For a clematis to achieve all the beauty of its flowers, the soil should exactly meet its requirements. Find out here what the soil in the garden should be like for vital growth.
What should the soil be like for clematis?
For optimal growth of clematis, the soil should be well-drained, fresh and moist, rich in nutrients and humus, ideally with some sand, slightly calcareous and a pH value of 5.5 to 6.0. Waterlogging is absolutely to be avoided.
This soil is the measure of all things for clematis
The soil houses the powerful root system of a clematis for many years. From here, the climbing plant is primarily supplied with nutrients and water. This is what the earth should be like:
- Well-drained and fresh-moist
- Rich in nutrients and humus
- Preferably with a little sand and slightly limestone
- Ideally with a pH value of 5.5 to 6.0
Clematis does not tolerate waterlogging at all. This is particularly true for the shallow-rooted species, such as Clematis alpina, Clematis orientalis and the popular Clematis montana.
How to compensate for small defects in the floor
If the garden soil does not meet the desired conditions, that is no reason not to plant a magnificent clematis. Minor defects can be corrected in just a few steps. How to do it right:
- Enrich heavy clay and clay with fine-grained sand and gravel
- Optimize dry, sandy soil with mature compost, leaf mold, peat and bark humus
- Improve acidic soil with a pH value below 5 with vital lime (€19.00 on Amazon) or rock dust
Where there is a risk of waterlogging at the location, drainage prevents the handicap. To do this, fill each planting hole with a 5-8 centimeter high layer of gravel, grit or crushed pottery shards. Spread an air- and water-permeable fleece over it so that the drainage from the earth doesn't get blocked again.
The best soil in the pot
So that the clematis shows off its full beauty in the pot, we recommend using high-quality pot plant soil. This substrate receives a handful of expanded clay or sand for improved permeability.
Tips & Tricks
The beautiful clematis species with the huge flowers are permanently endangered by clematis wilt. Knowledgeable hobby gardeners plant the clematis so deep that two pairs of buds are covered with soil. Should the dreaded fungal infection strike, the affected climbing plant will sprout again next season from its sleeping eyes in the ground.
