What Kind of Soil Do You Need for Clematis?

Varieties

• Clematis is a member of the buttercup family and has more than 250 species. Most varieties are climbing vines. Clematis comes in a variety of colors, including red, purple, pink, white and yellow. According to the Ohio State University Extension, clematis has one of three types of flowers: clusters of small white flowers, bell-shaped flowers or open flowers. Clematis is very hardy and some varieties are even able to survive to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 3.

Growing Conditions

• Clematis does best in soil that is alkaline, damp and cool. The plant tolerates sun but should be shielded from hot midday sun, which puts too much stress on the plant. The best place for clematis is on the east side of your house, where it receives morning sun. Organic mulch around the plant’s base keeps the roots cool. Alternatively, plant a low-growing plant, such as sedum or vinca, in front of the clematis for shading the roots.

Uses

• Clematis’ dense leaves provide shade for a porch or other sitting area. They hide unattractive chain-link fences. They can grow up trees, rock walls, arbors, lattice or on a trellis at the side of your house. Clematis can even grow up through and over other plants, such as evergreen shrubs or rose bushes. Some unstaked varieties spread as groundcover. Clematis can also be used as cut flowers and last four days or longer in a vase.

Care

• In dry weather, give clematis 1 inch of water per week. Annual pruning promotes new growth. The three types of flowering clematis are pruned at different times during the season, so refer to the tag that comes with your plant or research your specific variety to ensure you prune at the best time. Prune the Jackman clematis, which is the most common in the United States, in the early spring.