Clematis are a flowering vine that bloom from spring to the first frost in the fall. Clematis can also sometimes be a shrub. In either scenario, it is possible to grow these in garden planters and the plants will do quite well with some special care. Gardeners will grow potted clematis in containers on patios, balconies, in the entryway of the home, on a deck or even in a modern garden.
Clematis are beautiful flowering vines that can add incredible color and interest to any garden. With their stunning blooms available in a diverse range of shapes, sizes and colors, it’s no wonder they are a favorite among gardeners. While clematis will grow well when planted directly in the ground, they can also thrive when grown in containers. This gives you the ability to decorate small spaces like patios, porches and balconies with these gorgeous vines.
When growing clematis in pots, using the right potting mix is key to making sure your vines stay happy and healthy. The soil needs to drain well, retain some moisture and provide nutrients. It can be tricky finding the perfect balance, but with the right soil your container clematis will flourish.
Why Soil Matters for Potted Clematis
Clematis prefer a cool and moist soil, but they also need the soil to drain well to prevent soggy roots. Their roots tend to be shallow so the soil needs to retain some moisture in the top 6-12 inches where the feeder roots grow. However, too much moisture can lead to root rot. This makes finding the ideal potting mix crucial.
A good potting soil needs to have organic matter to retain moisture and nutrients, But it also requires inorganic materials like perlite or grit to allow for drainage and air pockets The nutrients in the soil feed the plant while drainage keeps the roots healthy,
Since containers don’t allow excess water to drain away like in-ground soils, having a mix that promotes drainage is even more important A dense, water-retentive soil will become waterlogged and suffocate clematis roots
The container and pot size also factor into soil needs. Small pots and containers dry out faster, requiring a mix with more moisture retention. Larger containers hold more soil and retain moisture better, so they need more drainage.
Best Potting Mixes for Container Clematis
The best potting mixes for clematis vines contain a blend of organic and inorganic materials to provide moisture, nutrients and drainage. Here are some great options:
Peat or Coconut Coir-Based Mixes
A good quality commercial potting mix made with peat moss or coconut coir is a great choice for clematis. These ingredients provide moisture retention and cation exchange capacity to hold onto nutrients. Mixes like these often also contain perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage. Some good mixes to try are:
- Espoma Organic Potting Mix
- Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
Compost and Loam Based Mixes
Mixing compost or loam with perlite, gravel or other aggregates creates excellent drainage. The organic matter supplies nutrients while the inorganic materials keep the soil from getting waterlogged. For example:
- 1 part compost or loam
- 1 part perlite or builders sand
- 1 part peat moss or coconut coir
John Innes Potting Mixes
These standardized mixes created for container plants contain loam, peat and fertilizers. John Innes #2 or #3 recipes work well for clematis due to the blend of moisture retention and drainage.
Commercial Cactus or Citrus Mixes
Designed for good drainage, these commercial mixes contain peat, perlite, sand or gravel. Look for ones made for cactus or citrus. They provide more drainage than standard potting soil.
Custom DIY Mixes
You can create your own custom blend using ingredients like:
- Compost, loam, peat moss or coconut coir for moisture and nutrients
- Perlite, pumice, gravel, builders sand or grit for drainage
- Worm castings or compost for added nutrients
A sample recipe would be:
- 2 parts compost or loam
- 2 parts peat or coco coir
- 1 part perlite or pumice
The ideal mix will depend on your specific conditions. Test different ratios to find the perfect balance.
Potting Tips for Healthy Clematis
Follow these tips when potting your clematis to get them off to the best start:
- Choose a pot at least 12-18 inches wide and deep. Clematis have vigorous root systems and need room to grow.
- Add crocks, pebbles or gravel over the drainage holes to promote drainage and prevent soil from washing out.
- Loosen and lighten compacted commercial mixes before potting.
- Plant clematis 2-3 inches deeper than it was growing in its nursery pot. This allows the roots to stay cool.
- Place a trellis or plant support in the pot for the vines to climb up.
- Water thoroughly after potting and let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
With a suitable pot, the right soil and proper care, your clematis will thrive in containers. Experiment with different soils and containers until you find the perfect match. The reward will be gorgeous clematis blooms you can enjoy up close.
Planting Clematis in Pots
Be sure to use a large container for clematis, because the extra soil in the planter will help protect the roots in the winter and during hot summer days. We recommend a planter at least 24 inches in diameter. The best material for the planter is resin plastic because terra cotta or ceramic planters can crack in the winter. Ensure the planter has drainage holes because the roots do not like wet feet.
The best time of year to plant clematis is in spring or fall. However you can also plant during the summer, but it will require more attention and care if planted in the summer. Clematis do best in a location that receives full sun, which is at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. That will help the plant produce the most flowers throughout the year.
Once you have planted the plant in the container, immediately add support for the vine. It is important to do this right away because the plant needs support. Also, adding support later on could damage the roots when you stick the support in the dirt.
Fertilizing Clematis in Pots
If you added manure or compost when planting the clematis, you do not need to fertilize again the first year. Once the plant is established, you can feed with rose fertilizer in the early spring each year. Use the directions on the bottle for applying the fertilizer.
Can clematis flowers thrive in pots and containers?
FAQ
What kind of potting soil for clematis?
If growing clematis in a pot, plant in John Innes no. 3 with added grit.Feb 8, 2024
Which soil is best for clematis?
The best compost for clematis is John Innes No. 3 because this is loam based and has a high food content.
Do clematis grow well in pots?
Yes, clematis can grow well in pots, especially smaller, compact varieties.
What is the best compost for container grown clematis?
Soil based potting compost is best for growing clematis in containers. However John Innes No. 3 compost can be improved by adding 50% by volume of a peat free compost to it. This will ‘open up’ the structure and a lead to a healthier root system.