Clematis 101

A Complete Guide to Growing and Caring for Clematis Vines

May 24th, 2025

Guide by Scott’s Nursery Ltd.

Few plants bring elegance, colour, and vertical drama to a garden quite like clematis. With their stunning flowers, wide variety of types, and vigorous climbing habit, clematis vines have long been a favourite among Canadian gardeners—and for good reason. Whether you're planting your very first vine or looking to expand an established collection, clematis offers something for everyone.

 

At Scott’s Nursery Ltd. in Lincoln, New Brunswick, our experts love helping gardeners find the perfect clematis for their space and experience level. This guide is designed to make you feel confident, informed, and inspired—so you can enjoy healthy, flourishing vines year after year.

 

Ready to grow with us? Let’s dig in!

What Is a Clematis and Why Gardeners Love It

Clematis (pronounced KLEM-uh-tis or kle-MAH-tis, depending who you ask) is often called the “Queen of the Vines”—and once you’ve seen one in bloom, you’ll understand why. These climbing perennials are part of the buttercup family and boast a wide range of flower shapes, colours, and sizes. From delicate single blossoms to bold double blooms in purples, whites, pinks, and blues, clematis offers an almost endless variety of aesthetic options.

But clematis isn’t just a pretty face. It’s also incredibly versatile and hardy, making it a smart choice for gardens in New Brunswick and across Canada. Many varieties can thrive in colder zones (down to Zone 3 or 4), and once established, they’re surprisingly low-maintenance.

Whether you're looking to cover a trellis, trail over a fence, or create a living wall of colour, clematis is a perfect pick. Gardeners love it not just for its looks, but for its ability to add height, movement, and elegance to any outdoor space.

Choosing the Right Clematis for Your Garden

With hundreds of varieties to choose from, finding the right clematis might seem overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. With just a few key considerations, you can pick the perfect match for your space, climate, and gardening goals.

Consider Climate

In New Brunswick, hardiness is essential. Luckily, many clematis varieties are cold-tolerant and thrive in USDA zones 4 and up. Look for proven hardy varieties like:

 

‘Jackmanii’ – Classic deep purple blooms and reliable performance (Group 3)

 

‘Nelly Moser’ – Soft pink with bold stripes; partial-shade tolerant (Group 2)

 

‘Henryi’ – Large, crisp white flowers that brighten shady spots (Group 2)

 

‘Sweet Autumn’ – Fragrant white blossoms in late summer (Group 3)

Sunlight Needs

Most clematis vines love full sun on their leaves (6+ hours/day) but prefer their roots to stay cool and shaded. That’s why gardeners often say, “head in the sun, feet in the shade.” Mulch, low-growing plants, or even decorative rocks around the base can help achieve this.

Bloom Time and Pruning Group

Understanding when your clematis blooms helps determine how to care for it. Varieties fall into three main pruning groups:

Group 1 (Early Bloomers): Flower on old wood; prune lightly after flowering.

Group 2 (Repeat Bloomers): Bloom on both old and new wood; light pruning in spring and after first flush.

Group 3 (Late Bloomers): Bloom on new wood; cut back hard in early spring.

 

Knowing your group helps ensure big, beautiful blooms year after year.

How to Plant Clematis Like a Pro

Planting clematis properly sets the stage for years of growth and blooms. Here’s how to give your vine the best start possible.

When to Plant

The best times to plant clematis are spring or early fall, when temperatures are mild and the plant has time to establish roots before extreme weather sets in.

Choose the Right Spot

Pick a sunny location with good air circulation and something for the vine to climb—a trellis, arbor, fence, or even a mailbox post. While the top craves sun, the base likes it cool, so plan for shade at the roots (from mulch or companion plants like hostas or sedum).

Soil Prep and Planting Tips

Soil: Clematis prefer rich, well-drained soil. Mix in compost or organic matter to improve nutrients and drainage.

 

Depth: Plant the crown of the vine 2–3 inches deeper than it was in the nursery pot. This encourages strong base growth and helps prevent clematis wilt.

 

Spacing: Space plants about 24–36 inches apart, depending on the variety’s vigor.

 

Water: Water deeply after planting and keep soil consistently moist, especially in the first growing season.

Mulch and Support

Add a layer of organic mulch around the base to keep roots cool and moist. Immediately train stems to a trellis or support structure—clematis climbs by twining leaf stems, so give it something thin enough to grab (like string, netting, or wire).

 

With the right start, your clematis will reward you with lush growth and an abundance of blooms.

Seasonal Care for Clematis

Once your clematis is in the ground, consistent seasonal care is the key to keeping it thriving year after year. Fortunately, clematis isn’t fussy—but it does appreciate a little attention as the seasons change.

Spring: Wake-Up Call

Prune according to type:

Group 1: Very light or no pruning, just tidy up.

Group 2: Remove dead/damaged stems and trim lightly to encourage flowering.

Group 3: Cut all stems back to about 12–18 inches from the ground.

Fertilize: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) once new growth appears.

Mulch: Refresh mulch to insulate roots and suppress weeds.

Training: Gently guide new growth onto trellises or supports.

Summer: Bloom and Boost

Water deeply: Especially in dry periods, ensure the soil stays evenly moist.

Deadhead flowers: Remove spent blooms to encourage new ones, especially in repeat-flowering types (Group 2 & 3).

Monitor for pests: Watch for aphids or slugs and treat organically if needed.

Feed monthly: A diluted liquid fertilizer can keep the vine going strong through peak bloom season.

Fall: Wind Down Gracefully

Prune if needed:

Group 3 varieties can be cut back to the base in late fall.

Group 1 & 2 generally don’t need major pruning until spring.

Stop fertilizing: Let the plant naturally wind down.

Clean up: Remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent disease.

Winter: Rest and Protect

Mulch heavily: Apply a thick layer (4–6 inches) of mulch or straw around the base to insulate the roots.

Protect young plants: Cover with burlap or frost blankets in colder zones.

Relax: Clematis goes dormant in winter, so no watering or feeding is needed—just patience!

A little seasonal TLC will go a long way. With these habits, your clematis will keep climbing and flowering beautifully for many seasons to come.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the most enthusiastic gardeners can run into issues with clematis. Fortunately, most problems are avoidable with the right knowledge and a little foresight. Here’s what to watch out for:

Mistake #1: Pruning at the Wrong Time

Clematis pruning can seem confusing, especially with three different groups. But pruning at the wrong time can mean no blooms for a whole season. Always identify your plant’s group (1, 2, or 3) and prune accordingly. If in doubt, a light spring trim is safer than a hard fall cut—especially for Groups 1 and 2.

Mistake #2: Too Much Shade (or Too Much Sun)

Clematis needs sun to bloom, but too much heat at the root zone can cause stress. Aim for at least 6 hours of sun a day, and remember the golden rule: "head in the sun, feet in the shade." Shade the base with mulch or low-growing plants.

Mistake #3: Clematis Wilt

Clematis wilt is a fungal disease that causes sudden stem collapse. It looks scary—but don’t panic. The plant usually survives underground and regrows next season. To reduce the risk:

Plant deep (2–3 inches deeper than the crown)

Avoid overhead watering

Remove affected stems immediately

Mistake #4: Overwatering or Poor Drainage

Clematis like moist soil, but soggy roots spell trouble. Always plant in well-draining soil and use compost to improve structure. Water deeply but allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.

Mistake #5: No Support System

Clematis vines climb using their leaf stems—they can’t wrap around thick posts or walls on their own. Provide something thin and grabbable like string, trellis wires, or netting. If they can’t climb, they’ll flop and tangle.

 

Avoiding these common mistakes will give your clematis the best chance to thrive and bloom beautifully year after year.

Your Clematis Journey Starts at Scott’s Nursery

Whether you’re just getting your hands dirty or you’ve got years of gardening under your belt, clematis is a plant that offers beauty, versatility, and satisfaction season after season. With a little care and the right start, your vines can bloom brighter and grow stronger each year.

 

At Scott’s Nursery Ltd. in Lincoln, NB, we’re here to help every step of the way—from choosing the right variety to planting advice and seasonal tips. Our knowledgeable staff are always happy to guide you toward success, no matter your skill level.

 

🌸 Explore our full clematis collection here:
👉 Scott’s Clematis Vines

 

Or come visit us in person and let us help you turn your garden into a vertical paradise.

 

Happy planting—and happy climbing!

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