There's a "nip" in the air! Some gardens have had frost and some have even had snow! So, I think it's time to talk about "winterizing your babies" for their long Clematis slumber.
This article is excerpted from "The Clematis Chronicle", written by Edith M. Malek, President of the American Clematis Society, Winter 2004. Definitely a worthwile read and hopefully a launch for further discussion.
http://clematis.org/explore/articles/show/12-Winterizing-Your-Babies
Winterizing Your Babies
A nice little article about something that probably kills its share of clematis; thanks Shirley.
I would add for dry-climate gardeners the necessity of mulch as a moisture-retentive practice for winter.
I have a couple new evergreen clems that grew suprisingly fast this past season, so burying the whole plants in loose leaf mulch is not an option! Has anyone had experience protecting these plants in winter? I am thinking of hanging burlap over C. cirrhosa to ward off something that gets to other evergreens: winterburn (sunburn when the plant's roots are too cold to replace moisture). C. cirrhosa is also loaded with buds right now, I wonder how those will fair having had nightly frosts lately.
K. James
Thanks Kenton. Mulch is always important when planting Clematis. It helps to insulate the root system, as well as, providing extra protection to the surrounding soil. Nothing is harder on plants than harsh drying winter winds.
One suggestion might be to surround your Clematis by pounding 3 to 4 wooden stakes in the ground, then staple burlap to the stakes, which will then enclose your vine in a more protected environment.
I've never tried using a dessicant like 'Wiltproof' on Clematis, but I've used it very successfully when sprayed on broadleaf shrubs such as Azaleas or Rhododendrons to prevent moisture loss during the Winter. You might want to try this spray on your evergreen Clems and see how they do.