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When to plant out small clematis / what to do in the meantime

marcodelvalle1marcodelvalle1 Posts: 9
in Problem solving
Hi all,

I've recently bought a few clematis plants from Wilko- they're pretty small, around 12cm nursery pots, and fairly root bound.

Is it too early (in February, in Bristol) to plant them into large pots/raised beds outside?
If so - when's the best time, and where's the best place to keep them going before I plant them out?
(I don't have a greenhouse or conservatory)

Thanks!
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Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It's far too cold at the mo.  Pot them on into deeper, wider pots and water them well before and after then put them in a sheltered spot till things warm up a bit, indoors in a cold porch or garage if necessary but in the light.   Make sure they don't dry out but aren't soggy either.

    Personally, I grow all my new clematis on in bigger pots for a year or two so they have a really strong root system before they go out in beds and borders.   Every time they are potted on and at final planting out too, they get planted in a bit deeper as this encourages the formation of more shoots and thus more flowers.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • marcodelvalle1marcodelvalle1 Posts: 9
    Thank you!
  • TeTe Posts: 193
    As much as we grow rambling and climbing roses we also grow a few varieties of clematis, these are ours from last year
    "There are a terrible lot of lies going about the world, and the worst of it is that half of them are true"
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They're just slips [cuttings] at that size @marcodelvalle1, so definitely pot on as described until they fill a biggish pot before planting out in final spot. Once they're filling a deep, 6 to 7 inch pot, they should be fine, assuming you prep the planting spot well, give them suitable support,  and generally look after them. Most of the ones sold in supermarkets etc are easier varieties though - they tend to be more common ones which are fairly bombproof. 
    They're hardy, so wouldn't need much protection if they were at that mature size, and as long as you were in a milder part of the country, but tiny plants need some help, so keep them tucked up for a couple of months, and then you can move them on a bit more easily. They should put on a good bit of growth by the end of summer. 

    It's always worth waiting to get the best from them, but if you keep them happy, they'll do well for you. Just check what pruning group they are too, for future care  :)

    This is a useful site
    http://www.clematisinternational.com/growing.html

    but any of the renowned suppliers of clematis offer good info as well. Taylors, Thorncroft and Hawthornes   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568
    edited February 2021
    It's always a good idea to get a proper identification ( scientific name ideally ) of any plants you buy. Clematis is notorious variable and the correct treatment will depend on which type it is ( I, II, or III - spring, early summer or late summer flowering). In the meantime, put in a cold frame or greenhouse or if you don't have one, against a S facing wall, until it warms up. Remember the golden rule of clematis - head in the sun, feet in the shade. Good luck!
    Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    That "golden rule" is a myth!   

    Different clematis have different needs re hours of sunshine and some prefer shade whilst others like full sun and plenty in between.  All of them like plenty of nutrients and do not like to dry out at the roots. 
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568
    God you are a pompous ass. You know better always.
    Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    How rude! 

    Clematis alpinas are very happy and bloom well in the shade of a tall northfacing fence in a shady garden. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    @Inglezinho it isn't hard to know more than you about clematis.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568
    Veullez garder tes commentaires pour les français, insuffrable.  
    Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.
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