Clematis for cut flowers and foliage

For many, the biggest plus of a bountiful flower garden is filling vases with freshly cut blooms. Hydrangeas, lilies, roses, sweet peas, peonies and stocks are routinely cultivated for cutting, but the lovely exotic blooms of clematis are often overlooked.

Many clematis have strong sturdy stems that are ideal for flower arrangements, but not all are suited to this purpose, so look for the recommended varieties when choosing vines.

Whenever the ground is workable, clematis can be planted. Clematis need a cool, moist, deep root run, plenty of water and regular, balanced feeding. Dig a hole 45 cm (18 in.) by 45 cm wide and 45 cm deep, and cover the bottom with a good rich compost or well-rotted manure. A handful of bone meal mixed with soil is also beneficial. Add enough topsoil to cover the compost; now you are ready to plant. Place your well-watered clematis in the hole so that about 15 cm (6 in.) of stem is below the soil line. Next, attach the stem to a support and consider planting a small shrub in front to ensure your clematis has a cool root run.

Tip: If you have an automated irrigation system for your lawn or garden beds, make sure you site clematis where it will not be overwatered. Clematis wilt, triggered by a fungus that thrives in damp conditions, may cause the vine to collapse. If this happens, prune the vine right back, reduce the water, cross your fingers and hope it rejuvenates.

To encourage abundant healthy blooms, it’s important to fertilize. In early spring, apply an organic all-purpose granular fertilizer or use my organic clematis-mulch recipe. While the buds are developing, use a liquid organic feed weekly until the blooms start to open. At this stage discontinue fertilizing as you don’t want the plant to “bloom out,” or spend its blossoms too quickly. Be sure to water your clematis as needed; drought stress will cause buds and blooms to suffer.

Cut the blooms early in the morning; ideally the vine will have been well watered the evening before. The stems should be 12.5 cm (5 in.) long and cut at a 45-degree angle using disinfected pruners or floral scissors. Place cut stems immediately into cool fresh water. After cutting the flower, trim the vine back to a set of leaves to leave a proper pruning cut. To extend the life of cut blooms, refresh the water and re-cut the stems every two days.

This year, plan to add clematis suitable for cutting to your flower garden. There are red, purple, pink, and white types and single or double blooms, so why not plant a few?

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