Clematis ‘Westerplatte’

Grow clematis in sunny or semi shaded borders in any moist, well drained soil. Clematis plants particularly dislike dry soils so add plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost to improve moisture retention in summer. Plant clematis with the top of the rootball positioned 7.5cm (3″) below soil level, to encourage new shoots to form from the base of the plant. Be sure to provide the twining stems with an appropriate support, such as trellis or wires attached to fences and pergolas. Alternatively grow clematis up freestanding plant frames in patio containers. When planting in containers, use a soil based compost such as John Innes No.3.

Feed and water frequently throughout the growing season. In autumn or spring, apply a mulch of well rotted manure or compost to the base of the plant. When pruning, remember that it flowers on new stems which develop from the previous year’s growth. In spring, remove any damaged or dead stems entirely. The remaining stems can then be pruned back to a pair of healthy buds.