Tying up a later flowering clematis

Tying up a later-flowering clematis

A simple spring task can save you time and effort later and make sure you get the best display from your clematis. Here's how.

Clematis that flower in September-October grow so fast in spring that they get tangled and can easily snap. The solution is to fan them out and tie them back.

• This clematis is trained onto pig mesh or stock fencing against a wall.
• This is ideal because it's a grid of both horizontal and vertical wires, so the stems can be tied in precisely and then don't slide along.

The process

1. Tie stems into place on a wire or other stems. We use paper-covered wire twist ties - simply put it in place and twist. Collect these up at the end of the season, and you can reuse them if they're still in good condition. You can use twine, though this takes longer.

1. Cut entwined tendrils to separate stems and place them where you want them.

1. Check the clematis regularly, as further tying in may be needed as it grows.

Clematis that flower earlier don't need this, so by having different types of clematis, you spread out not only your flowers but also your workload through the year.

Sourcebook

• 200-pack of paper twist ties from Amazon

Stock fencing for training clematis:

• to buy a small amount rather than a long roll that will be much more than you need and can be expensive, try reaching out to fencing companies local to you. They may be able to accommodate selling you a short length
• you can also try contacting any local agricultural or hardware stores, which may sell smaller quantities
• remember to consider the specified height of the fencing: once on the wall, this translates into width, with a wider piece allowing you to fan out your clematis over a larger area.

Plant Directory

Clematis alpina

Austrian clematis

Hardy deciduous climber

Ranunculaceae

Clematis macropetala

Downy clematis

Hardy deciduous climber

Ranunculaceae

Clematis montana

Himalayan clematis

Hardy deciduous climber

Ranunculaceae

Rosa species and cultivars

Roses

Hardy deciduous shrubs or climbers

Rosaceae