Question
QUESTION: I want to purchase an apple blossom clematis (evergreen) but my soil is awful. Very rocky and difficult to even dig a large hole that could be amended.  Will this variety do reasonably well in a large pot? I live in Olympia WA, 60 miles south of Seattle
Thank You

ANSWER: Yes it will!...put it in a large container and set the container in a hole that will have only the rim showing; make sure you line the bottom of the hole in the "ground" with about 3 inches of gravel or stones , so the container can drain freely out the bottom. This way you can locate the plant wherever you want without worrying about the looks of a container sitting on the surface and still have the benefit of a rich soil mix in the ground.  Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply.  My problem is due to the rocky, hard clay that my yard is built on, I cannot even dig a hole big enough to hold a large pot (in order to bury it) I'd need a jack hammer. Will it work reasonably well if the pot is above ground, knowing that a hard freeze could be the plants demise
Thanks!

Answer
...Yes, that will work fine,,,just give it a good size container,,,something you can move however, when the time comes to move it out of harms (weather) way. Most plants can be containerized without much problem; you will know when the roots have become cramped, for the crown will reflect the stress by stunting. The clematis however, shouldn't experience that for quite awhile.