Clematis is the queen of the showy vines. Some varieties flower in mid-June and then again, to a lesser degree in September. Others flower most of the summer. Their huge flowers come in purple, pink, white, and bi-colors. Clematis is traditionally grown on trellises or arbors, but can also be left to sprawl on the ground or over a tree stump.
Clematis vines need sun on their tops, but coolness on their roots. This can be achieved by planting them in a good eastern exposure for full morning sun, or by underplanting with short annuals or perennials in sunnier, hotter locations.
Many books indicate that clematis require lime. Only add lime if soil tests indicate a need. In most cases, the soil pH in Minnesota is neutral to somewhat alkaline naturally and lime is not recommended. Too much lime could cause iron chlorosis symptoms (yellow leaves with green veins). Feed regularly with a balanced perennial fertilizer.
Do not expect too much growth or flowering the first two years after planting.
Clematis problems include the previously mentioned iron chlorosis (also sometimes caused by poor drainage), borers, and root rot. The main concern is a wilt disease which can cause all or part of the vine to suddenly wilt, usually when it is in full bud, during hot, humid weather. The only cure is to prune out the infected parts immediately. If the vine appears to be completely involved, do not despair. If the crown was planted deep enough, it will sometimes regrow from the base.
Pruning is usually a moot point in Minnesota, since the vine frequently dies to the ground in the winter. If this happens, don’t give up on it too early. Many clematis have been pronounced dead only to surprise gardeners a few weeks later. If pruning is required, keep in mind that there are two types of clematis. The ones that flower in mid-June and then again in September, flower on old wood in June. In spring, prune out dead or weak stems only. If the vine is quite leggy, it can be pruned back to 18” immediately after the first flowering. Other clematis flower on new wood starting in June and continuing through the summer. They should be pruned to 18” in the spring.
Mulch with compost for the winter.
2010 Clematis Varieties
ALLAHNAH
Bloom Color: Ruby red with blackish-red tipped anthers.
Bloom Time: June to August. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 5"-8". Height: 10'-12'. Spacing: 36"-40". Pruning: Prune lightly in early spring.
ANNA-LOUISE
Bloom Color: Violet with red-purple bar. Bloom Time: May to June & August to September. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 5"-6". Height: 8'-10'. Spacing: 24"-36". Pruning: Late flowering. Prune late winter to early spring.
ASAO
Bloom Color: Fuschsia with orchid edge. Bloom Time: Spring to fall. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 5"-8". Height: 8'-10'. Spacing: 24"-36". Pruning: Late winter to early spring.
BARBARA HARRINGTON
Bloom Color: Cerise red with dark border and yellow anthers.
Bloom Time: Spring to Fall. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 4". Height: 10'. Spacing: 24"-36". Pruning: Prune lightly in early spring.
BELLE OF WOKING
Bloom Color: Light blue rosette-shaped flowers.
Bloom Time: Mayt to June & September. Bloom Type: Double. Bloom Size: 4". Height: 6'-12'. Spacing: 36"-40". Pruning: Repeat bloomer. Prune immediately after flowering.
BETTY CORNING (Viticella)
Bloom Color: Light blue fragrant, 4-petaled flowers.
Bloom Time: July to September. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 2". Height: 8'. Spacing: 24"-36". Pruning: Late flowering. Prune late winter to early spring.
BIJOU
Bloom Color: Violet-mauve with pinkish bar.
Bloom Time: May to July. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 2". Height: 1'-2'. Spacing: 12"-18". Pruning: Prune lightly in early spring.
Dr. RUPPEL
Bloom Color: Pink lavender with deep red center bar and ruffled edges.
Bloom Time: May, June, & September. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 8". Height: 8'. Spacing: 12"-24". Pruning: Repeat bloomer. Prune immediatley after flowering.
ETOILE VIOLETTE (Viticella)
Bloom Color: Purple.
Bloom Time: July to September. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 3"-4". Height: 10'. Spacing: 3'-6'. Pruning: Late flowering. Prune late winter to early spring.
FLORIDA (Sieboldii)
Bloom Color: Creamy white with deep purple anthers.
Bloom Time: June to August. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 4"-5". Height: 6'-10'. Spacing: 18"-24". Pruning: Prune lightly in early spring.
HENRYI
Bloom Color: White with brown anthers.
Bloom Time: June & September. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 4"-6". Height: 6'-8'. Spacing: 3' -6'. Pruning: Light pruning late winter to early spring.
JACKMANII
Bloom Color: Deep purple.
Bloom Time: June, July, and September. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 4"-6". Height: 8'-10'. Spacing: 4' - 6'. Pruning: Prune hard in early spring.
JACKMANII SUPERBA
Bloom Color: Velvet purple.
Bloom Time: July to September. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 5"-7". Height: 10' - 12'. Spacing: 4' -6'. Pruning: Prune hard in early spring.
PANICULATA
Bloom Color: White fragrant flowers in clusters.
Bloom Time: August to September. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 1". Height: 10'-15'. Spacing: 36"-48". Pruning: Prune lightly in early spring.
RAMONA
Bloom Color: Lavender blue with dark anthers. Bloom Time: July to September. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 5"-7". Height: 8'-12'. Spacing: 3'-6'. Pruning: Light pruning late winter to early spring.
ROSEMOOR
Bloom Color: Wine red with yellow anthers. Bloom Time: May to September. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 5"-6". Height: 10'. Spacing: 3'-6'. Pruning: Light pruning late winter to early spring.
ROUGE CARDINAL
Bloom Color: Deep velvet crimson with red anthers. Bloom Time: June to September. Bloom Type: Single. Bloom Size: 4"-6". Height: 8'-12'. Spacing: 3' -6'. Pruning: Light pruning late winter to early spring. ____________________________________________________________________
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