How To Plant Clematis

Clematis can be planted at any time of the year when there is moisture in the soil. The best times are in late autumn or mid-spring. Clematis like cool and moist conditions around their roots, so water well for the first six months or so after planting. 

Clematis need to be supported and the diagram below shows how a clematis should be planted against a wall. Note that the top of the plant is 15cm (6in) or so below ground level. This will encourage new shoots to grow from the base of the plant. Note also that the clematis is planted 45cm (18in) or so away from the wall to allow moisture to reach the roots.

Planting clematis to grow up a wigwam or other structure will follow all the basic rules above. The only slight difference being how the clematis is attached to the support.