Clematis are a flowering vine that blooms in the garden from spring until the first frost in autumn and are a real eye-catcher. They can also be planted in containers or pots, making them ideal for small gardens, courtyards and balconies to enjoy their beautiful, vibrantly colored flowers. Read on to learn how to properly care for your potted clematis.
If you want to grow clematis in a pot, you should choose a slow-growing variety as the fast-growing varieties require a lot of space for their roots. Another important point is their size, as some species grow up to a meter long, while others grow to more than a meter high. Consider this when choosing a variety to plant. Opt for varieties like “Bees Jubilee,” “Carnaby,” “Dawn,” “Fireworks,” “Lady Northcliffe,” and “Royalty.”
Which pot is best?
Do not use plastic pots or containers as they heat up too much in summer and provide no protection in winter. Make sure the pot is at least 45cm deep and 30cm wide and has drainage holes.
Clematis are among the most striking climbing plants. Provide suitable support or place the pot against a wall or fence with a small trellis. Tie the plants securely to the frame as they will bear a lot of weight when fully loaded.
Care tips for the clematis in the pot
Clematis can grow very well in pots if they are cared for properly, especially in the first two years while the plant is growing and establishing itself.
- Earth:The clematis grows best in potting soil that is well-drained. Add a layer of mulch or manure beneath the soil to provide additional nutrients to the plant and provide more protection for the roots during winter.
- Irrigation:Clematis planted in a pot require regular watering as the potting soil dries out quickly. Check the humidity daily because this plant likes a lot of water. But make sure that the excess water drains away to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
- Licht:Place the pot in a partially shaded area as the plant needs about 6 hours of direct sunlight but you want its roots to stay cool.
- Fertilize:If you added manure or compost when planting the clematis, you do not need to fertilize again in the first year. Once the plant is established,fertilize them in springwith rose fertilizer to encourage flowering. Start fertilizing as soon as the plant begins to grow and stop as soon as you see a flower bud. Fertilize again only after flowering has stopped.
- Repotting:For most varieties, you should enlarge the container every two years. You should prepare the new pot with fresh soil. Check the roots and if you notice signs of root rot, the damaged parts should be removed and the entire root ball immersed in a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide to three parts water for several hours or overnight.
Caring for clematis in pots in winter
Although most species are generally hardy, some require protection from the harsh, cold winter weather because their potted root systems are less insulated than plants grown in the ground.
If you are growing your clematis in a ceramic pot, you should place it in a sheltered corner or against a sheltered wall to prevent it from freezing. If the container is winterized, leave the plant where it is.
Add extra protection by layering upMulch or compostAdd to protect the roots.
