Clematis afoliata

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 in dry periods

Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.

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.

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.