I don't plant anything at the base of my clematis because clematis need a decent amount of moisture, and I don't want any other plats completing for moisture, nutrients or root space. I could see planting shallow rooted annuals that won't complete, if you're set on planting at the base.

I have planted a couple of clematis at the base of shrubs in order for the shrub to act as a climbing support.

We always plant around our clematis so the soil is shaded.
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Roses and sweet alyssum are our favorites.
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One companion I didn't think would work was iris. I thought the ground would be too moist for the iris. Deb wanted to use the iris fans to shield the base Gillian Blades 8 years ago.... I should have known it would work if she wanted to do it.
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digger

Love the pictures, a riot of color. I have clay soil but it isn't too bad so annuals are a definite option I really hadn't thought of. Kind of a duh moment. Thank you for the input. In the middle picture what are the names of those clematis they are so pretty together.

Thanks Patty, the color coordinated visitors here leave the yard a bit dizzy. It is a riot, even worse real time. Pics don't show how bad it is :) The clematis in #2 are (right to left) Pink Fantasy, Niobe and Mrs N Thompson. Sweet alyssum reseeds itself for us too. We haven't bought any since the 90s. If Deb wants some in new spot she just shakes seeds from stuff we pull from around the miniature roses.

Dave, that is downright gorgeous! I love the alyssum at the base of the clematis but that stuff melts here the first hot day. It should do well for you, Patty.

Carol

Carol, what do you use in your zone 7 garden? What type of annuals would grow best at the base of your clematis? I think the alyssum would work for one area of clematis I have but there is another area that the heat of summer really beats down on them, so input would interest me.

I use different types of hardy geranium here. There are some that are very heat tolerant. They make a nice rounded mound and tolerate cutting back if they get larger than I want them to. I love alyssum and plant some every spring knowing that it won't last through the summer but it is beautiful and fragrant in the spring. My plants aren't necessarily planted at the base of my clematis since my clematis are mixed in beds with my roses, Iris, delphiniums, foxgloves and various and sundry other plants. They are planted at the front of the beds.

Carol

I have some hardy geranium I need to spread around, that's a great tip I hadn't thought of. Thanks Carol, sounds as though you have a beautiful garden.

I think you will like the look of the geranium, Patty. Thank you, my garden makes me happy and after all, that is what really counts isn't it? It is a riot of color, not to everyones taste, I am sure :-).

Carol

Hey Carol!! Thank you :) Deb says hi.

Patty, visitors love seeing the yard from different angles. So much is hidden until they move a few steps. We like to sprawl on the lawn and chat when chores are done. We don't have to move far to have a different view.

LOVE LOVE LOVE your "riot of colours"..:)

Faye in Nova Scotia (z-5b)