Clematis Care: Grow Large & Small Blooms Successfully

Why Clematis Reigns as the “Queen of Climbers”

With their cascading large-flowered clematis blooms and delicate small-flowered clematis charm, these vines transform fences, arbors, and walls into living tapestries. At [Your Brand Name], we specialize in both Large Flowered Clematis (Pruning Group 2) and Small Flowered Clematis (Pruning Group 3) varieties, offering unmatched diversity for every garden style. This guide reveals pro tips to make your clematis thrive.

Step 1: Planting Clematis the Right Way

Location Matters

• Large Flowered Types (‘Nelly Moser’, ‘Jackmanii’): Morning sun + afternoon shade to protect bold blooms
• Small Flowered Types (‘Betty Corning’, ‘Polish Spirit’): Full sun (6+ hours) for maximum flowering

Soil Prep Secrets

1. Dig a 18″ deep hole; mix native soil with compost (30%)
2. Add lime if soil pH <6.0 – clematis prefers 6.5-7.0
3. Pro Tip: Bury stems 2″ deeper than nursery pot to encourage bushier growth

Watering & Feeding Schedule

Pruning Clematis Like a Pro

Group 2 (Large Blooms)

• When: Early spring + light summer trim
• How: Cut dead wood, trim 12″ from last year’s growth

Group 3 (Small Blooms)

• When: Late winter
• How: Hard prune to 12-18″ – they bloom on new wood

Avoid the #1 mistake: Incorrect pruning removes next season’s flowers!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Clematis Vines

• Dramatic Displays: Pair large-flowered clematis with climbing roses
• Wildlife Gardens: Small-flowered varieties attract hummingbirds
• Container Magic: Grow compact types like ‘Picardy’ in 15″ pots

Ready to Start Your Clematis Journey?

Explore our curated collection of cold-hardy clematis plants, including exclusive large-flowered hybrids and rare small-flowered species. All plants ship with detailed care cards and guaranteed satisfaction.