How to Care for a Nelly Moser Clematis

Clematis is a deciduous climbing vine, available in more than 200 different species that offer different colors, shapes, forms and textures. Nelly Moser clematis is a large-flowered hybrid variety that blooms in May or June and again in late summer. The huge, pale mauve blooms have a tropical appearance and are 5 to 8 inches in diameter. The vines can grow as long as 10 to 12 feet. Nelly Moser clematis is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Manure or compost
• Lattice or trellis
• Low-growing plants or mulch
• General purpose garden fertilizer

1. Plant clematis where the plant will be exposed to sunlight for at least six hours per day. In hot climates, clematis benefits from dappled or filtered light during hot afternoons. Its soil should be well-draining and can be improved by adding a 6- to 8-inch layer of manure or compost.
2. Provide a lattice or trellis for the clematis vines to climb up. Use a trellis with thin slats, as clematis can’t get a grip on thick structures. Place the trellis or lattice a few inches away from walls, as clematis requires good air circulation.
3. Water the clematis after planting. Thereafter, give the plant 1 inch of water every week during warm, dry weather in spring and summer.
4. Plant low-growing plants around the clematis, as clematis prefers shady, cool roots. Plants such as coral bells, creeping phlox, candytuft or low-growing groundcovers or shrubs work well. Alternatively, spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the clematis to keep the roots cool. Refresh the mulch every spring.
5. Feed clematis every spring, using a general-purpose garden fertilizer with a ratio such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. Scatter the fertilizer on damp soil. Read the fertilizer label for specific rates of application, as rates can vary depending on the size of your plant and the type of soil.