Clematis in the Rain

Flower Photography Clematis in the Rain, 

After Another day of rain the Clematis in the garden are looking quite stunning, I couldn't resist a quick run outside to catch them whilst they are reflecting all the lights on their petals. the colours are so vivid and they adorn the walls so beautifully. Clematis are one of the most popular garden plants and no wonder, this versatile plant can be grown on walls, pergolas, frames, in containers, or left to scramble through trees and shrubs.

Clematis climbing up the drainpipe 

Clematis climber set against green foliage

clematis glistening in the rain

Clematis and Mollis

clematis climbing the fence in the herb garden

 

Cultivation notes

Clematis need moisture-retentive, but well-drained soil. The herbaceous species prefer full sun, but most climbers and shrub species will thrive in full sun or partial shade.

Keep the base of the plant and the roots cool and shaded by carefully positioning other plants, or put a layer of pebbles or flat stones at the base.

Planting

Plant large-flowered cultivars that bloom in May to June with the tops of their root balls 5-8cm (2-3in)  below the soil surface. This will encourage shoots to grow from below soil level and also helps the plant to recover if affected by clematis wilt.

Herbaceous and evergreen species such as Clematis armandii and C. cirrhosa should be planted with the crown at soil level.

Maintenance

Each year, in late winter or early spring, apply a potassium-rich fertiliser (such as Vitax Q4 or rose fertiliser), according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Mulch immediately afterwards with organic matter such as well-rotted manure, leafmould or garden compost

Water regularly during periods of dry weather in the first few seasons after planting. Watering to soak the root zone requires at least the equivalent of four watering cans per square metre

Container cultivation

Clematis make pretty container plants, especially if trained up an obelisk or small trellis. Choose cultivars such as C.‘Barbara Jackman’, C.‘Miss Bateman', or C.'Bee’s Jubilee’, which are smaller-growing.

Use containers that are at least 45cm (18in) deep and wide and use a soil-based potting compost such as John Innes No.2.

Make sure you water regularly during the growing season and apply a general-purpose liquid fertiliser monthly during spring and summer.

Replace the top 2.5-5cm (1–2in) layer of compost each spring with fresh potting compost.

Pruning and training

Plant positioning and training

Grow clematis through, or over, trees and shrubs to extend their seasonal interest. Choose the clematis carefully, as vigorous types can be smothering

When used to cover walls, fences or pergolas, provide a form of support, such as trellis or mesh, for the clematis to twine around

Those clematis that are not true climbers (shrubby and herbaceous types) require tying in to their supports

Initial pruning for newly planted clematis

To avoid the development of a straggly single stem and to encourage branching lower down, cut back all newly planted clematis to 15-30cm (6in-1ft) from ground level in February or March, cutting just above a bud

Even if planting later in the spring, hard pruning is still advisable. Delay pruning of autumn-planted clematis until the following spring

Pinch out developing young shoots once or twice to promote further branching

Pruning established clematis

Clematis has a reputation for being difficult to prune, but it isn’t, as long as you know when your clematis flowers, as pruning groups are based on flowering times;

Propagation

Clematis can be propagated by double leaf bud cuttings taken from spring to late summer, or by layering from late winter to spring.

Species clematis can be propagated by seed;

Ideally sow seeds fresh in the autumn and cover them with a fine layer of compost and grit

Keep the pots in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse, as they need a cold period to germinate well

They should germinate the following spring

Cultivar Selection

There are clematis for many situations, as can be found in the RHS Plant Selector. Here are some popular forms for specific spots;

Shady walls

Clematis alpina AGM

C. macropetala

C. montana

C. ‘Ernest Markham’ AGM

C. ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ AGM

C. ‘Perle d’Azur’

C. ‘Jackmanii’ AGM and all those in the Jackmanii Group

Almost all the early-flowering deciduous species (flowering in April or May)

Sunny walls (west-facing is ideal)

Clematis armandii

C. cirrhosa var. balearica

C. orientalis

C. tangutica

Most mid- to late- summer flowering, large-flowered cultivars including those in the Viticella Group

Good clematis for pots include

Clematis ‘Barbara Jackman’

C. ‘Miss Bateman’ AGM

C. ‘Bee’s Jubilee’

C. ‘White Columbine’ AGM

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