Clematis Care and Growing Tips: Learn from Clematis Expert, Deborah Hardwick

Deborah has spent more than 20 years studying, collecting, growing and hybridizing Clematis, a plant affectionately known as "queen of the vines." A renowned expert, her Hardwick Hall garden in central Ohio includes thousands of varieties.

Spring Hill partnered with Deborah to create our extraordinary, new line of Ready-to-Grow Clematis. These vining plants are known for their versatility, long lifespan and vibrant, exotic-looking blooms. Clematis plants can live 15 years or longer and produce blooms in many shapes, colors and sizes—some as large as 10 inches across.

Deborah's vision for bringing Clematis to your garden springs from her high standards. She requires plants that are colorful, durable, hardy, easy to establish, strong stemmed and heat tolerant.

Deborah Debunks A Few Clematis Myths

To wet your Clematis appetite, here's a little taste of Deborah's lecture on the

"Myths and Truths About Clematis."

Myth #
1
They are difficult to grow.

Clematis are fairly easy to grow when planted correctly and when they receive adequate water during the growing season.
Myth #
2
Plants must have their "feet in the shade" to keep their roots cool.

There's no need to protect Clematis roots from the sun. In fact, growing smaller plants nearby in an effort to shade the roots can hurt Clematis plants by keeping them from getting the nitrogen and other nutrients needed to thrive.
Myth #
3
Pruning can harm your Clematis

Pruning actually promotes Clematis performance. When and how to prune, depends on the type of Clematis. Pruning is a garden style, not a requirement for Clematis. To learn more about pruning Clematis, visit our EZ Pruning Guide.
Myth #
4
Plants have a short flowering time.

In many cases, you control the flowering time. Really. Deadheading, pruning and adequate watering extend the bloom season. You can also plant multiple Clematis varieties with different bloom times to enjoy a longer season of flowering.
Myth #
5
Clematis need full sun and have special soil requirements.

Clematis are very adaptable. They can thrive when receiving sunlight levels ranging from full sun to partial shade, and they tolerate many soil types and pH levels.

Deborah's Recent Hits

Introduced for the first time in the U.S. by Deborah and Spring Hill:

2019

Chloe
Compact, non-vining Clematis with reliable flower power
2020

Mazurek
A vigorous hybrid from Poland, launched for the first time in the U.S.
2020

Lady Kyoko (Available for Fall 2020 Shipping)
Multi-sepaled winner of a 2020 DGA Green Thumb Award

Learn more from
Deborah about Clematis
in these videos

Why Clematis?
Bareroot: Key to Success
View Entire Video Library

Deborah Hardwick Lecture Series

Deborah's past lecture topics include:

Myths and Truths about Clematis
The Beautifully Diverse Genus
The Virtuous Viorna: An In-Depth Look at Native American Clematis
The Best Clematis for your Garden.

Previous engagements include: Ontario Rock Garden and Hardy Plant Society, Royal Botanical Gardens (Toronto), Hamilton Botanical Gardens, Toronto Gardens, Indianapolis Art Museum, International Clematis Conference (Orleans, France)

Deborah's Top 5 Tips and Tricks

Proper Planting

When planting a vining Clematis, be sure the bottom-most nodes go into the soil. Spread the roots out as you firm up the base.
Roots Matter

Bareroot plants establish faster because they're less likely to dehydrate.
Pruning

As blooms start waning, vining varieties can be pruned down to about 6-8" from the soil. Non-vining types can be cut off hard to the ground each spring before they commence growing.
Watering

Clematis prefer to be deep watered on a regular basis, but don't water them too frequently.
Ornamental Supports

You can use a variety of supports, from the simplest wire fence to elaborate structures.