's on the fence and at 4-5 feet's away, there is a tree! This year, she is climbing in the tree a good 10 feet up!! So, as you said, pruning or not, they live!! I had a lot of clematis and it's easy to take care! Thanks.

[@shelliefloriani8251]

Erin, I love your videos. I've always been afraid to try clematis but I might try them now. You give the best information and make it look doable. Thanks!

[@ashleighmumford6764]

yes! My dog loves espoma fertilizer too! he follows behind me licking the dirt! Unfortunately I've had to switch to a water soluble fertilizer in the backyard (where he has access). I use it only in the front yard where he doesn't have free reign.

[@siobhanoreilly3711]

My dogs always try to eat the Espoma fertilizer as well! I didn’t realize it was a common thing 🥴

[@paulah7222]

Thank you for this video! I have two successfully growing clematis and one that I have replanted three times! It is Henryi, which you showed (thank you!!!), and I am determined to make one thrive because my stepfather was named Henry I. and known as Dr. I, so it is an homage to him! I believe I can make that happen now with your help. I found you through Garden Answer and your contribution to her recent video of 12 gardeners talking about their most impressive plant for 2020. I loved your segment on your dahlias.

[@richardkerkof8500]

My comment would be exactly the same. Pasco, WA. 🌹

[@richardkerkof8500]

Same meaning end part on G.A. & dahlias. 🌹

[@mollypitcher9380]

Thanks!

[@FlowerPatchFarmhouse]

I used to prune down hard on my Group 2 clematis which is so much quicker and easier but found I was losing the first bloom from them, this is because they bloom not only on new wood but also on old. They grew and bloomed but not as long or as early as when I do it in the thirds or even only cut back the old spent material. This year they are already twice as tall as last. So glad you addressed the head in sun and roots in shade, I totally agree and many of mine the root zone is in full sun but mulched well and on a drip.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Flower Patch Farmhouse Great info. Thanks for sharing.

[@cherylanderson3340]

Really appreciate all the info on Clematis: that there are three categories; pruning tips, & planting instructions. I've enjoyed my abundantly flowering Henrii for many years - and then last year, saw it turn black, then realized that was due to a blight. Didn't know what to do with it. Before your mentioning that Clematis have large root systems, I'd considered relocating it where it won't be so swamped between a Mountain Laurel & my nice pink-red flowering Weigela. They all bloomed together, so for years formed a wall of blossoms, giving me more privacy by reaching up & shading the East / South facing corner of my house, where 2 large floor to ceiling windows meet. I've often let the Weigela grow large, in recent years, but think that might've been what caused the blight - the vines were being blocked from the sun & good air circulation by so much growth of the Weigela. So I will cut them back before the spring warming prompts new growth, likely cutting the Clematis to the ground, & then hope to see healthy new growth this spring. They both grow so much in a season. I could try keeping the Weigela smaller, & cut it back after the 1st bloom, to see if that helps to contain it. It'll likely bloom more the 2nd time by doing that too.

[@snu3877]

My jackmanii had a blight problem. I often got unsightly black leaves, ugh! Honestly? The best thing to happen to it is when I had to have my front stoop rebuilt, and the contractors just pushed the trellis over and onto the ground, snapping all of the stems. (They do NOT care about your plants!) I was hopping mad, but the next year, it regrew from the roots, all fresh stems, no more blight!

[@heatherwise2610]

YES our dogs love espoma!

[@mutuelbaker2588]

Oh my gosh! Thank you for this. I’ve never understood how to care for my clematis. Now I do 😊

[@rkr5106]

Erin, we've been shopping w/Brushwood for a year or 2. I sure wish you'd had this planting advice online before this... Our last 2 are due next week - so all is not lost yet!

[@starlakelsey2782]

I needed this info badly. I planted a Clematis a few weeks ago. It had been in its nursery pot just sitting in an empty pot from last year. I could see it roots and figured it was dead. This spring boom....Covered in flowers. So I stuck it in ground to climb up railing of front steps. I have no idea the name of it. Purchased on sale because it was left over and had no identifying info. This will b a fun experiment. Laughed when you mentioned dogs and fertilizer. I can open the bag and the dogs can smell it from other side of yard. They become little helpers in the garden then. It does stink but I guess to them it is the most wonderful smell in the world.

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

This video is right on time. I just purchased 2 gorgeous blues: Bernadine (gp 2) and Guiding Promise (gp 3). What I like about group 2's is that they flower on old and new wood.

[@GavinAndShea]

Hello, I have never heard anyone pronounce their name the way you do. Sounds like you are more right than the way we do but will be next to impossible to remember! Best wishes, Dorothy

[@learntocrochet1]

I've heard this pronunciation from people in New Zealand, South Africa and I if I remember correctly, Ireland...

[@tammynelson9568]

In south west Ohio we pronounce it differently also. I’m pretty sure your pronunciation is correct. Where did you get the rain barrel? Do you have to worry about mosquitos with rain barrels?

[@laurenwellman2516]

Thanks for the great info Erin. I have one large flower that I think is group two. It never gets too big because I don’t think it gets enough sun through the season (area starts off sunny until the large surrounding trees leaf out). So I don’t do too much trimming on it. I usually wait until I see leaves. I do want to get more. I am interested in the ones in group 3 that don’t vine.

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarm]

Hi Erin! Thanks so much for making this incredibly helpful video! I'm inspired to add a clematis to my cutting garden after watching this. Do you happen to have a favorite for cutting that you feel out performers others in the vase? On a different note - could you also share what mic you are using? I love to share video from around our flower farm, and I'm hoping to get better with my audio. I'm shooting on a Nikon 3400 and it does not have an external mic output. Thanks for everything and for sharing the love of gardening with everyone!

[@jonscarth740]

I am learning to grow plants , I have hydrangea, delphinium, columbine ,iris, anyway, looking on to a different plant to do, so I watched this video on clematis, so thank you for the information, never grew clematis.Cindy Rasmussen, Coeurd'alene, Id

[@philipbrooker8388]

Great video 👍

[@leonilaolivares9771]

Thank you! Just subscribed to your channel.

[@donabailey5965]

Great video, I have six clematis and three are doing beautifully the other three have brown leaves on the bottom and don’t bloom more then once (few blooms).

[@barbnitecki4407]

I have a jackmanii that I cut down every spring. It's probably 50 years old. Climbs 15 feet up chicken wire. I've done it to others too. I'll have to ck on them. Jack is in the east, others in west. Always thought lack of sun was my problem.

[@melissamybubbles6139]

I am glad to know that group three clematis can be planted more shallowly than group two to counteract rabbit damage.

[@dgeorge]

I have five clematis in my front yard so pretty in spring I don’t do much pruning at all just provide a trellis I love my garden

[@cardwellave2]

I had a Henryii on a fence that I had to tear out and replace the fence in spring.. It bloomed very later but it looked amazing! It’s already all leafed out, and of course I didn’t prune it at all this year. Meanwhile my unidentified dark blue one has yet to show any growth.

[@gardeningjunkie2267]

I pruned mine about two months ago. Then a few weeks ago I added some fertilizer. I don't know what I did but the number of buds on my clematis plants are insane. I can't wait for them to bloom! Just an fyi for anyone interested. I deadheaded and fertilized my flowers every week and they bloomed constantly until it got cold.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Gardening Junkie Glad to hear you’ve found a method that works for you. I don’t deadhead a lot of mine because I think the seed pods are as beautiful as the flowers.

[@CLS2808]

Thanks

[@donniellecarney7067]

I learned this year how much dogs love Espoma fertilizer... even though i scratched it in, my dog still went out licking the soil!!!! 😂😂😂😂

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Donnielle Carney One of our dogs is insane about it. And the effects, although temporary, are not great.

[@junesmart7352]

At least when planting new items, I have learned to use fertilizer in the bottom 1/3 - 1/2 the planting hole only, and my dogs don't seem to know it is there. Regardless - Espoma products are the best.

[@judymiddleswart9350]

Thankyou Erin just received barefoot Clem it’s called President Clem and from researching believe it’s number 2 ...I’m in NWFl and do hope for the best ...any info from you would be awesome since I’m kinda pushing zone we expect lil freeze tomorrow nite 3/19/23 so I soaked rootball and just for few days put in pot... thanks so much for all you give and share to us gardeners... love your channel

[@christinepops5100]

I'm so happy to see that my jackmanii clematis is coming up strong this spring. Last summer it wilted and I cut it to the ground as advised. I have another one (which I cannot remember what variety) that grows a bit farther from its support. So the past few years I would pull it horizontally towards the support and it would just stop growing. After several years of doing this, I put a stake nearby and so far it's growing up taller and will hopefully make it up the porch post this year! I wrap stainless steel wire around my porch posts for clematis support after seeing Martha train hers this way on her fancy granite posts. Thanks so much for the helpful pruning advice! I need to get outside and fertilize mine right now!