Clematis location ..spring planning

18 years ago

Since the dark cold days of winter are here, I am using the time to plan my spring plantings. I ordered several cleamtis from Chalk Hill among them a Jackmanii that I am not sure where to plant. I was thinking about putting a large trellis next to our front door and have the jackmanii "hug" the one side of it. However, the location seems less than ideal the more I think about it. It will face east/southeast and be next to a warm wall, and the soil is fairly rocky/clay and alkaline. I can ammend it easily but am worried since the eave of the house overhangs slightly and the cleamtis may not get adequate water in hot weather. On the plus side, the wind and rain won't bother the flowers but on the downside the rain may not hit the entire plant unless it is a storm with wind.

I was thinking about planting it as far as possible and letting the plant lean to the wall? Any ideas, would another clematis with more shade tolerance be better? I have successfully grown geraniums, petunias, cymbidiums, gardenias, and impatients in this spot (of course, in pots). Our Chicago summers are fairly warm and I think afternoon shade will be fince for a Jackmanii since the blue-purple is so deep. In the winter the spot gets buried with snow since the front door is there, so there is winter moisture with freeze/thaw cycles. It is too warm there for a hydrangea, since the shrub has been failing for years and I want it replaced. From my experience, I think a clematis would do good there, just not sure about the type. Any thoughts?

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Comments (7)

carolfm
18 years ago
Since the clematis will be so close to your front door could you water it? How much sun would it get? I've seen some photo's of clematis growing under the eaves of houses on this forum but I have no idea the number of hours of sun they get every day.

Carol
bradarmi
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks Carol,
In the growing season, the sun shines there from sunrise (6am?) until at least noon, maybe 1pm giving a good six hours of direct sun. I grow geranium (hanging pelorgonium) and petunias there and they fluorish, so I think there might be just enough sunlight. The hose is very close by (other side of the door) so watering the first few years really won't be a problem. Would you plant a more shade-tolerant clematis since the afternoon is shaded...something like Dr. Rupel or Nelly Moser?
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carolfm
18 years ago
I have a jackmanii that gets less sun that yours will and it bloomed it's heart out last year. Mine got shaded by a climbing rose that got huge. I think your Jackmanii will do okay there but I live in an area with more intense sunlight in the summer so I'm not sure. Try it. If it doesn't like it you can always move it later. I've moved a few clematis without causing them any undue stress.

Carol
bradarmi
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks Carol for the insight, I guess since the location is quite prominent I am a little too compulsive since I want it perfect. When I stopped to think about te ther clematis, I think that this one may still get more sun than some of the others.

thanks
michael_in_chicago
18 years ago
Jackmanii can be a little slow to get going, but definitely plant it out beyond the overhand and train it into the trellis. This is a common thing to do (and easy)!
carolfm
18 years ago
Brad, I'm kind of OC myself so I understand. I'm sure your Jackmanii will do well.

Carol
carolyn18810
18 years ago
Brad,

This my second year Jackmanii in a Southwestern exposure. What you are not seeing in this picture is just to the right of Jack is a hedge of Althea. They are about 12 feet or so tall. This area in my yard is quite shaded for the most part. My feelings at the time, were if there was not enough sun to get a nice bloom, I could always move him. I have 2 Jackmanii's planted on either side of a gate that goes up a sidewalk along the side of my house. In particular when we have parties, this entrance is used, so like you - I wanted something eyecatching flanking the entrance way.

As you can see - there really is plenty of sun (I need to do better in the picture taking area....) Anyway, go for it - you can always move it!

Carolyn

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