Robert...I LOVE to plant in fall (Oct. Nov. for me)..I have very wet and cool falls and winter..so mine spend all that time growing wonderful roots (yes plants that go dormant..still are growing roots) all that time and emerge in Spring with such a vigor...I plant in Spring as well..but I've come to the conclusion that mine planted in fall seem to leap much quicker...Jeanne

Ditto for me Robert. Spring can change to summer in a heartbeat here in my garden. Fall gives us cooler temps and more plentiful rains. Cooler soil temps translate into more root development--in fact more root development occurs in fall than any other time of the year. Properly mulched the plants can continue root developement well into winter. I have planted as late as Halloween here in NC and still had the plants do better than when planted in the spring.

sounds good to me...I'm still hoping to find some varieties I don't already have..

robert

I planted 2 Mrs. Julia Correzon? and 2 C. Purpurea rosea plena? last fall not too long before our first frost, remembered to set those deeper than they had been growing by about 2". They came up fine this spring. A couple canes have gone wimpy on me, don't know what that is about, may have damaged them trying to coax them toward the trellis & tying to stake (I should have planted them closer to the trellis), but other ones are already to the top of the trellis. I notice that they seem to want to piggyback another cane rather than spread to a different part of the trellis, probably have to coax it some to do that.

The thing I don't like about potting up if not absolutely necessary is that it is one more step and you end up having to dig a bigger hole. Digging big holes is sometimes no big deal, but a little one you can squeeze right in more easily just where you want it especially if there is already an established plant you want to combine it with.

I'd want to get it in the ground ASAP so the roots can start getting established whether spring or fall. From an intermediary pot, you are effectively transplanting it twice although that's not the same as moving them around once they're in the ground.

aliska...I'm with you about getting things in the ground asap...also about the smaller hole business...i'm tucking clematis EVERYWHERE.

Robert

Just realize that smaller plants that are planted near established plants, be they clematis or other shrubs and trees, will often take several years to grow up and compete with the nearby plants. I have seen this several times in my garden with plants that I wanted to tuck in amongst other shrubs. A Triternata rubromarginata planted near some hollies has taken 3 years to reach 5 feet tall and has yet to bloom. Just take this into consideration when you plant small clematis near larger, more established plants!

I'd love to see how your garden looks by now. I think one can get addicted to clematis.

The point about planting some near much more established plants is probably a good one to bear in mind. So far, I don't think I have that problem yet, may end up having it with a couple. I have to learn some things the hard way.

Robert, if you post some photos over on the OGR forum, I hope I don't miss them as you've been very inspiring. I scrapped my grandiose plans for now, but they're still lurking and have tried to plan so I can yet do something similar to what you've done or ideally a long, beautiful wooden pergola. Dream on.

I complained and questioned about potting up clematis so much last year that I should probably shut up about it now, but I too prefer to get clematis in the ground right away. I re-potted up a bunch last year and will never do it again. I've planted them in the ground in the middle of summer during a drought, no problems, and I even stuck cheapo bareroot clematis from the big box store in the ground and they did fine. To each his own, right?

Miguel,

I hear what you say. I'm patient and can wait for results. I do feed my soil quite well and add supplemental water, so I think my clematis should be fine. Also, I really don't have too many roses that are truly established plants yet...the oldest is only about 3 years old.

Robert

Well..for newbies ...potting up those itty bitty clematis from Roseville, etc is recommended as they have a better chance of survival if they are neglectly SOMEWHAT..I will reveal a little secret..I plant those little ones right in the ground BUT I am out there every day sticking my finger in the soil and if it needs watering..I do so..that is of the utmost importance..pinching and watering...then when my wet falls take over..I can relax and let nature take over...Jeanne

I think I'll do fine with these

The best part of planting those tiny clemati is that you don't have to dig huge holes. =D

I reordered a Jackmanii from Gurney's as I just wasn't satisfied with how the original was doing. Now they say they won't ship until October. Is that the best answer? Wouldn't I be able to plant one this early in the summer and have it do OK??
Thanks!
Peg

Peg I think the problem that sellers have with shipping now is the heat during transport. Most stop shipping during the summer months for that reason. I would not plant a clematis in zone 5 in the fall. I'd pot it up, overwinter it in an unheated garage and plant it in the spring.