Clematis Florida ‘Taiga’

Pot up clematis plants and grow them on until large enough to plant in their final positions. When planting clematis, choose a position in sun or semi-shade and plant the climber deeply in moist, fertile, well drained soil. Position the top of the rootball at a depth of 7.5cm (3″) below soil level, to encourage new shoots to form from the base of the plant. Clematis dislike soils that are particularly wet or dry. Such soils can be improved by the addition of plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost. When growing clematis in patio containers use a soil based compost such as John Innes No.3. Train clematis plants onto a suitable support such as trellis, wires or a freestanding climbing frame.

Feed and water frequently throughout the growing season. This variety of clematis flowers in late summer on the current year’s growth. Pruning should be undertaken in spring before active growth begins. When pruning group 3 Clematis, cut back all of the previous year’s stems to a pair of healthy buds at around 20cm (8″) above ground level. In spring, apply a mulch of well rotted manure or garden compost to the base of the plant in order to protect the roots and conserve soil moisture.