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Growing Clematis Through Shrubs
Through Trees and Shrubs
Many trees and large shrubs have long periods where they provide little
interest. Choosing the correct clematis to clothe them in colour for an
extra month or so is the ideal solution.
Plant the clematis away from the direct base of the tree or shrub to avoid
competition for moisture and nutrients. Prepare the planting area well
applying as much compost as possible to provide and maintain moisture and
nutrients.
Give a thought for the tree or shrub as well - only the strongest will
withstand the vigour of a clematis montana. Some trees have very dense
root systems which will rob clematis of all moisture and goodness. Avoid
planting clematis near these - cherry and beech trees are two common
examples.
Clematis
alpina 'Constance'
Click
to enlarge. |
Traditional
and very beautiful companion plantings of clematis and trees or shrubs
include lilac trees or buddleia with hybrid clematis such as 'Fireworks'
which will grow up to 3m (10ft) through the tree. To clothe the bare
trunk of a tree, an ideal clematis is any of the clematis alpina. For
really strong trees, clematis montana will provide spectacular spring
interest.
For
trees and shrubs around 2 to 5m (6 to 16ft) high, all the large-flowered
hybrids and viticellas are ideal companions. Magnolias and maples have
low overhanging branches which are ideally suited to the alpina and macropetala clematis. |
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RECOMMENDED TREES AND SHRUBS FOR CLEMATIS |
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SHRUBS |
TREES |
| Berberis |
Acer |
| Buddleia |
Crab Apple |
| Ceanothus |
Holly |
| Cotinus |
Magnolia |
| Hydrangea |
Pine |
| Juniper |
Sorbus |
| Lilac |
Thuja |
| Philadelphus |
Yew |
| Rhododendron |
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Roses and Clematis
Roses are ideal plants to support clematis - their cultivation needs are similar
and they complement each other well.
The alpinas and macropetalas are ideal for scrambling up a climbing rose and
hiding their often bare lower stems. For old-fashioned roses, the
large-flowered clematis hybrids and especially the small-flowered
viticellas are ideal companions. They flower when the old fashioned
roses have stopped flowering. These clematis are hard pruned to 30cm
(1ft) from the ground in very early Spring, leaving the roses to display
their flowers in early summer.
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