Shrubs, Vines, & Herbs   Azalea (Belgian Indica)   Azalea (Camellia)   Bonsai   Bougainvillea   Brunfelsia   Butterfly Lily   Citrus Trees   Clematis   Gardinia   Hardenbergia   Heather   Hibiscus   Hydrangeas   Japanese Maples   Living Xmas Tree   Passion Vines   Proteas, Planting   Proteas, Cut Flowers   Stephanotis   Topiaries   Main Care Sheets Page Clematis Care Sheet Light Exposure The rule of thumb is that Clematis perform best with a cool root area and their heads in the sun. Most Clematis enjoy being exposed to at least 5-6 hours of sunlight daily. In hotter inland and canyon areas, planting pastel pink varieties in bright shade helps to minimize fading. The Planting Site   This is a critical step to insuring the longevity of your Clematis. In heavy or adobe soil dig a big hole, preferably 24" x 24". In lighter or sandy soil, a hole 18" x 18" will do the trick. Save only the best of your topsoil. For heavier soils, thoroughly mix the native topsoil with 2 bags of Uni-GroTM Premium Organic SuccessTM Planting Soil. For lighter soils use 1 1/2 bags.   Always cut the container before planting your Clematis. This minimizes the risk of damaging your plant when removing it from the container. Gently remove the Clematis rootball from the container and plant it in the hole so that the base of the plant is sunk 3"-5" below soil level. Leave the original stake on the Clematis for the first year to act as a support as well as a protection against accidental breakage. Mulching   Mulching is essential because it keeps the plant's "feet" cool while at the same time improving the make-up of the soil. Place a 3"-4" layer of Uni-GroTM Premium Organic SuccessTM Roger's Planting Mix or Master Nurserymans Azalea Gardenia Planting Mix over the root zone. Keep the mulch 8" away from the stem to avoid stem rot. Feeding   Clematis is a heavy feeder. In spring, once the Clematis buds are about 2" long, start feeding them with Roger's Soil Activator. Use approximately 2 tablespoons per plant. Continue this feeding until the end of September. Watering   Clematis need regular watering. Always water thoroughly and deeply during the hot summer months. Remember, if the soil under your Clematis is shaded it will not dry out as quickly as a sunny area. Don't keep them too wet, especially in the winter when they're dormant. Support   Clematis need support to grow. This can be achieved in many ways. From growing them on an arbor to up a trellis, onto other shrubs, on a fence, or an obelisk, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Planting In A Container   Just as in growing Clematis in the ground, the following steps for planting in a container are crucial. Select a container that is at least 18" x 18". Using straight Uni-GroTM Premium Organic SuccessTM Planting Soil, fill your container with potting mix leaving an adequate amount of space for a good watering basin. Always cut the container to remove the plant. Gently lift the Clematis rootball from the nursery container and plant it so that it is sunk 3"-5" below soil level. Feed and water as if it were planted in the ground.