Evergreen Clematis Vines
Popular in the Pacific Northwest, these vines climb by twisting stems around any support you set out for them. They can grow to 15 feet (5 m.) tall and 10 feet (3 m.) wide over time. The glossy leaves on evergreen clematis vines are some 3 inches (8 cm.) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm.) wide. They are pointed and droop downward. In the spring, white blossoms appear on the vines. If you start growing evergreen clematis, you’ll love the sweet-smelling flowers, each 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) wide and arranged in clusters.
Growing Evergreen Clematis
Evergreen clematis vines thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9. If you take care to find an appropriate site when planting an evergreen clematis, you’ll find the vine is low maintenance. These evergreen vines do best if you plant them in full or partial sun, as long as the vine base remains in shade. Planting an evergreen clematis in well-drained soil is essential, and it’s best to work organic compost into the soil. Evergreen clematis growing works best if you plant the vine in soil with a high organic content. When planting an evergreen clematis, you can help the vine by applying several inches (8 cm.) of straw or leaf mulch on the soil above the vine’s root area. This keeps the roots cool in summers and warm in winters.
Evergreen Clematis Care
Once you get your vine appropriately planted, you need to concentrate on cultural care. The most time-consuming part of evergreen clematis growing involves pruning. Once the flowers have faded from the vine, proper evergreen clematis care includes trimming out all of the dead vine wood. Most of this is located on the inside of the vines, so you’ll have to spend some time to get it all. If your vine gets stringy over time, it may need rejuvenating. If this happens, evergreen clematis care is easy: just cut the entire vine off at ground level. It will grow back quickly.
