Clematis 'Blue Dancer'

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 · Planting

Prune Clematis Group 1 after flowering

Clematis Group 1 prune: Prune immediately after flowering. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged wood. If it has got too large cut back and tidy any unkempt growth. This may include thinning slightly if the appearance is very congested.

This plant flowers on old wood which has had time to 'ripen' during winter. They are generally lightly pruned, but some containment may be needed for large and vigorous forms.

Spring - late · Planting

Prune Clematis Group 1

Clematis Group 1 prune. When all danger of frost has past, clematis can be checked for health and dead, damaged or diseased growth can be removed.

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.