Many people suggest waiting until fall and that is probably the best. Here in Z:4 I plant all spring/summer/fall making sure to keep plants watered well in the heat and to shade them for a few days or plant during a few cloudy, rainy days.

If you plant them in the fall do not prune them as that will encourage new growth that may not have time to harden off before frost. Be sure to prune all pruning types hard in the spring the first 2-3 years.

Also, plant them deeper than pot level.

Thank you for the advice. I have killed several clematis in the past so I am trying to prevent their demised this time. I thought I would try to get them in the ground in September, it usually is cooler by then.

I cleared an area today, improved the soil, covered it with cardboard and a bit of loose hay. By the time I plant the clematis it should be ready for them.

When I do plant them would it be OK to cut off a few of the leaves to get it off of the temporary trellises I have them growing on? I made a string trellis for several of them but a couple are on an iron trellis. The string won't be a problem.

Sorry for the silly questions.

Might as well add my ?? ~ not ready to plant yet but am readying site. Paring Clems for intermingled colors - how close together should planting holes be or could piggy-back ~ ok or bad idea?

TIA

PS ~ would Hagley's H & Elsa S be a good pair ~ opinion please? The Elsa S flashed a small bloom (Ramona-like purple) since moving to a 3gal pot!

Thanks again!

Hagley is a type 3 and Elsa is type 2 although I believe some folks do treat Elsa as 3.I have decided to plant my Hagley with my suprise Warsaw Nike. Since Hagley has dark antlers I think it will be a nice combination.