Cultivation

Winter protection for Clematis

Clematis L.

The method of preparing Clematis for winter is based on its pruning group: from preserving long previous year's shoots for early-flowering varieties to hilling the root zone for Clematis of the third pruning group.

In the reference 20 varieties crop Clematis, where this is mentioned in the description.

The technique for covering Clematis depends directly on the variety's pruning group. For the first group, it is important to preserve shoots up to two meters long; for the second, a portion of them; and for the third, it is sufficient to protect the root collar zone after radical pruning to 20–30 centimeters.

The primary objective is protection against waterlogging and rot, so the shoots are isolated from the ground using spruce branches or wooden boards. A dry layer made of a sand and ash mixture is created around the base of the bush, and a frame with a waterproof cover is installed over the plant to create an air gap.

Important aspects of preparation include the timing of the work, which should be done when stable sub-zero temperatures reach about -5…-7 °C, and protection against rodents that may build nests inside the created 'cocoons'. The cover must be air-dry, which prevents the development of pathogens during the winter period.

General information about the subject — on the page Winter covering.

Sources8

Varieties of Clematis mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.