Clematis have a dense mat of leaves that is ideal to shade porches. They are excellent for use on trellises, fences and walls.

Clematis like to be grown with “their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade.” Clematis need at least 6 hours of sun to flower best, but in South Carolina they will benefit from some shade during the afternoon. Flowers of some red, blue and bicolored large-flowered hybrids fade if they get too much sun. These should be planted in eastern exposures or partial shade.

Though the plant’s stems and foliage should be in sun, the roots like a cool, moist environment. The soil should be kept cool and shaded by low groundcover plants or perennials that have shallow, noninvasive roots. A 2-inch layer of mulch or stone paving also provides a cool root environment. Most clematis can be grown here with protection of the plant base and roots from the summer sun.

Avoid planting in extremely wet locations. The site should be open enough to allow for air movement around the plants, but protection from strong winds is also desirable.

With the exception of Anemone Clematis (C. montana) and Sweet Autumn Clematis (C. terniflora), clematis do not compete well with large tree roots.

Soil in the planting area should be prepared to a depth of 2 feet in an area about 3 feet wide. Incorporate one-third by volume compost or well-rotted manure to improve aeration and drainage.

After amending the soil for planting, dig a hole to accommodate the root system. Cut stems back to 12 inches in height. This will help the plant branch as it begins to grow and will reduce the chance of stem breakage during the planting process. Clematis are most often container-grown, as they do not withstand much root disturbance.

Plant clematis with the crown one to two inches below the soil surface. This allows the plant to recover should it be mowed off, damaged by animals or infected with clematis wilt.

Provide support for the vine. Supports must be thin since this plant climbs by twining the bases of its leaves around a support and cannot grasp thick branches or heavy trellising. Latticework or trellises can be used if placed a few inches from the wall for ventilation and if large enough to support the vine. Poles can be used for supporting smaller, less vigorous vines. Arbors are suitable for the larger, more vigorous types of clematis. Some gardeners choose to let the plants sprawl over the ground, over woodpiles and over other plants.

Water deeply once a week in dry seasons. Vines need at least an inch of water a week either from rain or irrigation. Renew mulch to a 2-inch depth in late spring after the soil has warmed unless a groundcover or other method is used to cool the root environment. Work a good general fertilizer gently into the soil surface in spring. Do not feed clematis during flowering. In the autumn, a mulch of well-rotted manure or compost will be beneficial.