The right location for clematis

If possible, the question of location comes up before you buy a clematis. If the location is already fixed, the question is which of the many varieties would probably thrive there.

But even if you could not resist at a plant market, in a nursery or on some other occasion, you should at least think about where it is to go before planting the clematis.

So what is it, the perfect spot for clematis in the garden? 

Unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as the different botanical groups have very different requirements. What they all have in common, however, are the following points:

• avoid waterlogging, clematis hate standing in wet soil
• avoid heat at the base or in the root zone, shade it if in doubt
• good air circulation never does any harm

Another constant in choosing a location, and not to be dismissed, is the expected size of these climbing plants - in other words, the space they need.
Do ask yourself critically whether the growth heights given in the variety descriptions are really available at your chosen spot - and measure if in doubt. All too often people choose a variety that is too vigorous and a few years later face 'a problem'. Is the apple tree you want your Montana to grow into really 7 m tall? 

That brings us to the next requirement for the clematis location - the support.
Very few clematis stand free; almost all of them want either to grow into another plant or to climb up an artificial climbing support. Of course this sets limits both in terms of light conditions and physical dimensions. Our tip: respect these limits when choosing the clematis or looking for a spot for a plant you have already bought. 

Once it is clear that the clematis 'fits' the spot, the exposure remains to be settled, and here there are differences between species within the large clematis family. These need not be seen as a restriction, but rather as a chance to find, with the right knowledge, a variety that tolerates even a difficult spot.

Roughly speaking, the requirements of the botanical groups regarding location can be put like this: 

Early-flowering wild species from the Atragene group tolerate shady and semi-shaded sites very well, although Clematis Alpina and related species in particular do not like full sun.

Mountain clematis (Cl. montana) hate wet feet even more than other species, tolerate both sun and partial shade, and as a rule grow so tall from shady spots that they are at least partly in the sun. With these you should also avoid sites in hollows, where cold air, which as we know 'falls' downwards, collects in winter.

Italian clematis / viticellas do not much mind where they are planted; some varieties also tolerate very shady north sides, while many reach peak form in full sun.

The splendid, large-flowered hybrids generally feel at home in sunny to semi-shaded places in the garden. Some of them, however, tend to lose their colour - which is what it is mainly about - quite quickly in the sun and soon become somewhat pale. Whether clematis wilt has to do with the location, especially with the (lack of) water drainage, is still disputed, but they do not necessarily want to stand wet either.

The yellow golden clematis of the Tangutica group also like to stand in full sun to semi-shade, and rather dry than moist.

Most herbaceous perennial clematis as well as the Texas clematis tolerate both full sun and shadier places. A special tip: among the former there are many varieties that are ideal for shading the base of another plant.

Native clematis (Cl. vitalba) are so vigorous that even a pure north side suits them fine, as long as the nutrient supply is right and the base is not in blazing sun.