Growing clematis in containers is possible when you choose the right plant, pot and space to grow it in. When you don’t have the garden space to add these beautiful vines directly in the soil, pots are the next best thing. Several different clematis varieties have now been introduced that were bred specifically for growing in pots, making the job even easier.
If you love the flourish of blooms that clematis can provide you with, but were worried about the plants survival if added to a container, use this guide to help you pick out the perfect plant to grow this summer.
Picking the Right Container
A clematis vines survival relies heavily on the container that you plant it in. You want a very large container, both in height and width because it needs to be able to support the plant and its roots, which will grow deep into the soil to provide stability to the vine. The type of pot is important because some materials withstand weather better than others, protecting roots in the summer and winter months. If you live in warmer climates, ceramic is ideal. Clematis grown in colder climates will benefit from wooden artificial plastic containers.
Choosing Your Clematis
There are a lot of new varieties of clematis that have been made just for container gardening, but even some of the more traditional varieties can be added to the right container. Sea Breeze, Filigree and Silmakivi Clematis are all great container dwellers that will grow well on a sturdy trellis near a wall or up a pole. Look for any variety that has a flexible stem and grows under six feet in height, which is as much of a root system a container can provide for. Also, winter hardy plants are the best options for hardiness zones further north.
Planting Your Clematis
Once you have chosen the perfect clematis vine for your climate, container and personal preference, its time to plant it. The right planting materials will keep your plant growing and producing leaves and blooms all summer long. Add an earthy loam that is not too high in organic material, but contains enough nutrients for at least three months. It is best to add a combination of potting soil and organic material to fill your pots with just the right amount of soil. Do not pack in the soil, but fill in around and over the plant’s roots so that they are able to easily spread out and find water.
Overwintering Your Plant
Growing in a container means that your perennial will need to be overwintered. If you have a hardy plant, wrapping the entire pot and woody portion of the clematis in burlap will help it survive the winter. Protecting it from wind damage and moving it from an area where there is the possibility of large amounts of snow falling on it will improve the chances of it surviving. If possible, move the plant and the trellis it grows on indoors, to a cool, dark location, but this should only be done if its possible to move the pot and the structure it is growing over.
Pam Buttikofer is a co-founder of Imperfect Women. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband of 37 years and enjoys spending time with her husband, sons and her lovable pups.
I love this idea and this plant. I have tried for years to grow Clematis. I had one we planted at our old house like 7 years ago. Over the course of seven entire years I got a grand total of maybe 5 flowers. I stink at growing these things. So sad. So maybe this is the answer for me. Thanks!
Great post! I’ve never tried to grow flowers before. I tend to kill everything I try to grow.
I’ve never grown clematis before – I think I will try! Great post.
Thank you for this! I have a clematis that grows on our mailbox- but the blooms have been slow this year! I might just try to do try it in a planter!
I have never heard of clematis before, but then again, I have kind of a black thumb when it comes to things like that. I’ll have to try your technique.
I just love Clematis. They are pretty easy once established. Thank you for the tips.
Oh wow, these are such beautiful flowers. Great tips!
I have never heard of Clematis before but even if I had I would not have been able to do this. My plants always end up dying. I even killed a cactus once before. This is great tips for those with green thumbs. 🙂
I’ve recently started container gardening myself. It’s not as easy as I first thought but I really like how detailed you are in this peice so it may be easier for me in the future. thanks for sharing.
Perfect, I am trying to grow more in containers so when we move to our permanent home soon I can take them with me. These are such beautiful flowers – a great way to add a little color and brightness.
What a beautiful flower. Son would love to grow one of these. summer project for sure.
I’ve never heard of it before but it’s very pretty. Can it handle partial or little shade?
Ideally a sunny spot is the best. Some Clematis will bloom in partial shade but they need about 6 hours of sun a day. I think Nelly Moser does well in partial shade.
There was a great street in Florida called Clematis Street. Lots of things for families to do. I didn’t even realize it was a flower. 🙂
I wish I could grow just about anything! I am so bad with my garden.
I love clematis! I never thought about growing it in a container before – these are great tips!
I’ve never done this before, looks like I have something to do during the summer.
Great Ideas! Never thought to do something like this, Thanx for sharing!
I’d love to try this on my deck. Thanks for the great tutorial!
Love that clematis can be container grown. My Dad’s father had a huge daylily garden in Florida, and I can remember his beautiful clematis vines growing up the huge trees around the edges of his garden.
I love Clematis. I never thought you could grow it in a container. I’d love to try it!