- What should the location be like?
- Which water and nutrient balance is advantageous?
- How to prune Clematis montana?
- tips and tricks
Clematis montana bloom in May and June in bright white or soft pink tones above dark foliage. Thanks to their abundance of flowers, coupled with their impressive growth potential, they are among the gardeners' favourites. You can find out how to properly care for these clematis here.
What should the location be like?
The majestic Clematis montana prefers a spot where its head is exposed to the sun while its roots are in the shade. In addition, these conditions are beneficial for a clematis:
- Humus soil, rich in nutrients
- Fresh, moist and well drained
- Preferably a pH of 5.5 to 6.0
Which water and nutrient balance is advantageous?
The water and nutrient requirements of a Clematis montana increase in proportion to the leaf mass and abundance of flowers. Therefore, check every 1 to 2 days with a thumb test whether the soil has dried. Always water the clematis directly on the root area, because sprinkling the foliage could attract fungal spores.
Like any clematis, Clematis montana primarily requires potassium. Only behind is the need for nitrogen, phosphorus and trace elements. Therefore, fertilize the climbing plant every 6 to 8 weeks with a special preparation for clematis. Alternatively, fertilize organically every 8 to 14 days with potassium-rich comfrey manure, compost and horn shavings.(32.93€)
How to prune Clematis montana?
As a typical spring bloomer, Clematis montana is assigned to pruning group 1. This means that this clematis always flowers on the previous year's wood. How to cut the climbing plant correctly:
- Prune Clematis montana after flowering
- Shorten tendrils that are too long by half at most
- Thin out the plant thoroughly before each pruning
Since this clematis tends to bare from below, annual thinning after flowering is of fundamental importance for professional care. A shortening of the shoots is by no means necessary every year.
tips and tricks
In view of the comparatively short flowering time of a Clematis montana of 3 to 4 weeks, clever hobby gardeners combine the clematis with a climbing rose that blooms more often. The ideal plant partners are the robust and wonderfully flowering climber roses, which create a decorative arrangement in summer with the dark-leaved clematis.