How to Care for Clematis Armandii

Clematis armandii, more commonly known as evergreen clematis, is a fast-growing vine that will climb practically anything in its path. It has shiny, 2- to 3-inch-long leaves that droop toward the ground, giving the plant a bit of a cascading appearance. Fragrant white or pale pink flowers develop in early spring and continue to appear through the end of the season. Clematis armandii can grow up to 25 feet long and 10 feet wide. It thrives in full to partial sun and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7b through 9.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Garden fork
• Organic compost
• Spade
• Organic mulch
• General-purpose fertilizer
• Well-rotted manure
• Pruning shears
• Slug baits

1. Pull up all weeds and grass from the chosen planting location.
2. Cultivate the soil with a garden fork to a depth of 12 to 18 inches. Mix 3 to 4 inches of organic compost with the loosened soil.
3. Plant the clematis armandii at the level it was previously growing. Water until the soil is very moist.
4. Add a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the vine. Keep the mulch 2 to 3 inches from the plant’s stem.
5. Water once each week, unless there has been significant rainfall, during the first two or three months after planting. Once the roots are established, water only during drought conditions.
6. Feed in late winter, before blooms appear, with a general-purpose fertilizer applied at the rate indicated on the package. In early fall, work a 2- to 3-inch layer of well-rotted manure into the surface of the soil.
7. Prune after spring flowering is complete to remove dead and damaged stems.
8. Place two or three slug baits around the base of the vine, as the pests can quickly defoliate the lower leaves if no preventive measures are taken.

Tips & Warnings

• Clematis armandii is propagated from cuttings.

• Clematis armandii makes an ideal screen for unattractive areas in the yard or garden.