The thing to remember is you are planting for the future.  your clematis vine is going to remain in this spot for many years, so it is advisable to spend a little time  preparing it’s home.

The main cause of clematis failure is drought. Be sure to add plenty of composted cow  manure to the planting mix. We also recommend “ Soil Moist ”, an inexpensive, non-toxic planting mix additive which will also help with moisture retention.

Dig a hole 18” deep and wide. Throw a few handfuls of Bone-Meal or Flower-Tone in the bottom. Next cover the bottom with 3 to 4” of composted cow manure. Finish filling the hole with a mixture of ½ compost, ½ your soil. If you have heavy clay, also add 2 cups of Gypsum to the planting mix, as well as lining the bottom of the hole with stones or broken pot pieces.

Gently tap the clematis out of the pot, and disentangle the roots. Place the ball of soil in the hole, spreading out the fleshy roots so the crown of the plant is 2 to 3” below the soil level. Gently hand tamp the soil to firm it. Next, give the clematis a nice long drink. Water twice a week for 3 weeks, then once a week through the growing season. During drought periods, water twice a week. Clematis like their roots to be cooler than their tops. Consider planting a daylily or hosta next to the crown to shade it, or simply add extra mulch to a depth of 6”.

The first year all hybrids should be pruned to 6” when planting to encourage multi-stems at the base, increasing flowering         and vigor.

A good start in life has now been given to our plant and we must not forget it in the future. Water deeply during droughts. Top dress each spring with 20 lbs. of composted cow manure. Throw a few handfuls of Bone-meal or flower-tone around the root zone spring and fall. Fertilize regularly through the growing season with an organic fertilizer such as Neptune’s harvest or Fish emulsion.

Clematis have very thin stems when young, and a little protection should be given, such as a 12” high cylinder of mesh or wire at the base of the plant.

Be sure to notice the pruning requirements of the clematis you’ve chosen. This leads to the best flowering...