What plants do you use to help shade clematis roots?

11 years ago

I'm just curious to know what are the names of some of the plants you use to help shade your clematis roots in a container?

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purslanegarden

11 years ago

The mulch acts like the "shade" for the roots, compared to having it be bare ground. Another way to help a clematis root is to plant it so that it gets morning sun. By afternoon, the root area might be in shade, even in the stems and leaves are reaching up to a sunny spot.

I usually use annuals to cover the ground near my clematis. This is because they would typically grow all spring and summer, and not need to be replaced. They can also grow fast because their growth for that year is what they focus on.

Sometimes I have perennials nearby, too, but they may be the type that are under the ground near the clematis roots, competing for nutrition at similar locations, so that might not be ideal, but I can't help it that I enjoy the beauty of annuals and perennials growing.

For example, last year, I had some vinca for cover, as well as rain lilies. But I think the dianthus mounds would work really well, and I am trying that this year. They love sun and they mound up really well, so I think that might cover up the ground area near the clematis roots.

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Comments (7)

NHBabs z4b-5a NH
11 years ago
None - despite the often repeated statement that Clematis roots need shading, they really don't. What they need is even moisture. I use mulch around their feet (though not against the stems) and they are one of the plants I water if we haven't had regular moisture naturally even in the ground. In containers I check moisture levels daily.

Depending on your design goals and the types of clematis you have, you might want to have plants to hide bare lower stems or to add interest. In the same container, I would stick with really shallow rooted plants so they are less likely to compete with the clematis, or even place taller plants in nearby containers.
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User
Original Author
11 years ago
Hi purselanegarden ~ Thank you for sharing what you plant with your clematis. I put bark mulch around everything in my garden. I love the idea of 'vinca' - I have my clematis in a huge container and I can vision the vinca minor with it. I know this plant is rather invasive but I don't think it should get out of hand if it is contained in a pot. Thanks again for the idea. I really appreciate your thoughts.
purslanegarden
11 years ago
Actually I meant the vinca flower (Catharanthus roseus), not the vinca minor vine. The vinca flower is common at nurseries or big box stores with a garden center, so you shouldn't have any problem finding them to add to the clematis.
Garden Mist
11 years ago
Thank you purslane..Sorry I thought you meant the vine. I will see if my nursery carries the vinca flower. Much appreciated.
User
11 years ago
I made the mistake of planting Santa Barbara daisy in a 1/2 wine barrel with my armandii clematis. It looked beautiful for a year or so but then took over and overwhelmed the roots of the armandii no matter how severely I pruned it ( the daisy) and aramadii are aggressive growers. I also have 4 other clematis in 1/2 wine barrels and they seem to do better without any plant covering the roots. What I do with them is cluster other pots of plants around the wine barrels to shade the soil somewhat. Seems to work and they are growing and happy.
unclehippie
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I use hostas to shade the roots of some of my clematis. Clematis like well-drained soil. I recommend mixing crushed bluestone and a bit of gravel with your soil.