Sprucedale Gardens is proud to present Clematis! We are carrying more varieties than ever before and many are beginning to bloom! There are more Clematis here than you can “shake a stick at” (Paul Larson’s words!) so come visit us and see these flowers and many more!
Facts: Clematis are members of the buttercup family and have over 297 species, including many hybrids. They come in beautiful purples, pinks, reds, blues and whites and even bicolors! These flowers are known as the “queen of the vines” and it’s easy to see why, with their vibrant colors, delicate petals and the fact that they can have so many flowers blooming on one vine! But behind all of their beauty is a dangerous secret – every single part of this plant is toxic if eaten!
Requirements: At the start of the year, Clematis are slow to start. But if given the right conditions, these plants can live up to 25 years! The roots must be in moist soil and the stems and leaves should be exposed to 6 hours or more direct sunlight per day. If the plants are darker (purples, blues) consider giving them partial shade or they could fade. To give Clematis the soil they crave, you might want to add mulch to provide a cool, moist environment.
Queen of the Vines: Remember – the Clematis is a climbing, vining perennial! These plants will grow across the ground and over whatever object gets in their way unless trained to a trellis. They prefer wire or other narrow support structures over larger, wider ones because it’s hard for them to grasp it. If you want your Clematis climbing up a wall or fence, plastic mesh or wire will be very helpful.
Pruning: Annual pruning is recommended. Even though Clematis will bloom with no pruning at all, it’ll mean flowers only near the end of the vine. According to E-How, pruning is determined by flowering time: Varieties that bloom in early spring should be pruned just after flowering is done, while Clematis that bloom in June should be pruned February or March.
