Clematis planting query

frances_roulston

Hello, I hope you all can help me. I want to plant a clematis in a bed to grow up a fence and trellis/arch. The trellis however is slightly adjacent to the bed I will plant the clematis. Can I train the clematis to grow about a foot and then grow up the trellis? Or do I just have to plant a different climber into a pot at the trellis. Any advice would be appreciated. I have attached a photo to show you what I mean. The bed is behind the low fence and so the clematis would have to go through the gaps. I hope this makes sense! 

Marlorena

Oh that's not a problem.  When you plant your Clematis you will need to insert a few bamboo canes aiming them through the gaps to the trellis and train the shoots on those.. you may be able to remove the canes when it's established.

I have something similar here but without the fence.  Due to impediments I could not plant the Clematis close to the arch, so I've just used a decorative piece of metal to attach it to, and train it towards the arch.. the roots are planted in the bottom left hand corner about 2 feet from the arch..  it has now covered the structure and will be flowering shortly..

Fairygirl

It won't be a problem at all, and planting into a border makes it much easier for care.
Just make sure you're picking a variety that suits the conditions and aspect you have for it 

frances_roulston

Thank you both so much for your help! It is a south facing fence so will get lots of sun so hopefully will be a good location to plant. 

Fairygirl

Lots of clematis get a bit bleached in full sun, so take your time choosing.

Take a look at the specialist growers for ideas - it often helps, although it doesn't help the bank balance 
https://www.taylorsclematis.co.uk/
https://thorncroftclematis.co.uk/
https://www.hawthornes-nursery.co.uk/