10 Tips for Clematis Care

I’ve always found Clematis to be one of the most enchanting climbing plants in the garden. Their abundant blooms and wide variety of colors never fail to impress—but I also used to think they were too delicate to grow successfully. Over time, I learned that with the right care, Clematis can thrive for many years and reward you with stunning floral displays season after season. In this article, I’d love to share 10 practical tips that have helped me grow healthy, vigorous Clematis plants in my own garden.

10 Tips for Clematis Care
Clematis, also known as traveller’s joy or old man’s beard, are floriferous climbing shrubs often considered delicate. But unfairly so: with these care tips, nothing will stand in the way of a flowering festival for years to come.
Clematis are among the most beautiful and popular climbing plants in the garden. From planting and fertilizing to pruning – if you follow these 10 tips, your clematis will thrive.

Tip 1: Prevent Clematis Wilt

Large-flowered clematis hybrids like ‘Niobe’ (photo above) are particularly prone to clematis wilt. This fungal disease causes the entire above-ground part of the plant to die back. Aside from choosing the right location and preparing the soil properly, regular monitoring—especially during the summer months—is the best preventive measure. If your plant is affected, cut it back to the ground immediately. As long as it was planted deeply enough (see Tip 2), it will usually sprout again from below.

Tip 2: Plant Clematis Properly

Clematis prefer deep, humus-rich soil that is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Before planting, work plenty of mature leaf compost and planting soil into the bed. In poorly draining, clay-heavy soil, a layer of builder’s sand at the bottom of the planting hole can help protect the sensitive roots from waterlogging. Large-flowered varieties should be planted deep enough so that the first set of buds is below soil level. This increases the likelihood of regrowth after a wilt infection.

Tip 3: The Ideal Location for Clematis

In nature, wild clematis species grow mostly along sunny forest edges or clearings. While cultivated varieties differ in flower size and color, their location preferences remain the same: they thrive in semi-shaded spots with morning and/or evening sun and a cool, shaded root area. Tip: Plant ferns or large-leaved woodland perennials like hostas or Rodgersia around the base to provide root shade.

Tip 4: The Right Support Structure

All clematis species climb by wrapping their leaf stalks around a support. The ideal climbing aid for clematis consists of thin, primarily vertical rods or slats to which their delicate stems can easily cling.

Tip 5: Optimal Fertilizing for Clematis

Clematis do not require heavy feeding. In the wild, they rely on nutrients released by microorganisms breaking down autumn leaves and other plant debris. It’s usually sufficient to top-dress your clematis in spring with 2–3 liters of mature compost. Most wild species also appreciate a little extra lime: every two years in winter, sprinkle a handful of garden lime or algae lime around the root zone.

Tip 6: Clematis and Climbing Roses

Climbing roses and clematis are a classic dream duo in the garden. But to help them thrive equally well, a little know-how is needed: plant the rose a year or two before the clematis, and separate the root zones with a root barrier—such as a thin wooden board—down the middle.

Tip 7: Be Careful When Working the Soil

Like most woodland plants, clematis have fine, shallow roots. Avoid any soil cultivation around the base of the plant. Instead, hand-pull any unwanted weeds regularly. A mulch layer of pine bark helps prevent new weeds and keeps the soil moist. Also, avoid damaging the thin stems, as injuries increase the risk of infection with wilt diseases (see Tip 1).

Tip 8: Wild Clematis Species Are Especially Hardy

Wild species and their cultivars—such as the golden clematis (Clematis tangutica)—tend to be more vigorous and less disease-prone than the highly bred, large-flowered hybrids. That doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on beautiful blooms: the Italian clematis (Clematis viticella), for example, now comes in many richly colored garden forms. They bloom profusely, and depending on the variety, their flowers are only slightly smaller than those of the hybrids.

Tip 9: What to Do About Poor Blooming

If your clematis blooms sparsely, the cause is often lack of light—such as when growing beneath a tree canopy. Small flowers usually indicate water shortage. A greenish tint on the flowers—known as “luxuriance”—is a sign of potassium deficiency or low temperatures. However, in some viticella varieties, this is simply a typical trait.

Tip 10: Prune for More Blooms

Varieties of Italian clematis and all other pure summer-flowering plants should be cut back to just above the ground in spring (left). The remontant clematis hybrids are pruned back more lightly in spring so that the first bloom in late spring or early summer is not too sparse (right)

Italian clematis varieties and all other summer bloomers should be cut back hard in spring to just above ground level (left photo). Repeat-blooming clematis hybrids should receive a lighter pruning in spring to encourage a strong first bloom in late spring or early summer (right photo).

Pruning Summer-Blooming Clematis

Proper clematis pruning depends on bloom time. Clematis are divided into three pruning groups:

• Group 1: Spring-blooming wild species – usually do not require pruning.
• Group 2: Large-flowered hybrids – bloom on old wood in spring and on new growth in summer. Light pruning in spring enhances the first flush; heavier pruning boosts the second.
• Group 3: Summer bloomers like Clematis viticella – prune hard in early spring to about 30 cm (12 in) above the ground.

I hope these tips help you feel more confident about growing Clematis. With a bit of attention and the right techniques, these beautiful climbers can become a long-lasting highlight in your garden. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your current setup, don’t be discouraged—Clematis are more resilient than they’re given credit for. Happy gardening!