Types of Clematis

There are three basic types of clematis; ones that produce flowers on this year's growth (new wood); ones that produce flowers on the previous year's growth (old wood); and those that produce flowers on both new and old growth.  Knowing the variety you have is essential in order to know the proper pruning technique.    (see below)

Clematis Varieties A - K
Clematis Varieties L - Z

• Clematis require a site that will receive at least one half day of direct sunlight. This helps in bud and bloom production, and in lowering susceptibility to crown rot.   Young clematis are extremely susceptible to crown rot, which is a disease. Crown Rot can usually be prevented by treating the plant with a garden or flower fungicide throughout the growing season.
• The plants are also susceptible to any root disturbances.  These can include animals digging around the roots, or growing in a low spot where water may collect.
• Clematis like to have a cool root zone.  Place a layer of mulch around the base (not exceeding 1.5") of the plant or plant clematis by shrubs, perennials, or annuals that will shade the root system.  A "pinch" of lawn and garden lime or about a half cup mixed in a hole 1' in diameter and 1' deep is helpful as clematis prefer a slightly alkaline pH.
• Give Clematis time to get a good root system established before you expect flowers.   This may take a year or two.  Double flowering varieties may take a bit longer. 

• Clematis that flower on new growth should be heavily pruned every winter or early spring back to the first pair of leaf buds above the ground.  This usually means 6-8" above ground.
• The second and third types of clematis, which flower on old, or old and new growth, are best pruned in early winter or spring.  Prune lightly, which involves more judgment.   Prune to reduce the plant to a manageable size or to revitalize.  Trim lightly when it is necessary to retain vines.  Light pruning is always preferred for clematis that flower only on old wood, because only a minimum of buds are removed. 
• To determine the correct pruning technique for your Clematis, call (330) 825-3320 or e-mail us.

Clematis need water, but not too much.  Feel the soil between waterings.   Plant that are too wet can be affected by crown rot.  How often clematis need to be watered will depend on the weather. 

When planting clematis, fertilize with Bonide's B1 Plant Starter according to label directions.  After the vine is established, use fertilizer recommended for flowering plants. 

The cause of Clematis wilt is unknown but the most common theory is that it is caused by a fungus.  The fungus can attack only one shoot, leaving the rest of the plant healthy, including the root system.

Wilt usually affects large flowering hybrids.   We have noticed that wilt is not so prevalent in the fall blooming type, Clematis paniculata or terniflora.

The usual treatment is to remove the diseased stem(s) below the wilted section, even below the soil line.  Plants will usually recover from buds present on the lower stem.

1. Choose a favorable planting site.  Your site should receive about 6 hours of sun or more per day and be well-drained with a neutral pH.
2. Select resistant plants.  Small-flowered hybrids seem to be more resistant than large-flowering forms.
3. Keep the area around your Clematis free of debris all year round.
4. Take special care to avoid injury to the stem and roots
5. Do not cultivate near the roots of Clematis
6. Mulch the root system as they like to have their roots shaded.
7. Remove diseased stems immediately.  In the event that the plant becomes infected, cut the diseased stems just below ground level and destroy them.