How to grow clematis through shrubs

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.

RECOMMENDED TREES AND SHRUBS FOR CLEMATIS
SHRUBS	TREES
Berberis	Acer
Buddleia	Crab Apple
Ceanothus	Holly
Cotinus	Magnolia
Hydrangea	Pine
Juniper	Sorbus
Lilac	Thuja
Philadelphus	Yew
Rhododendron

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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Name: jim@GardenAction
E-mail: webmaster@gardenaction.co.uk
Date posted: November 22, 2011 - 03:22 pm
Message: Hello Prue
Give it a try, there's nothing to lose. Make sure you have enough water in Perth.

Name: Prue
E-mail: Scanlon.prue
Date posted: November 22, 2011 - 09:46 am
Message: Hi, I really want to grow Henri clematis in my Australian Perth garden , would you please advise if this'll work? Thank-you so much:)

Name: Margaret Rundle
E-mail: Private
Date posted: October 01, 2011 - 02:30 pm
Message: When can I plant Clematis

Name: joan
E-mail: Private
Date posted: July 16, 2011 - 08:02 am
Message: my clematis has only flowered once and now seems to be dying can you explain what is going wrong thank you

Name: Kathy
E-mail: DFundis@stny.rr.com
Date posted: May 16, 2011 - 11:41 am
Message: can I let my clamatis climb up my light pole?