Will Clematis Grow on a Wall?

Site Selection

• Clematis vines perform best in full sun locations; choose a planting site near a section of wall that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours each day. The site that you select should be approximately 3 feet wide to ensure that the clematis has adequate room for growth. Avoid planting clematis vines too close to any of the trees in your home landscape; clematis does not compete well with large tree roots, according to the Colorado State University Extension.

Site Preparation

• Clematis requires moist, fertile and well-draining soil for successful cultivation. Because the soil at the base of garden walls can be extremely dry, the BBC recommends working in plenty of organic materials before planting your clematis vines. Cover the surface of the soil with 4 inches of peat moss, 3 inches of aged manure and 2 inches of perlite; incorporate the organic materials into the soil to a depth of 24 inches. Clematis needs thin, wire-like supports that it can wrap its tendrils around as it grows; attach clear, nylon trellis netting to your wall with 4-inch eye bolts.

Planting

• Following proper planting practices will help to ensure that the clematis grows successfully in its new location. Remove the plant from its nursery container and examine its root ball; dig a planting hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and 2 to 3 inches deeper than the height of the root ball. Position the clematis in the planting hole so that the junction where the stems meet the roots, known as the crown, will be covered by approximately 3 inches of soil when planted. Return the amended soil to the planting hole and firm it down around the plant's root system.

Clematis Care

• Once planted, clematis requires very little special care to thrive. Water the vine weekly while it is actively growing to maintain soil that is evenly moist. For best results, provide the clematis with approximately 1 inch of water each time you irrigate. Top the surface of the soil around your vine with 2 to 3 inches of peat moss or bark pieces; clematis performs best when the soil around its roots is kept moist and cool. Fertilize the clematis with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month while vine is actively growing. Pluck spent blossoms from your clematis, as needed, to encourage it to produce additional blooms.