Clematis 'Yukiokoshi'

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Spring - early · Planting

Prune Clematis Group 2 - prune to a framework

Early to mid-season Clematis (Group 2) tie onto supports, shorten long shoots, pinch out tips and tie in. Remove dead, diseased, damaged growth. When mature (after 2 years) take out any weak growth to the ground and cut shoots back by a third to buds.

Summer-Autumn · Planting

Support young plants

Provide support for young plants, and tie in any growth to the support to keep it tidy.

Winter - late · Outdoors

Apply an organic mulch

Apply an organic mulch to the plant taking care not to bury its stem or cover any young growth that emerges from its centre.

A mulch is a covering that can: protect the soil surface from rain, heat and cold; deter weeds; provide nutrients. Organic indicates that material has vegetative origin e.g. manure, compost. Synthetics i.e. plastics, or stones are often called mulches.