Clematis, clematis, Niele: Climbers in your garden


Clematis are found in many gardens as vine plants and have an extraordinary blooms in summer. While they are known in this country mainly under their genus name Clematis or the outdated clematis, they are called in Switzerland and Niele.

The name "Clematis" is merely the generic term for 300 different subspecies; not all of them are ranked. Many also thrive as a shrub on the ground or as standalone plants.

Clematis from the garden center are mostly Clematis hybrids, which have a particularly strong vines and a high and dense inflorescence due to special breeding. If you want to decorate a wall, a hedge or a pergola with beautiful flowers, do not miss a clematis. We will show you the most important species giving tips on planting, location and care.

Clematis: Topic overview

  • Origin and location
  • Clematis "Jackmanii"
  • Clematis "Nelly Moser"
  • Clematis "Madame Le Coultre"
  • Clematis "Viticella"
  • Clematis diseases and problems

Origin and location

Clematis occur practically everywhere in the temperate climates of Europe, Asia and America. While some varieties are very hardy, others are frost-sensitive. There are both sun-loving and shadow-loving clematis.

In the wild clematis are also found in the (natural!) German forest: there they often tend to rise up on trees or stand in the shrub varieties, on meadows and clearings.

For this article we have limited ourselves to the rambling varieties of clematis; For most garden owners, these are the most likely. In particular, the Clematis cultivars for the home garden, as they are available in the garden center, are particularly easy to care and rich in flowers.

Generally clematis should not stand in the blazing sun all day if possible; especially in the subspecies, the foot of the plant tends to dehydrate. The plant should therefore be planted between ground cover. In particular, in flowering plants, a good supply of water and nutrients is necessary, you will learn more about this in our topic fertilizer: How to fertilize each plant properly.

Clematis Jackmanii

Clematis Jackmanii

Clematis "Jackmanii"

Clematis breeding Jackmanii has rich violet flowers that are extremely numerous and shoot up the entire tendril. The flowers are about 12 to 14 cm tall and are from July to September on the plant.

The JackmaniiClematis prefers a sunny spot and, unlike some other varieties, is not suitable as a container plant. In autumn, the clematis should be cut back deeply. Overall, the plant reaches a maximum height of 2.5 to three meters.

Clematis Nelly Moser

Clematis Nelly Moser

Clematis "Nelly Moser"

The clematis plant with first and last name: Nelly Moser unlike her relatives Jackmanii can also be planted in a bucket using a climbing aid.

The peculiarity of this breed is its good shade tolerance and the extremely large and bicoloured flowers. The flowering begins at Nelly Moser already in May and lasts until September; The flowers reach a size of 16 to 18 cm.

Clematis "Madame Le Coultre"

Clematis Madame Le Coultre

Clematis "Madame Le Coultre"

From nobility: Madame Le Coultre is a pure white flowering Clematis strain with yellow stamens and reaches flower diameter of fabulous 20 centimeters.

This species is quite modest in terms of location, but is not suitable as a container plant and reaches a stature height of 2.5 to four meters. It blooms from June to September.

An annual light pruning is recommended, if necessary, the plant can also be cut back strongly.

Clematis "Viticella"

Clematis viticella

Clematis viticella

Winter hardy, extremely well-groomed and equipped with beautiful flowers, the clematis of the Viticella breeds are among the most popular and most planted in European gardens.

Originally from Italy, the Viticella breeds are characterized by their extreme insensitivity to sunlight, drought and specific clematis diseases.

The flowers are not quite as big as the other varieties, but extremely durable and usually from June to September on the plant.

Varieties of the too "Italian clematis" mentioned clematis species are 'Purpurea plena elegans, purple, the deep purple variety Etoile violet or the lush, maroon rubra.

Clematis diseases and problems

Clematis are actually quite problem-free plants. However, there are some common and specific plant diseases that can kill the robust climbers.

Above all, the "clematis wilt" is feared: in this disease, the plant wilts from the tips of the flowers and leaves to the trunk piece by piece and finally dies if you take any suitable countermeasures. Only a radical pruning helps against the insidious fungal disease, possibly in combination with a fortifying fertilizer treatment.

In aphids on Clematis plants has the self-imposed plants manure reliable; at the same time it drives out the lice and organically fertilises the plant. Of course, commercially available deashing agents can also be used.

Clematis, clematis, Niele: Climbers in your garden

FAQ - 💬

❓ Where is the best place to plant a clematis?

👉 sunny spotIdeally it's a sunny spot. Though some clematis cultivars will bloom in partial shade (such as Nellie Moser and Henryii), to reach their full potential they need at least six hours of sun each day. Clematis prefer moist, well-drained soil that's neutral to slightly alkaline in pH.

❓ Can clematis be planted in the ground?

👉 Dig a planting hole that's about 2 to 3 times the width of the root ball and a few inches deeper. Place the plant in the hole with the crown 4 to 6 inches below the soil surface. This will encourage branching and stem development underground.

❓ What is best for clematis to climb?

👉 Ivy or similar plants climb on their own and can provide excellent support for clematis growing on trees.

❓ How close together can clematis be planted?

👉 Clematis is susceptible to stem wilt, so although the soil needs to be moist, it must be well-drained. Spacing: Space clematis plants 24 to 36 inches apart. For aggressive growing varieties, space them a bit further apart and for bush-types space them a little closer. Planting: Plant clematis in spring or fall.

❓ Is clematis better in pots or ground?

👉 Clematis performs best in large pots, especially if you live in a climate with chilly winters; the extra potting soil in a larger pot provides protection for the roots.

❓ Do you cut back clematis every year?

👉 Each year in March, prune all stems back to a strong set of buds 12 inches from the ground to make way for new growth. Group three clematis are the easiest to prune, since you cut so extensively. This group goes dormant in the winter, letting the stems die off, and then stems grow anew each spring.

❓ Can I plant 2 clematis next to each other?

👉 Yes of course, try and make sure they are both in the same pruning group, as this will make it easier for you when it comes around to pruning them.

❓ Do clematis come back every year?

👉 As a perennial, clematis are vigorous vines that return yearly, growing from the same plant stock. Hardy in USDA Zones 3-9, there are some species that are even suitable for growing in chilly Zone 2. However, there are both hardy and tender varieties available, and not all will survive extended freezing temperatures.

❓ Should clematis be cut back for winter?

👉 Pruning is an integral part of winter care of clematis. Prune the plants in late winter before the advent of new growth. Make sure you prune judiciously, leaving the vines at least 2-3 feet tall. In areas subject to strong winds, it's best to secure loose vines to the support structure using a piece of thread or twine.

❓ Can you grow 2 clematis together?

👉 Yes of course, try and make sure they are both in the same pruning group, as this will make it easier for you when it comes around to pruning them.

❓ What happens if you don't prune clematis?

👉 Regular pruning of clematis encourages strong growth and flowering and keeps the growth in check. If left unpruned, clematis can turn into a mass of tangled stems with bare base and flowers well above eye level.

❓ Is Clematis a climbing plant?

👉 Clematis vines are climbers that can quickly cover a trellis or pergola in your garden. Learn more about clematis plants’ ideal growing conditions and pruning tips.

❓ How do you plant Clematis?

👉 2. Clematis can be planted both in the soil and in containers. You'll need either a pergola, wooden stake or trellis made of stretched wires so that the plant has a climbing aid, and a wall, shed, tree or fence so that it has something to fasten on to. 3. These plants flower profusely but blue, pink, purple and white are the most common.

❓ What are the best Clematis plants for privacy?

👉 'This strong climber can grow to 20 feet, and has a large, glossy laurel-like leaf, which provides excellent privacy if you're overlooked by neighbors,' Peter adds. Plant in a sunny spot for the best fragrance, and this clematis is in Group 1, so tidy after flowering. It is hardy to temperatures reaching 5–14°F(-15 to -10°C). 2. Clematis Nubia

❓ How often do clematis bloom?

👉 Grown mostly for their flowers, some clematis can be in flower 10 months of the year, while others bloom once, with winter and spring flowering, early summer, and late summer and fall flowering groups. Try some of these clematis to grow recommended by the experts. 1. Clematis armandi 'apple blossom' (Image credit: Thorncroft Clematis)


Video Board: Fletchers - 19 Clematis Court, Warrandyte - Reilly Waterfield & Jason Salan