👋🏼 Clarridge here. Clematis are among my favorite plants — I have seven so far, and I'm already eyeing a few more.
They're versatile, surprisingly easy to grow, and rewarding once you find the right spot.
I usually keep a new clematis in a large pot for the first year or two so I can see how it does before committing it to the ground.
The old gardening advice is true: they like their feet in the shade and their heads in the sun so I sometimes plant small shrubs nearby to help cool the roots.
I train mine up trellises several inches from the house so they cover my windows, protecting me from the sun and curious gazers. A mix of evergreen and deciduous vines can also work wonders for hiding ugly views.
These two, Niobe and Vancouver Deborah Dahl, are thriving in partial shade on the east side of my house.
Pro tip: Pay attention to mature size. I planted a gorgeous Clematis montana that now seems determined to work its way into my eaves.
