Clematis: Clematis chat continued, 1 by warriorswisdomkathy

warriorswisdomkathy wrote:
Was reading the above posts and wanted to clarify some confusion, both Jackmanii and Jacmanii supurba are true climbers. There are 3 non climber types: Durandii up to 5ft., hercifolia, and integrifolia. I have all 3, durandii the newest (still in a pot); hercifolia, mine is several years old and approx. 4'X4' and 18-24" in height; integrifolia is 10"X10" and 10-12" in height. From several clem books I have they all say : remove the bottom leaves and plant atleast 3 node deep, that way if there is damage above you still have a live plant. I dig the hole deeper (12-18") and add humis or peat and aged manure. Then I clip back the plant to within a few inches of the ground to promote more branching for the future, reguardless if an A,B or C. I have even moved clems numerous time to find the right home or plant combo. One of my favorites was an accidental pairing, most of my clems. were planted next to a path. "Prince Charles" and Gypsophila paiculata, turned out to be a wonderful pairing, pix is below. Clems. also love their feet in the shade, either from plants close by or a large rock over the roots. My hercifolia is ready to be divided or I may try to propagate by rooting cuttings, will see if any green out there after my 12" of snow melts,lol. If not will try next spring to share with others. So those with new plants might want to cut them back this fall for a better show in the years ahead. Kathy.