Types of Shade for a Clematis

Shade

• Areas that receive about six hours of sun per day are best for clematis. However, the vine requires dappled shade during the afternoon heat. Certain varieties like Hagley Hybrid and Nelly Moser require continual partial shade and thrive in a well-ventilated site of eastern exposure. As a general rule, the lighter-colored clematis require shade and do not tolerate direct sun. To the contrary, the dark-colored varieties with red, purple or dark blue flowers are more tolerant of strong sun.

Soil

• Plant clematis in a fertile, well-drained loam amended with sharp sand or coarse horticultural grit. Amend sandy soils with organic matter such as humus, leaf mold, potting compost or well-rotted farmyard manure prior to planting. Clematis adapt to neutral or acidic soil with a pH of slightly above or below 7. Add lime or calcium carbonate to increase soil alkalinity in highly acidic soil.

Planting

• Dig the planting hole twice as wide and deep as the container in which the clematis is growing. Use a garden fork to loosen the sides and base of the hole before planting. Soak the entire plant container in a bucket of water for about 15 minutes before removing. This moistens the soil and helps the roots to absorb water more easily. Slide the plant out gently and loosen the roots at the base of the root ball to encourage healthy root growth. Position plant in the center of the hole and fill hole with amended soil. Cover the plant base with a thin layer of organic matter and water well.

Transplanting

• The recommended time for transplanting clematis is during fall, late winter or very early spring before the appearance of new growth. Make sure the planting hole is large enough to accommodate plant roots easily. Plant roots that are minimally damaged adapt better to their new site after transplanting.