Clematis plants are tall, bushy-looking and require a good amount of space. As a result, many novice gardeners hesitate to plant them inside pots and other containers. Potted clematis need more care and attention than those grown in a garden, but as long as they grow in large containers filled with a rich soil mix and are assured of ample support as they grow, you should be able to ensure your clematis will have robust growth for several years.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparation
Step 1. Choose a slow growing variety
Vigorous species, such as "Montana", require too much space for their roots and it becomes very difficult to grow them in a pot. Look for other varieties, including "Bees Jubilee", "Carnaby", "Dawn", "Fireworks", "Lady Northcliffe," and "Royalty", among many others.
Step 2. Choose a large vase
Folk wisdom states that clematis need a container with a minimum diameter of 45cm. Even small plants can reach heights of 1.8 meters, and the roots of such a tall plant take up a lot of space.
Step 3. Get a pot that provides good drainage
The roots need to be cool and moist, but too much water can quickly turn into a problem, especially during the cold season. If the pot doesn't already have at least three drainage holes, drill a couple in the bottom.
Step 4. Evaluate the material your vase is made of
Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Clay pots keep the soil well drained, but they are also heavy and can break during the winter if not brought indoors.
- Those made of stone can withstand all temperatures, but are often even heavier than those made of terracotta.
- Plastic pots don't drain water as well, but they are lightweight and strong enough.
- Treated wood containers offer a good balance of strength, weight and drainage, especially if they have a metal inner lining to preserve the wood for longer.
Step 5. Plan to plant clematis during late summer or early fall
Thus the plant has plenty of time to acclimate and stabilize before going dormant during the winter. By the summer of the following year it should begin to bloom a little.
Part 2 of 3: Planting
Step 1. Place a layer of broken pieces of earthenware on the bottom of the vase
You can also use stones or gravel. These materials prevent drainage holes from becoming clogged with soil, creating better water drainage conditions.
You can find most of these materials at a garden store, but if you can't get them, you can also collect stones from a nearby stream or break an old clay pot into pieces with a hammer. If you collect these materials in nature, however, you should sterilize them, soak them in warm soapy water, or in a solution made with one part bleach and four parts water
Step 2. Add a nutrient-rich layer that you can get from a rotted turf
You can make it by digging a clod of grass and earth, letting it drain into another pot, and letting it soak for several days. Then place the turf upside down on top of the shards. Alternatively, you can use decomposed manure or compost from the garden. These materials are easier to find at livestock and garden supply stores. Regardless of what you choose, these decomposed materials must be kept away from clematis roots, as there may be bacteria and insect eggs present that can cause problems for the plant that is trying to grow.
Step 3. Fill the rest of the pot with potting soil
Clay-based compost works better because it retains moisture more effectively than compost without clay material. Additionally, clematis need nutrient-rich soil and a compost-based potting mix is desirable.
Step 4. Put the compost firmly
The roots can grow in very dense soil, and the more you press the soil, the less it will sink after watering. Ideally, the top of the soil should be just 5cm below the edge of the container.
Step 5. Soak the root ball in water
Fill a bucket with warm water and let the roots soak for 10 to 20 minutes. You have to put about a liter of water for every 2.5 cm of root system diameter. This must be done before planting clematis, since the roots must be completely soaked.
Step 6. Dig enough compost to be able to fix the root system with a garden trowel
When the hole seems large enough to contain it, dig another 2 inches of compost. The roots need this extra few inches of "leeway" to thrive.
Step 7. Put the root system in the newly created hole
Make sure the top of the roots is 5cm below the surface.
Step 8. Fill the hole with compost
Press it firmly around the root ball, making sure it stays firmly in place.
Step 9. Soak the soil
The compost doesn't have to be saturated to the point of puddling, but it should feel particularly moist to the touch.
Part 3 of 3: Care
Step 1. Check the clematis every day to see if the soil is moist enough
Stick your finger in the first few inches above the ground. If you feel it is dry, wet your plant again with water.
Step 2. Place the pot in an area where it can receive partial sun
Clematis require around six hours of direct sun per day and prefer to have their roots in the shade. Place your plant near an east or west facing window, or in a shady spot on the terrace or patio, where it should have sufficient light.
Step 3. Fertilize it in the spring with a high quality compost or granular fertilizer of the 10-20-10 type
The amount depends on the type of fertilizer you use. A rose fertilizer every month or two should provide enough nutrients, otherwise you can give the plant a high potassium hydroxide liquid fertilizer 2-3 times a month. Be careful, though, as applying too much can introduce harmful salts into the soil, so you need to continuously monitor your plant for health.
The fertilizer label "10-20-10" refers to the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen produces the leaves, phosphorus strengthens the roots and potassium helps the growth of flowers. The fertilizer you choose must be balanced in nitrogen and potassium, with a slightly higher content of phosphorus
Step 4. Provide your plant with ample support
When the creeper begins to grow, insert a sturdy bamboo or pole into the pot at a slight angle, keeping it as close to the edge as possible to avoid getting it between the roots. As the branches grow, gently tie them onto the reed with string or thread. Proper vertical support allows clematis to grow thicker and taller, creating more foliage and more flowers.
Step 5. Prune the plant properly
There are three types of clematis and each has their own pruning needs.
- For clematis that bloomed early in the previous year, you must remove all dead and weak stems as soon as the plant begins to bloom again.
- For clematis that bloomed between mid and late summer of the previous year and the new one, you should only remove the dead growth once the plant has grown thick.
- For clematis that only bloomed between mid to late summer of the new growth year, it is necessary to remove all growth from the previous year, leaving only the lowest pair of buds.
Step 6. Pay attention to the signs of fungus
Wilting and leaf necrosis are the two most common diseases of clematis. Infected stems must be removed and the rest of the plant treated with a fungicide.
