Clematis are a bit like the “divas” of the garden—they have high standards when it comes to nutrients in the soil, and they’re pretty picky about moisture, too. To keep these beauties happy, you’ll need to be consistent and careful with your watering routine. Here are a few pro tips to get it just right.
Finding the Sweet Spot
The trick with watering Clematis is finding that perfect balance. On one hand, they love soil that stays consistently moist; on the other, they absolutely hate “wet feet.” If the soil gets waterlogged, your plant can quickly fall victim to diseases like the dreaded Clematis wilt. Newly planted vines are especially thirsty as they get established. To prevent overwatering, I always recommend adding a drainage layer (like gravel or grit) at the bottom of the hole when you first plant them.
Aim Low
When you’re out there with the hose, make sure you’re targeting the base of the plant. You want to soak the roots, not the foliage—keeping the vines dry helps prevent fungal issues. Also, try to water slowly to avoid creating puddles on the surface. You want the water to sink deep down to the roots rather than just sitting on top of the dirt!
