How to Speed Up Clematis Vines

Plant clematis in soil that has been richly amended with organic matter. Dig a planting hole that is 2 feet deep and wide and mix in 4 to 6 inches of organic matter, such as compost, fine bark or peat moss. If the soil is heavy in clay, mix in an additional 4 to 6 inches of organic matter and scrape the sides of the planting hole with a pitch fork to help the clematis roots penetrate the sides as they grow. Fill the hole back in and plant a clematis as deep as it was planted in the planting pot.

Keep the roots cool and moist, or clematis growth may be stunted. Use 2 inches of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around the base of the vine to help cool the soil and maintain moisture. Replenish it as it decomposes. Alternatively, plant low-growing shrubs or perennials at the base of the vine to shade the roots. Adding more plants will require more irrigation to water all the plants sufficiently.

Feed clematis annually in the spring with fertilizer high in nitrogen. For example, apply 1/2 lb. of a fertilizer labeled 15-5-5 around your clematis plant, covering 50 square feet. Water the fertilizer in after application. Fertilizer speeds up clematis growth but is usually not necessary after the clematis plant is well established and has filled in the desired space.

Water clematis plants once a week with 1 inch of water during dry spells when rain is not meeting the 1-inch requirement.