Fertilizer

If you have added compost or manure while planting clematis, you do not have to worry much about adding any fertilizer for the first year. After the plant gets established, feed it with 5-10-10 mix, once a year, during spring.

Alternatively, you can also use a balanced 10-10-10 mix, once every 6-8 weeks, until the end of the growing period. Make sure to refer to the label for dosage.

Pruning

Prune the plant just after when it finishes flowering. In case your clematis flowers in mid-spring or later, prune in early spring before the buds swell up and begin to grow.

Also, watch out for any dead, damaged, or weak stems and trim them. Indulge in a regular pruning routine to prevent the plant from becoming a knotted mass.

Support

After you plant a clematis in a pot, make sure you have given it the right support system. It is crucial to do it at the time of planting so the roots could develop properly.

The plant finds it easier to grab onto fishing lines, thin wires, branches, steel rods, twine, or wooden dowels because of its thin tendrils. It is for the best to provide them with more than one option to hold onto. So, if you already have a trellis, you can consider adding some more options.

Pests and Diseases

Thankfully, clematis is not susceptible to any pests. Wilting and some fungal diseases like powdery mildew can affect the plant in hot and humid climates. You can use neem oil or baking soda with water to keep the issues at bay.

Shift the pot to a warmer location during winters. Make sure that it is not too hot as the plant will need a bit of cold to go into a dormant state.

Choose a type that’s best suited to the USDA zone you live in. This could help you make sure that the plant survives the harsh winter in your area.

Choosing a Clematis for Pots

You can grow most clematis in pots, however, you can get some specialized varieties that are not as vigorous and only grow to 6-8ft and are perfect for pots. A good tip is to look for clematis that is group 3 because they can be pruned back hard, which means they can be moved if needed, but more importantly you have access to the trellis to make any necessary repairs.

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