Carnaby Clematis Care

Location

• Good soil drainage is crucial to the success of the Carnaby clematis. If puddles of water remain for four hours or more after a heavy rainfall, choose another location in which to grow the vine. Carnaby holds its color best when grown in a location that receives sun in the morning and light shade for the rest of the day. While the vine does best with its face in the sun, the roots need to remain somewhat cool, so spread a 3-inch layer of compost on the soil around the base of the plant. Keep the mulch at least 3 inches from the plant to avoid rot.

Moisture

• Water the clematis once a week during periods of hot weather and drought. Soak the top 6 inches of the soil when you water it. Once fall arrives, decrease the frequency to once every 10 days to two weeks and water in the winter once a month only if there is no rain. Once a month, from spring through the end of summer, spray the foliage with water from a garden hose to dislodge dust and spray away any pests. Do this in the morning so the foliage has time to dry before evening.

Fertilizer

• Fertilize the young Carnaby clematis with a water-soluble, all-purpose fertilizer twice -- from early spring until late summer -- during its first year. Use the amount of fertilizer listed on the package label. During its second and subsequent seasons, use 1/2 lb. of 15-5-5 analysis fertilizer and spread it in a 50-foot radius around the base of the clematis. Apply it in May and again in June. Water the fertilized area to a depth of 10 inches after fertilizing.

Pruning

• Wait until after the Carnaby clematis has been in the ground for one year to prune and then cut it back hard -- to 18 inches long. This is important for the health and future strength of the vine. In the second year, prune it back significantly again. In the third and subsequent years, prune the Carnaby lightly, in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Start by going through the vine, stem by stem, and cutting back dead or damaged stems to just above a healthy bud. If you want to trim back healthy stems, cut them back to the first large bud you reach as you follow the stem back toward the base of the plant.