Clematis alpina 'Bredon Blue'

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 to keep the soil moist

For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.

Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.

Spring - early · Planting

Prune new Clematis if 1 single stem

If the new Clematis has just one stem (not 3-5), "hard prune" in the first spring by cutting the stem to a pair of buds around 30cm from the ground to encourage more stems to grow. After the first spring, prune according to Group.

Spring · Planting

Prune Clematis Group 1 - trim after flowering

Early flowering Clematis (Group 1) lightly prune after flowering is over. Cut overlong shoots back to a bud. Tie the plant to supports as needed. Pinch out growing tips. Every few years thin a plant if it is congested by cutting some shoots to the base.

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.