a: Clematis are a great choice and one of the best climbing plants for your backyard as there is such a wide variety to choose from. Growing them this way is similar to how they would be grown in the ground and allows those with limited garden space to enjoy these beautiful plants as well.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when learning how to grow clematis in pots if you want to get the best possible display.
Jasmine “Nellie Moser” It is a great choice for growing in a container
(Photo credit: Kevinr4/Getty Images)
How and when to plant clematis in pots
The best time of year to plant clematis in a pot as part of your container gardening ideas is in the spring or early fall, as warm, moist soil at these times of year helps the roots take root. First, the plant should be immersed in a bucket of water while it is still in its original pot and left to soak for 10 minutes.
Next, move the plant to a pot of your choice at least 17 inches deep and 15 inches in diameter, larger if possible. There should also be sufficient drainage holes. “A good layer of terracotta, small stones, or pea gravel should be placed in the bottom of the container about 4 inches deep to help with drainage,” says gardening expert John Negus.
Fill the container to within 3 inches of the rim with suitable potting soil. Remove the root ball of the clematis plant from the pot and nestle it into the compost with the root crown buried below the surface of the soil.
“Finally, set the pot on ‘feet’ to ensure excess moisture drains freely, and water copiously to ensure the roots are in close contact with the compost,” John says. These UFelice pot feet are from Amazon (Opens in a new tab) Simple rubber non-slip design, or if you prefer something more decorative for your flowering climber, this metal plant pot stand from Amazon (Opens in a new tab) It is suitable for outdoor use and comes in a range of sizes.
John Ngus
John has been a gardening journalist for over 50 years and regularly answers questions from readers of Amateur Gardening magazine. He has also written four books and given many lectures over the years on gardening.
Clematis ‘The President’ will grow rapidly if you provide it with the right support
(Image credit: Trevor Chriss/Alamy Stock Photo)
Where to grow clematis in pots
Although most clematis like a sunny or partially shady spot, there are varieties that suit just about every aspect.
“In order to successfully grow clematis in pots, choose the right site,” says Alex Tinsman. (Opens in a new tab), gardener at How To Houseplant. Clematis plants need plenty of sunlight to thrive, but they can also benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Clematis make excellent patio plants for a sunny corner of your paved space, especially if they have a wall or fence that they can grow against. Instead, consider a plant box with a trellis and use clematis as a way to create some patio privacy.
It’s a good idea to protect your clematis from temperature extremes, too. “They can be sensitive to temperature extremes, so be sure to protect plants from frost as well as extreme heat,” says Alex. “Move your pot to a sheltered location or cover it with a sheet or tarpaulin during inclement weather.”
Jasmine “The Boss” It has two bursts of flowers in the summer
(Image credit: Zoonar GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo)
How to care for clematis in pots
One of the first things to consider is how you will support growing clematis in a pot. The easiest method is to insert a stick into the compost and tie it to a main support such as a trellis or another host plant if you plan to grow it this way.
If your clematis is growing as a freestanding container plant, find a metal or wooden support for it, like this metal obelisk from Amazon. (Opens in a new tab). Alternatively, simple cane supports can be placed around the inside of the container and tied together at the top to form a wigwam for crowding out clematis.
Although the growing season is from early April through mid-September, container grown prairie needs regular tying up of new growth. Knowing when to water the plants is also essential. A regular watering routine is essential when the compost is dry to the touch, as well as every day in the middle of summer unless it rains.
A balanced nitrogen-potash feeding suitable for clematis is best for the growing season and can be combined when watering. When the foliage dies back, prune your clematis by removing all dead and weak stems to the point where strong leaf buds emerge.
Tie your clematis plants to sturdy sticks and check for ionized solutions regularly and tie them up as well
(Image credit: Dorling Kindersley Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo)
The best types of jasmine in pots
“It’s always a pleasure to have jasmine in the garden, as there are so many varieties,” says John Negus. “Some compact varieties can be grown happily in containers, and if you choose carefully you can have flowers all year long.”
If you want container grown clematis for a small patio or balcony garden, make sure you know the best clematis varieties to choose from. It should be naturally compressed and dense types for best results. Alpina and macropetala varieties, and evergreen types (except armandii) all make good clematis.
Look for great early flower growers like Miss Bateman’s (Available on Amazon) (Opens in a new tab) which are compact in growth and produce flowers in a single flush during May and early June. If you are looking for a variety of flowers from June onwards, try ‘Nelly Moser’ (available from Fast Growing Trees) (Opens in a new tab) or “The Boss” (from Nature Hills) (Opens in a new tab)and both have another crop of flowers in late summer.
Jasmine ‘Miss Bateman’ is a compact grower covered in flowers
(Image credit: William Robinson/Alamy Stock Photo)
questions and answers
Why won’t my clematis bloom in a container?
Learning how to grow clematis in pots isn’t too difficult, especially since you can keep an eye on it when it’s in a pot. But if problems do occur, they are generally associated with careless pruning, especially at the wrong time of year. If you remove the part of the plant that normally produces flowers, this can prevent flowering.
“There could be several reasons why a clematis plant won’t bloom in a pot,” says Tony O’Neill, gardening expert and author at Simplify Gardening. One possibility is that the pot is too shallow, which limits root development. Another factor could be insufficient sunlight, as clematis plants require at least six hours of sunlight per day. In addition, poor quality or poorly drained soil, improper watering, and lack of support for the plant’s climbing habit can all contribute to clematis clematis.
In addition to providing you with beautiful blooms during the summer, if you’re looking for an extra garden check, a containerized clematis plant is one of the most beautiful solutions you can add to your yard.
If you raise them on a support or trellis, they will provide a natural screen that you can move around easily. Just the thing in which an unsightly view is examined, as well as offering something beautiful to look at.
