INTRODUCTION
Clematis are a cool loving climate plant. When growing Clematis you need to select a position where the roots are in the shade and the plant will receive preferably morning sun.
Do not plant close to walls where there is excessive heat reflection. In warm to hot climates, planting Clematis on the east side of a metal fence where the afternoon sun sets on the opposite side will cause the foliage to burn, dry out and possible death. When planting under large trees do not plant too close to the trunk, this will cause the plant to become weak and die through lack of moisture. Heavy roots growing near the surface of the soil cause too much interference. It is important to remember that Clematis will not tolerate the north wind.

PLANTING
Clematis like good drainage and the roots must be kept cool and moist during the hot weather. Quite often Clematis are killed by over-watering or bad drainage. If they are planted in a large pot be sure there is good drainage. Each year check the bottom hole of the pot to make sure that the hole is clear of dirt and rubbish. Where the soil is heavy, dig in Gypsum Clay Breaker (500g per square metre) to help break up the clay. Next mix large quantities of Copra Plus Garden Mulch into the ground, this will enrich the soil and help to retain moisture around the root area.
Before replacing topsoil intermix it with a handful of blood and bone and a handful of potash to aid flower development.

MULCHING
Once the hot summer weather arrives the bushes should be kept well mulched. Cover the ground with 1cm of well-matured cow manure, then place 5cm of Organic Garden Mulch. on top. Follow this with a blanket of compost with red gum chips or bark, this will act as a main top mulch.

WATERING
During extreme hot dry conditions, Clematis will require continual observing as they must never dry out. During very hot dry conditions it may be necessary to water twice a day with 5 litres of water once they are established. Under normal summer conditions give a good deep soaking 2 or 3 times a week.

FEEDING
Late winter/early spring - well rotted animal manure, garden compost (keeping 100-150mm away from stem), blood and bone or dynamic lifter mixed with potash. Liquid fertilisers are another option, particularly for those growing in pots, use as per directions. A good soaking once a fortnight will produce excellent results.
IMPORTANT: Once flower buds have reached the size of a pea, cease all liquid fertiliser, this can cause the flower to mature quicker than normal, thus shortening the flowering period. Resume fertilising after flowering.

After a few years of growing in ideal conditions and being well tended most varieties will be so well established that they should withstand all weather except the very extreme.
You will be rewarded with a wonderful, spectacular flowering display over a long duration.

SEASONAL GUIDE

AUTUMN
Some of the varieties should still be flowering, early flowering hybrids will be having their second flush. The prime time to start planting is April. The soil should remain warm for some time and roots will continue to grow deeper into the soil until the colder part of autumn sets in. Towards the end of the season apply a 15cm of well rotted manure or compost to the root area, the winter rains will penetrate the feed into the ground ready for spring when growth commences.

WINTER
Apply manure to the root area of all Clematis if you haven't done so already. If you overlook this mulching you may deprive your garden of a superior show of flowers. In late winter shoots will start to appear from the ground at the base of plants, so be careful when working around them. Snail and slug deterrents may be necessary to prevent the young, fresh buds from being eaten.

SPRING
Tie up any new clematis shoots, being careful as they break easily from the old wood. It would be best to wait until the new shoots are about 50cm long. Commence a spray programme using a fungicide each fortnight for two months if you have a fungus problem in your area. Use a liquid feeding now to ensure the ground is damp with nutrients to at least 40cm down, apply each week until the buds are the size of a large pea then cease liquid feed until flowering has completed. From mid spring onwards is the best time to visit the nursery to see large display plants flowering.

SUMMER
This is the time of the year when you need to keep a close watch on the Clematis. It's very important to ensure your Clematis has sufficient water, it may be necessary to give plants a good soaking every second day, depending on weather. Mid season large flowered hybrids will start flowering early summer. Early spring flowering hybrids will have finished flowering by now, lightly prune and start liquid feed again for another crop of flowers in autumn.