The clematis is a vining perennial that with proper care will provide your yard with a brilliant show of color each year. Some people say that clematis is a hard to grow plant, but that is not true if you follow a few primary rules when you first plant the vine.

Clematis must be planted in a area that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Not only does this help in the foliage and flower production, but it also helps to stop diseases such as crown rot to which the plant is suseptible to if it gets too wet.

Clematis roots are long and run deep and like it cool.but not soggy. A good idea is to plant annuals around the base of the clematis, plant a low growing shrub to shade the roots, or mulch the ground around the base of the clematis plant to help keep the soil and roots cool. Because their roots run deep, they are very sensitive to any root disturbances. Care should be taken to prevent animals from digging at the base of the vine.

When planting, loosen the soil to 18 inches. Mix this soil with peat and sand. Carefully set your clematis plant in the hole so the crown is 1 inch below the soil level of the pot.

Stake the plant and if possible wrap a piece of screen loosely around this to prevent animals from breaking or eating off the stem the first year. The stake should placed toward the trellis, to train the plant to its permanent support.

Keep your clematis well watered, not saturated. In future years, always soak well once a week during dry times. Fertilize when planting using a fertilizer heavy in phosphorus. This will produce roots and buds and it is the middle number on the fertilizer box.

With proper care at planting, your clematis will give you many years of enjoyment.