How to Care for a Jackmanii Climbing Clematis

Clematis X jackmanii was created in 1858 when growers at the Jackman and Sons nursery in Surrey, England, crossed C. lanuginosa, a clematis species from China, with C. viticella from southern Europe. Since then, additional Jackmanii hybrids have been developed from this parent hybrid. Jackmanii clematis blooms from the middle of summer until the first frost of fall. It produces showy flowers of up to 7 inches across, in such colors as pale gray, pale blue, rose pink, crimson and deep purple. The vines can grow to a length or height of 10 feet.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Garden shears

1. Give it both sun and shade. Jackmanii clematis is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9. The foliage of Jackmanii clematis needs plenty of sun — four to six hours a day — while its roots need constant shade. The blooms, on the other hand, need to be protected from the hottest sun of the day, so an eastern exposure is suggested by Floridata. To provide shade for the roots, you can cover them with a rock. In addition, low-growing plants, such as geraniums or creeping phlox, situated around Jackmanii clematis roots, provide cover.
2. Water it regularly. Floridata reports that during growing season, the soil around your clematis should be kept moist. If the ground appears to be drying out or is dry to the touch, add water.
3. Prune the plant. The blooms of Jackmanii clematis come from whatever branches have grown in during the current season. Consequently, pruning this plant right down to the ground will maximize flowering in the next season. With your garden shears, start pruning at the bottom of the Jackmanii clematis. Cut off nearly all the current season’s growth, leaving only one or two buds per stem. (You do not have to cut at an angle; straight cuts will suffice.) The plant should be no more than 18 inches high when you finish. Prune late in the winter or early the following spring before growing season begins.

Tips & Warnings

• Try planting Jackmanii clematis next to a shrub. The vine will climb right up through the branches of the shrub for an interesting visual effect.