Which clematis to plant?

17 years ago

I'm hoping I can describe the area and my idea ok.

I have a walkout basement facing NNE. On the North corner (somewhat East wall), I wanted to plant clematis on other side of break-wall to grow up 1 ft and over the break-wall so that there is a sort of "fall" on that side of my basement patio. It gets full sun 3-4 hours in the morning, full shade from house midday, then another 3-4 hours of dappled shade in late afternoon evening due to tall trees. However, once under deck above and in basement patio area, there is no full sun, only indirect light for the vineage that falls over and down the wall.

I was hoping to get 2 varieties set 5 ft from each other, one that blooms in summer, and one that blooms in fall (so that I have flowers most of the year). Color doesn't really matter, as long as they are fragrant and different colors from each other.

I described my idea to the lady at the local garden shop/greenhouse today and she said that "sweet autumn" is the ONLY one that will like the shade in that situation. Is she right?

Any suggestions as to which clematis I should try? I have no problem with watering if and when needed, and naturally I have a sandy mix soil (but can change that if needed as well). My mom has horses and the aged manure creates what we call "black gold" to gardeners, hehe.

...please bare with me, I'm a beginner with determination to make a really nice patio for myself out the basement door. Thanks for any and all info!

(and if clematis is not the answer, would wisteria fit the bill?)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

shadara
Original Author
17 years ago
Nevermind, I guess i'll just toss in some Sweet Autumn and "try" Nelly Moser in the spot mentioned.

Sorry if I goofed somewhere during posting...
shadara
Original Author
17 years ago
OMG!!! I goofed in original posting and I guess I'm in serious need of a compass!

That side of the house is west, so it would be the NW corner of the house. We actually had full sun there late afternoon/evening today. However, it's sun shining through some dense, very tall oaks w/o full leaves. :(

I think I'll give it a go with Sweet Autumn and Nelly Moser in a couple weeks (down to 30F last night (Northern Lower Michigan)). Maybe the Sweet Autumn will venture a little SW in same area and eventually spread onto my mom's fence for an added effect (5 ft from main planting). ++

Thanks for your help and sorry you had trouble posting.

(...and if you know of a "safe" way to de-curl the vines off small greenhouse trellis/arch things, please let me know. Or do I just transplant with the small structure in place and let it grow, grow, grow?)
Related Professionals
Baton Rouge Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Rochester Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Palm Desert Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Montrose Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Santa Fe Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Seattle Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Manhattan Landscape Contractors · Chattanooga Landscape Contractors · Spring Landscape Contractors · Fergus Falls Landscape Contractors · Yuma Landscape Contractors · Amherstburg Landscape Contractors · Palm Bay Design-Build Firms · St. Louis Design-Build Firms · Vancouver Design-Build Firms
buyorsell888
17 years ago
No, you cut if off the small greenhouse trellis/arch things. They should be cut back when planting. Plant them deeper than they are in the pots too.

Sweet Autumn Clematis is a HUGE vine. At least twenty feet. Is that going to fit where you want it? You won't be able to keep it small and mannerly.

Most Clematis do not have fragrance. Sweet Autumn and Betty Corning are the only two I know about that do plus some of the integrifolias which do not climb.

Nelly Moser is a much smaller and less vigorous vine that fades in full sun so would do well in partial shade.
shadara
Original Author
17 years ago
Oh wow! While reading another thread here about the invasive-ness of SAC, I feel a little like a challenge. If it is such a hearty and rapid spreader (as others proclaim)... maybe I WILL plant it in this somewhat "less than ideal" spot for it, let it spread, and put the Nelly Moser on the NE side of the walkout somewhere (a little more shaded anyways).

But with this said, maybe I will plant it a little farther from the break wall and allow it to spread up and down my mother's fence corner as well. I'm guessing the only thing I'll have to watch for is at the bottom of the NW break wall (approx 20' from location) is my son's rose bush. I WILL protect that from any vine, since it's his FAV!

Oh, and does anyone know if horses will eat clematis and would it be harmful? My mom does let her horses "free roam" for about an hr or two before dark. (just wondering)

Thanks for the input! This site and all forum peeps are GREAT!