Clematis, also known as clematis, is onehardy climbing plant, which produces stunning flowers in rich hues – from white or pale pastels to deep purple and red. In most climates, clematis blooms from spring until the first frost in fall. But can you keep clematis in a pot? Read on to find out more.
Can you keep clematis in a pot?
Caring for clematis in pots is a little more complex, as potted clematis plants require more attention than those in beds. Still, growing clematis in pots is definitely possible, even in climates with cold winters. You can use clematis in pots to beautify the terrace, balcony and entrance area of the house.
Which clematis is suitable for containers?
The clematis genus includes more than 200 species located innumerous varieties and hybridsbreak down. If the water and nutrient supply is guaranteed, you can basically plant any clematis in a pot. But it is important to note that the wild species and varieties can reach dizzying heights. This makes them rather unsuitable for keeping in containers. Suitable for keeping in containerssmall and medium-sized clematis varietieswith a growth height of 100 cm to 350 cm.
Here are some of the best clematis varieties for containers:
- Clematis peek
- Clematis jackmanii
- Clematis alpina
- Clematis viticella
- Clematis downy
- Clematis florida
- Clematis integrifolia
- and clematis hybrids such as 'President', 'Königskind' and 'Nelly Moser'
Clematis varieties like
- Clematis tangutica
- Clematis vitalba
- Clematis montana
- und Clematis armandii
are rather unsuitable for keeping in containers because they are very vigorous and reach a height of up to 900 cm.
How and when to plant clematis in a container
Be sure to use a large container for clematis because the additional soil in the planter protects the roots in winter and on hot summer days. We recommend onePlanter with a diameter of at least 60 cmand a depth of at least 45 cm. The planter should therefore hold around 25 to 30 liters. The best material is fiberglass or synthetic resin, as terracotta or ceramic vessels can break in winter. Make sure that the planter has drainage holes, as the roots do not like waterlogging.
The best time to plant clematisis in spring from March to May or in autumn from September to November. You can also plant the clematis in summer, but then more attention and care is required.
Clematis grow best in oneLocation in full sun or partial shade, which receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This means the plant can produce flowers all year round. It is best to place the pot in a location with a west, east or south orientation.
Clematis in a pot – which soil?
Use a potting mix that has agood drainageoffers. We also recommend adding some compost or water storage granules to the soil to create better soil structure and more nutrients. For larger planters, some gardeners cover the bottom layer of gravel, expanded clay or stones to improve drainage. However, this is not absolutely necessary. We also recommend onethick layer of mulchDistribute around the root ball. Mulch helps retain moisture, releases additional nutrients into the soil as it decomposes throughout the year, and provides additional protection for roots in winter.
Once you have planted the plant in the container, add one immediatelyRankhilfefor the clematis. It is important to do this immediately because the plant needs help growing. Adding the trellis later could damage the roots. Clematisgrowquite quickly, so the height of the trellis should be at least 1 - 1.5 m. We have nice ideas for climbing aids for clematisin this articlecompiled.
Caring for clematis in a pot
Clematis can do very well in planters if they are cared for well, especially in the first 2 years as the plant grows and establishes itself. The key points to note are:
- that the plant gets enough sunlight
- that there is good drainage in the bucket
- and that the plant gets enough water
Water clematis in the pot
The clematis' water requirements are higher in the pot than in the bed. This is because the soil in the bucket dries out more quickly. Check the soil often with a thumb test, especially in the first year. When the top layer is dry up to one and a half centimeters below the ground, the plant needs to be watered. Water the soil well, with about 2 to 3 liters of water. If the planter has good drainage, you don't need to worry about overwatering.
Once established, the clematis needs 1 liter of water per week. If the plant does not receive rainwater, you will have to water it with a watering can. Check the soil more often during hot summer days and droughts.
Fertilizing clematis in pots
If you added compost when planting the clematis, you no longer need to fertilize it in the first year. Once the plant is established you can plant every yearin early spring, i.e. January to mid-MarchTomato or rose fertilizerfertilize. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers as these will inhibit flower growth and encourage leaf growth instead.
Overwinter clematis in a pot
If you keep the clematis in a ceramic pot, you should place the container in a place where the plant will not freeze but is still cold enough for it to go into hibernation. If the container is frost-proof, leave the clematis where it is. Mother Nature usually provides adequate watering, but be careful not to let the soil stay dry for too long.
Cut clematis in the pot
Clematis need to be cut back regularly. Without pruning, the plant will become bare at the base, with all of the flowers sitting high up. Regular pruning keeps the plant in shape and promotes vigorous growth and the formation of flowers.
But how and when do you cut? Clematis are divided into three groups according to their pruning requirements. Most low-growing and medium-sized varieties belong to cutting group II.
If you're not sure what type of clematis you have, watch when it blooms. If it flowers before June, it only needs a light pruning after flowering. And if it blooms after June, it needs a hard pruning in late fall or February. Twice-flowering clematis varieties need pruning after each flowering.
5 ideas for underplanting clematis in a pot
The golden rule for climbing plants is:Feet in the shade, head in the sun. So shade the roots of the clematis with ground cover plants or add mulch around the roots. The perfect planting partner for clematis has similar location requirements, is a shallow-rooted plant and does not grow higher than 50 centimeters.
Roses and clematisare a real dream pair and are often planted together. For the best effect, choose varieties that bloom at the same time and are similar in size. Also consider pruning times - ideally you want to be able to cut the clematis and rose together.climbing roses and Ground cover rosesare preferable to rambler roses because the latter grow very large and need to be cut at different times than clematis. Ideally, choose oneClematis of cutting group II– these bloom at the same time as roses and can also be cut at the same time in late winter.
Rose and clematis in a pot
A clematis surrounded by a ground cover rose in a terracotta pot is a real eye-catcher. The velvety clematis 'Burma Star' is in harmony with the royal tones of the pink 'Suffolk'. A small-leaf ivy hangs over the edge of the pot, enhancing the beauty of the rose, while the nemesia adds another touch of purple.
Used here: 1 x clematis 'Burma Star', 1 x pink 'Suffolk', 3 x ivy, 2 x elf mirror (Nemesia) in purple, 1 x square terracotta pot (30 cm diameter), 1 x wooden obelisk as a climbing aid.
Clematis and small-growing ornamental grasses
For a modern look, combine clematis with ornamental grasses. Since most grasses are at their best in late summer, consider planting them with Group 3 clematis.
This delightful pair of bluish-green ornamental grass and blue clematis is planted in a brown polyrattan pot to create an attractive and rustic-looking ensemble. Let the clematis climb the canes and take center stage.
Used here: 1 x Clematis 'Fujimusume', 3 x Valais Schillergrass (Koeleria vallesiana) 'Mountain Breeze', 1 x polyrattan planter, 3 bamboo sticks, lava mulch.
Ornamental tobacco and clematis
This pot planting in green and white conveys a happy and refreshing atmosphere. The green foliage makes the green-white flowers of Clematis florida 'Alba Plena' stand out magically. This clematis variety scores not only with its elegant appearance, but also with its unusually long flowering period - from June to October. An unexpected accent are the small bells of the Clematis 'Blue Dwarf' and the delicate flower stars of the Isotoma, while the Nicotiana (ornamental tobacco) delights the senses with its beautiful scent and shades the base of the Clematis. Its lime green flowers harmonize perfectly with those of the clematis.
Used here: 1 x Clematis florida 'Alba Plena', 1 x Clematis 'Blue Dwarf', 1 x Isotoma 'Blue Star', 2 x Nicotiana alata 'Lime Green', 3 x Nicotiana 'Perfume Antique Lime', 1 x synthetic resin Plant pot, 1 x willow obelisk as a climbing aid.
2 clematis in a pot
A black planter provides the perfect backdrop for the delicate pastel tones of these 2 clematis. The petals of the Isotoma and Campanula add even more color and shape, while the straw flowers (Helichrysum) and the barbed wire plant (Calocephalus) create a cloudy cushion and shade the base of the clematis.
Used here: Clematis 'Countess of Wessex', Clematis 'Cezanne', Verbena rigida, Helichrysum 'Goring Silver', Calocephalus 'Silver Sand', Isotoma 'Blue Star', Campanula poscharskyana 'Nana Alba', black planter, black painted wooden obelisk .
Clematis and daylily
Daylilies thrive in full sun and partial shade, making them the perfect underplant for clematis. Choose a small-growing Hemerocallis variety, such as Stella d'Oro, which will beautifully showcase the dark purple flowers of Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette'.
A few more ideas for underplanting clematis in the garden and containerscan be found here.
