I am new to clematis, but jumped in with both feet this year (purchased 7 different varieties). I'd like to grow two of them in a container so they mingle together (claire de lune and rugochi) as they climb up the side of my screen porch. I've read a little about container growing, but haven't seen anything about winter in zone 5. Anyone have some tips for me? Do I just leave the container out all winter?
Thanks!
Christina
Clematis in Containers
my first year in clematis i overwintered some clematis in large containers. for me the problem was that a year or two later when i wanted to put them in the ground it was hard to remove them from the pots. i am in zone 5b. i no longer grow clematis in containers ever, as they really want to be in the ground and i do little container gardening.
the pots i overwintered them in were heavy ceramic, large...18 to 32 inches in circumference and very thick ceramic.
they need to be placed in a spot sheltered form the wind and i heeled mine in against a stone wall with wood chips about a foot or two around the pots with the top of the chips being level to the top of the pot. i have also heard of wrapping burlap several thicknesses around the pot, and again , placing it in a protected spot, yet one where it still receives sun and moisture. you can heel it in a giant pile of leaves in a protected spot against a house, barn, stone wall or similar.
glad to say that the clems i overwintered are still with me 8 years later, although they have been in their permanent space for at least 6 years now.
good luck and welcome to the world of clematis obsession!!!
p s rooguchi is not as hardy as some of the other clems, i would not over winter roouchi over in a pot in zone 5. claire de lune should be ok.
I've been growing clematises in containers for years, and as long as they're sheltered from the major winds, they've been fine just being left out as is, no particular protection except mulch. I'm in zone 5b too. I have mine in 18" containers against the wall of my 6th floor balcony. All have trellises. I'm growing three at the moment, a jackmanii, a Rosemoor and a Versailles. The last two are shorter and are bred for containers. The jackmanii I've had for many years, and every year it rewards me with great blooms. These are mostly in the shade, though they get early morning and late afternoon sun. Here's my Rosemoor from this year. It's a two year old plant.
Check out this one from betra in the clematis forum. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/fp.php?pid=5279778 I think it's a Cezanne, another of the short ones, but she thinks it's H. F. Young. She's probably right.
This message was edited Aug 13, 2008 2:17 PM
Here's a pic from a few years ago. I was very sick in 2005 and most everything dried out from lack of water, so they're all still recovering from then. But this photo shows three growing well at that time. The one at the far left of the picture at the end of the balcony is the jackmanii, the other two are Sunset and another, newer jackmanii. The Sunset and the new jackmanii bit the dust that year, but the old jackmanii came back, but not as vigorous as it was in 2005. It should be fine next year.
Thanks to both of you for your responses. The website where I ordered mine suggested containers as a possible use - both are relatively compact. I am curious about your thoughts on the hardiness of roguchi though - when I look it up, I see it is rated hardy to zone 3. Niobe, did you have difficulty over-wintering it?
my first order of clems in 2000 contained a rooguchi. i overwintered them all in pots and that one did not make it. thick pot, sheltered.that's why i mentioned it may do better if put in ground. others have mentioned bringing pot into garage if there is a winter when it is really winter and the plant is already dormant. i have never done that as i no longer do containers for clems.