Clematis Montana are known as vigorous plants, they can reach up to 8 meters, but they can also be medium-sized or even compact. The flowering period for all varieties is from the beginning of March to the end of June. Here you will find out how to grow the magnificent plant and what care it needs.
How to Grow Clematis Montana
Many varieties of Clematis Montana have been bred to have a more compact growth and less overgrowth than the vigorous varieties. They can be planted on the trunks of old trees or on poles to add vertical interest to a bed or border.
The compact Clematis Montana also thrives in large pots (at least 50 liters) with a clay-rich soilregular wateringand fertilization with a slow-release fertilizer. Regular watering and annual fertilization with a slow-release fertilizer are essential.
Do this:
- Allow your plant to sit in plenty of water for 15 to 20 minutes before planting it in the garden.
- Dig a hole large enough for the Clematis Montana to sit a few inches below the soil surface.
- Add organic compost to the bottom of the hole. Break up the bottom and sides of the hole to allow water to drain freely.
- Place your plant in the hole so that the root ball is a few centimeters below the soil surface.
Suitable locations for the plant
Clematis grows best in a location with bright sunlight or partial shade. The vines need a good place to climb and spread, such as trellises, walls or fences.
Best soil for Clematis Montana
The plant prefers moist but well-drained soil and a pH between 6 and 7. Mountain Clematis Montana grows well in loam, sand, clay or even calcareous soil. The key is adding ingredients that improve drainage and nutrition. The plant loves soil enriched with organic compost.
What temperature and humidity
Clematis is tolerant of various temperatures and humidity levels. If you live in a warmer environment, askPlace them in partial shadeto maintain the ideal temperature. When temperatures are consistently below 7 degrees Celsius, the plant enters the dormant phase.
Irrigation requirements
Water the clematis plant regularly to keep the soil slightly moist until it matures. Once the plant is fully grown, it only needs about an inch of water per week. It probably gets this amount from rainfall.
If you live in a dry climate or the soil dries out quickly, the plant may need additional watering.
Tips for fertilizing Clematis Montana
The plant loves balanced fertilization once a month during the growing season. However, you should not fertilize when it is flowering because fertilizer can shorten the plant's flowering time.
When to prune the plant
Clematis does not require regular pruning, but if it becomes too large or too leggy, it should be cut back in the spring after flowering. Regular pruning promotes vigorous growth and good flowering and ensures that flowers remain at eye level and avoids bare, tangled stems at the base.
Propagating Clematis Montana
There are two ways to propagate the plant. For one thing, you can take semi-ripe cuttings to get a new Clematis Montana plant. Secondly, you can in the fall or in the springCarry out propagation by division.
- Find a new shoot on your clematis plant that can bend to reach the ground.
- Dig a small trench, about three to six centimeters deep, where the shoot can reach the soil.
- Cut a small section of the vine where it touches the ground and give rooting hormone.
- Place this part of the vine in the trench and secure it with wire or a stake.
- Cover the trench with soil and then water it.
- Do not separate this vine from the original plant until it has formed new roots and is producing shoots of its own.
Repotting plants growing in containers
It is possible to grow Clematis Montana in containers. Below are some tips for keeping this plant happy in a pot.
- When preparing to repot, place the plant in a bucket of water to soak up moisture before transplanting. If necessary, try to transplant the clematis in early spring.
- Use a ceramic pot with a drainage hole and make sure it is as deep as it is wide. A pot about 1.5 meters wide is ideal. You can use companion plants to provide good shade for the clematis' root system.
- Add some rocks to the bottom of the container to ensure drainage.
- Use well-drained, loamy soil. Add some soil to the ground before planting.
- Plant the clematis a few inches below soil level. Fill the gaps with soil and add companion plants as desired.
- Consider a trellis to make it easier for the plant to climb.
