The clematis is one of the most beautiful plants in the home garden. But did you know that clematis also thrives in pots as well as in beds? We list several varieties that thrive even in limited soil volumes.
Clematis in the pot: This is how you keep the clematis healthy!
Clemaits can grow quite well in containers if you follow a few basic rules. Take a wooden or clay bucket. Plastic containers are not suitable for this purpose. They heat up quickly in summer and the clematis prefers cool soil. Good drainage is also an absolute must. If the water cannot drain away, the roots can rot. As far as soil volume is concerned, the plants need about 30 liters. This means that the bucket should have a diameter of 45 cm. So you can plant the clematis under, shorten the clematis and water it. You can also work compost into the soil or lay a finger-thick layer of compost directly over the drainage.
Which varieties are best suited for keeping in containers?
The climbing plant can grow very tall, so not all varieties are suitable for container cultivation. But there are some who feel comfortable on the balcony. They grow slowly, have a compact habit and reach a maximum height of 3 meters. We list the most beautiful varieties and explain which plants they feel particularly comfortable with in the pot.
Clematis “Burma Star”: Summer green plant with a special charm
This variety scores with dark green leaves andviolet flowers. The first flower capsules open in late April to early May and the flowering period lasts until the end of April. But even after that, “Burma Star” is a cool eye-catcher. With good care, the deciduous plant can bloom a second time in late summer. A location in full sun to partial shade proves to be optimal. The perennial thrives best in humus-rich soil with good drainage. It should be watered less frequently but thoroughly.
Suitable planting partners are astilbe, roses “Suffolk”, ivy and elf mirror.
Variety “Fujimusume”: Beautiful climbing plant for the balcony garden
The “Fujimusume” variety has large, purple flowers. It reaches a maximum height of 300 cm. The climbing plant requires climbing support and a large pot to thrive. It needs nutrient-rich, loose soil and a cool location in the shade or partial shade. A finger-thick layer of mulch protects the sensitive roots from heat and keeps the soil moist longer in summer. The fast-growing, long-flowering plant tolerates pruning without any problems and is actually quite undemanding. The variety feels comfortable in the pot as long as the plants are watered and fertilized regularly. You can also line it with sand so that irrigation and rain water can drain away. Otherwise, the variety is surprisingly robust and very frost hardy.
Suitable planting partners: Valais schiller grass, magnificent spar, shield fern
“Alba Pena” is very similar to the dahlia
The “Alba Pena” variety is characterized by white-green, double flowers. They appear in June and last until October if the weather is good. Visually, this clematis variety looks very similar to the dahlia. It prefers a spot in partial shade and nutrient-rich soil. You can incorporate humus into the potting soil or fertilize the plant regularly. The flat-rooted plant is ideal for keeping in containers.
Suitable plant partners: ornamental tobacco, blue bobhead
Also read:Which fertilizer for clematis? Naturally healthy climbing plants
“Cezanne” is a true sun worshiper
Most clematis varieties for container gardens feel most comfortable in sunny and partially shaded locations. However, “Cezanne” is a true sun worshiper and prefers oneBalcony with south or west orientation. However, its sensitive roots need protection from heat - so the soil must always be kept moist in summer.
Suitable plant partners: verbena Patagonia, Italian helichrysum, lattice herb, hanging cushion bellflower.
Clematis in a pot: the boulevard varieties
The Boulevard varieties like Clematis Nubia Boulevard are quite compact. The plants have a normal growth rate and it takes a few years until they reach a maximum height of 1.5 m. The growth width of Nubia varies between 40 cm and 70 cm, but there are boulevard varieties with a sprawling growth habit. But they all have one thing in common - the flowering period begins in April and ends in August and then bears large flowers. The clematis cannot tolerate waterlogging and require climbing support.
Suitable plant partners: glossy spar, shield fern, catnip, lady's mantle
The clematis is a beautiful climbing plant with large flowers. Unfortunately, most varieties grow too tall and are therefore not suitable for keeping in containers. Fortunately, there are also those that remain compact and can decorate the balcony or terrace in summer. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when keeping them in pots so that the plants feel comfortable. Good drainage, moderately moist soil and a sun-protected root area are important prerequisites for a long flowering period.
Also interesting:Easy-care houseplants for dark rooms: Beautiful species for the corners of the home without light
