Clematis
There is no vine that is more spectacular than clematis in full bloom. The perennial vine may be planted spring, summer, or fall, but there is a wider selection of varieties available (in gallon containers at most reputable nurseries) in the spring when a gardener's thoughts turn to planting. Keep in mind, though, that it is important to know what kind of clematis you are buying. Some varieties bloom on old wood, while some bloom on the current season's wood, and then there are those that will bloom on both. While this may not seem important at the time, you must know this when you begin to wonder when and how to prune those vines to keep them attractive!
Growing clematis is not difficult, but giving them the right start is important. They like to grow where they are planted, so decide where you want that vine to grow as long as the location meets the plant's requirements. The soil is moist but well-drained. The roots like to be cool, perhaps shaded by a low shrub or low-growing perennials or annuals, but the tops of the plant need at least six hours of sun per day. Whether you are using clematis as a cover-up screen or over a post or arbor, it does need support on which to climb. Some gardeners have found that it is a good companion to roses, letting the roses serve as the support.
To plant the vine, dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough for a couple of shovels full of organic material at the bottom. Then set the plant into the hole so it is about two inches deeper than it was in the pot. After backfilling, water the plant, and continue to water it every week to ten days all summer. At this point, root growth is the most important consideration, so use a 5-10-10 fertilizer. Putting too much nitrogen (the first number in the formula) around the plant will promote top growth. Encourage branching by pinching out the tips of new shoots one or two times during that first year, and then pruning properly in future years to keep it from developing bare and woody vines at the base.
I learned through experience about the need for proper pruning. Like many homeowners, our heat pump and air conditioner are located at the back of the house. To remedy this eyesore our son's help was enlisted to build a simple lattice shelter on two of the three open sides. After staining the posts and the lattice brown, I planted three clematis viticella vines. That area has been beautiful for the past few years, but without proper pruning it became a tangled mass of woody vines--a haven for nesting birds. The problem was that the birds always got there before I did, and I just didn't have the heart to displace them. I finally managed to get ahead of the birds, however, and I carefully began untangling some of those vines that were at least 10-12 feet long. I then attacked them ruthlessly with pruning shears, pruning back to the lowest healthy pair of leaf buds before retying them to the lattice. Some gardeners weave the vines into the fence, but I prefer tying them with strips of pantyhose hoping that will help make next year's pruning a somewhat easier task. Although the area looked a bit bare for a few days, there soon were healthy new leaf buds forming, and there will be flowers on these vines during the summer since this kind of clematis flowers on the current season's growth.
Clematis is relatively disease free--the main problem being clematis wilt, for which there is no cure. If you notice parts of the plant that have shriveled or drooped, remove and burn all the diseased parts. Try planting two or three different species with different blooming periods. With proper care and a minimum of time clematis can bring beauty to your yard and enjoyment to you and passers-by for years to come!