If you have a clematis in your garden for the first year, you often don't know how to overwinter it. So here's a little guide.
The question of how to overwinter a clematis cannot be answered unequivocally. After all, there are a large number of varieties of the popular climbing plant, only a few of which are really hardy. So be sure to check the label before you buy to make sure the one you want can survive the winter outside.
Winter-hardy does not necessarily mean winter-hard in Clematis, because only a few varieties survive extremely low temperatures well. You should only place really hardy plants in the garden, otherwise you would have to dig them up in the fall and transplant them back into the bed next spring.
On the other hand, you are always on the safe side if you plant the clematis in a tub, because then you can place them where it is best for them, depending on the weather.
The ideal winter quarters for potted plants
Of course you don't have to move every potted plant to the winter quarters. Particularly hardy varieties can also spend the cold season outdoors, even if they are not affected by high temperatures. However, you should never overwinter the plants indoors, because it would simply be too warm here. The ideal temperature in the winter quarters is between zero and ten degrees. Just don't let it freeze there. For this reason, a good location would be, for example, the garage or the basement.
Important:
Not all clematis varieties shed their leaves in winter. So if you have an evergreen plant, it needs enough light even in winter.
Winter protection for outdoor clematis
Preliminary work in summer:
You should provide your clematis with good fertilizer as early as summer so that it grows vigorously. You should also cut back heavily in spring so that the bare plant is not quite as susceptible. Reading tip: Cut clematis - That's how it's done!
Location:
There are many varieties of clematis that are hardy. Nevertheless, you should protect the plants a little in very severe winters with long periods of frost.In any case, it is important to have a wind-protected place outdoors, for example directly on a house wall or in front of a wall.
Of course you can also take the plants out of the bed in late autumn and place them in the bucket over the winter. The clematis can then move back into the open air next spring. Reading tip: Planting and caring for clematis.
Cover plant:
You can cover the root area with some twigs of spruce or fir. Alternatively, you can also surround the plant with a reed mat. By covering the roots you protect the plant from too much moisture which could cause rot. These protective measures are recommended for clematis in beds as well as in tubs to avoid damage.