Growing Clematis on the Southern Outer Banks (SOBX) is relatively easy when you know the basics of a successful transplant. Here a a few tips to remember when planting.
1 - Pick the "right " place to plant this quick growing climbing vine. These plants do NOT like heavy wind or direct sun. Make sure the area has a trellis or other stable structure to "run" onto. Bright indirect light and low wind areas are usually excellent choices. Make sure the ground where you are planting is NOT in a low lying area or wet area, as Clematis prefer a well drained area.
2 - Prepare the plant. The Clematis needs to be planted to ensure the roots grow deep into the ground. These colorful blooming vines are perennial and deciduous. Do not cut these vines any more than necessary, except to gently shape and clean up dead foliage. For those who are just starting your gardening adventure, a deciduous plant , regrows from winter "dead" branches. Cutting the plant before the plant starts to grow after winter, may likely obstruct the amount of foliage and blooms you see in early spring.
3 - Plant it. To ensure the root system grows down in the soil, leave the plant in the pot it came in. Carefully cut the entire bottom of the container off. You can cutoff excess container at the top. Place the container
in a hole large enough to completely cover the pot. Cutting the bottom of the pot out, forces the root system to grow deeper, and is therefore more protected from the ground cold.
4 - Water WELL and leave it alone! You should not be watering everyday, ONLY as needed. Knowing "when" to water is subjective. Just remember this plant likes to dry between waterings. After the first week Mother Nature will take care of it.
5 - Fertilizing. Use a fertilizer with a REAL bloom booster. Just because a product says it is a bloom booster, doesn't make it so - Garden Centers and local nurseries have the REAL stuff! I prefer a Fertilome Product call Fertilome Root and Bloom. The chemical analysis on the packaging should tell you immediately if you've got the right one. There are three numbers 10-10-10 listed, (10-54-10 is what I prefer). The first # is Nitrogen, the second is Phosphate and the last # is Soluble Potash. The middle number (phosphate) Should ALWAYS be higher than 50. This helps the plants continue to bloom and produce (veggie plants/fruit trees)heavier and healthier.
Enjoy your new favorite plant !
*All Photography by JSRedfearn
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