Sweet & Easy Clematis: Three New Varieties & Care Essentials

New clematis varieties arriving at nurseries—three standouts:

• 'Cezanne' – 3–4 ft, full-size blooms
• 'Bijou' – true dwarf, excellent for containers
• 'Hyde Hall' – vigorous, high bloom count

Clematis Care Fundamentals

1. Plant deeply: Crown 3–5 inches below ground—recovers from stem rot/surface damage.
2. Water & feed like roses: Regular moisture essential. Rose fertilizer works—same amount/frequency.
3. Keep roots cool: 2–3 in. mulch or non-invasive groundcover (sweet alyssum, scabiosa, true geranium).
4. Provide support: Obelisk/tripod/trellis for pots; arbors, pergolas, roses, shrubs for ground plants.
5. Prune simply: Light pruning—remove dead/damaged wood to first healthy buds—suffices for nearly all. For height control: cut all stems to 12–18 in. Or compromise: some light, some hard for blooms at varied heights. Prune when leaf buds show (Nov–Mar, climate-dependent).

Learn more: Simply Clematis (American Clematis Society, 2004). Retailers: www.evisonclematis.com.