Monty Don has revealed the essential gardening tip for June to ensure full and stunning blooms from your clematis. A garden staple since 1862, clematis is a genus of about 380 species within the buttercup family, with many varieties of them being relatively easy to grow in the UK.
Dubbed the “Queen of Climbers,” clematis produces masses of stunning flowers in a wide variety of dramatic shapes and colours. Winter-flowering clematis or evergreen clematis bring welcome colour, with dwarf clematis being ideal for those with smaller gardens. They also only require either full or partial sun to produce such works of art, but some may not produce such beautiful flowers in shadier spots.
To be in possession of such delights, it’s advised to plant clematis in nutrient-dense soil. Gardening expert Monty Don also shared his vital clematis tip, which gardeners should do in June to guarantee blooms.
Despite their novel ease, experts urge gardeners to still give these plants extra attention. Spreading compost over the soil is one of the best things to do.
Compost is necessary for plant growth and is made up of a healthy mix of nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, which are necessary for plant growth.
Writing in his blog, Don said: “The secret of making it reasonably quickly is to have a good mix of matter high in nitrogen (green)”.
Don further explained how this can be “grass clippings and drier material (brown) that is high in carbon and then to aerate it often by turning it”.
He reassured gardeners that this doesn’t have to be “a major operation”.
Don added that a simple forking method through the compost would also help spread air through it and do the trick.
He added how the main objective here was to spread oxygen through the heap, which will help feed the bacteria that eat the decomposing material and convert it into compost.
Monty adds that it will enrich your soil with essential bacteria, fungi and nutrients and describes it as being“better than any product known to man.”
According to Down To Earth, soil-based potting compost is best for growing clematis in containers. However, John Innes No. 3 compost can be improved by adding 50% by volume of a peat-free compost.
“This will ‘open up’ the structure and a lead to a healthier root system.”
Clematis originate from Japan and China, and there are over 350 different kinds globally, including everything from the gentle alpine clematis to the alien furry-looking old man’s beard.
Another reason why they’re loved by gardeners throughout the world is that they are perennial plants, meaning they grow back year after year.