Arlene Wright-Correll

How to Grow Clematis©



Posted: Sunday, September 07, 2008

by
http://www.learn-america.com

There are approximately 250 species of Clematis which is a member of the Ranunculaceae or buttercup family.

The Clematis is a woody, deciduous climbing plant what has a great variety in flower form, color, bloom season and plant height. When planted in the correct zone they can last as long as 25 years! Many species are hardy to even zone three. They have lovely flowers and the vines look terrible in the winter when they become a tangle of bare stems.

Some of the flowers range in size of one and a half inch to three inches in diameter.

In the mid 1800's there was a surge of interest in Clematis and plants from China and Japan became the parents of the hybrids. By 1880 the interest in Clematis died down.

I have found Clematis to be hard to grow if you do not put them in the proper site. I know because only about 3 of the 10 I have planted over the past 6 years have survived even though they were all for my zone 6. Clematis require full sun for best growth with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day yet they are helped by some dappled shade during the heat of the day. The site must be open enough to allow air movement around the plants and the soil you plant them in should be rich and well draining with a pH close to neutral (7.0). The Clematis' stems and foliage love the sun, but the roots like a cool, moist environment.

Most all Clematis will require staking so the twining leaf petioles can cling and climb upwards and if you decide to plant them next to a large tree trunk consider that some do not compete well with large tree roots. The exception to this is the C. Montana Clematis.

If you have an old rock pile, low wall or wood pile where you think the Clematis will grow then you can let it sprawl all over it and it will create quite a sight.

Buy your Clematis at a nursery in the container they are grown in. They do not like to be dug up and transplanted.

"Tread the Earth Lightly" and in the meantime May your day be filled with

Peace, Light and Love,

Author's note: This article was originally written for GreenThumbArticles.com

About the Author & Artist. Arlene Wright-Correll (1935- ___), popular American award winning Artist, published author, columnist, & is the resident art instructor for Avalon Stained Glass School, at the age of 68, decided to pick up her paint brushes again after 54 years and paint.  She is a cancer and stroke survivor who is able to strive forward each and everyday to welcome the beauty of this small planet.  She also is a China & Porcelain painter, Sandblasting & Etching, Stained Glass & fused glass Artisan. She is one of the six KY Artists who worked 6 months to create the dolls for Journey Jots in 2006 and a Smithsonian Institute art exhibit in 2008. Her published books can be found here . She is also a featured writer for GreenThumbArticles.com and teaches Art Vacation Holidays at Avalon Stained Glass School and Creativity Center.

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