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Dig a deep hole—about 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep.
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Enrich the soil with compost and a handful of bone meal or slow-release fertilizer.
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Plant deeper than it was in the pot—bury the crown (where stem meets roots) 2–3 inches below the surface. This helps prevent wilt disease.
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Water well and add mulch around the base (but keep mulch away from the stem).
Step 5: Train It Up the Trellis
Clematis doesn’t cling like ivy—it wraps its leaf stems around supports. So early on, you’ll need to guide it.
Here’s what to do:
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Loosely tie stems to the trellis with soft twine or plant clips.
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Fan out the stems so they cover the structure evenly.
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Check weekly and re-tie as it grows.
As it matures, clematis will find its own way up—but it needs a little nudge in the beginning.
Step 6: Prune for Shape, Health, and Blooms
Clematis pruning can be confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. Clematis falls into three groups, and each one has different pruning needs.
Group 1 (Spring bloomers, like montana):
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Bloom on old wood.
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Prune lightly right after flowering.
Group 2 (Repeat bloomers, like Nelly Moser):
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Bloom on old and new wood.
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Prune in early spring—just remove weak stems and dead tips.
Group 3 (Late bloomers, like jackmanii):
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Bloom on new growth.
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Cut back hard to about 12 inches in late winter or early spring.
👉 Not sure which you have? If in doubt, prune lightly—you can always cut more later.
Step 7: Keep It Happy All Season
Once established, clematis is pretty low-maintenance. Just give it:
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Regular water during dry spells (deep watering is best)
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Mulch to keep roots cool and moist
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Monthly feeding during the growing season (balanced fertilizer or compost tea)
And watch for pests like slugs, aphids, or powdery mildew—especially in humid areas.
Bonus Ideas: Creative Trellis Styles for Clematis
Want to make your clematis even more eye-catching? Try one of these:
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Archway trellis over a path or gate
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Rustic obelisk in a flower bed
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Espalier fan on a wall
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Freestanding ladder trellis for a vintage look
The blooms will climb wherever you point them!
Final Thoughts
Growing clematis on a trellis adds instant elegance to any garden—but only if it’s done right. Choose the right variety, give it a solid structure, and train it with a little patience. In return, you’ll get a cascade of gorgeous blooms that’ll turn heads all season long.
Got a blank wall or boring fence? A blooming clematis might be just the thing to bring it to life.
