Catalogue Growing Guide - Taylors Clematis

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Introduction
Taylors nurseries was established in 1982 and is a family
run business. About sixteen years ago we developed a
specialist interest in clematis and since that time we have
collected approximately 400 different varieties. Plants may
be purchased either from the nursery, by appointment, via
mail order, at various flower shows which we attend or on
our website. Most of the photographs in this catalogue
were taken by us on our nursery. We hope you enjoy our
catalogue, Chris & Suzy.
Planting
Prepare the site by digging a hole 18” square and at least
One of our growing tunnels
18” deep. Break up the soil at the base of the hole and dig
in a handful of bone meal. Soak your plant in a bucket of
water for twenty minutes then remove the pot. Place your plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball
is about 5” below ground level, snipping off lower leaves, then backfill with a mixture of peat/compost
and garden soil. If your soil dries out quickly or your plant is in a position where it receives very little
water, place an open ended pipe (About 1-2” diameter) in the planting hole, one end close to the rootball
the other just above ground level. By adopting this procedure water can be conveyed to the plants roots
where it is most needed in times of drought.
Clematis Wilt
Healthy plants should not get clematis wilt. Treat infection by drenching with a suitable systemic copper
based fungicide. Please read manufacturers instructions carefully before handling these products. If a plant
develops wilt, cut the stem back to below the wilted section, burn or destroy all wilted growth. Water and
feed normally after growth restarts. Clematis wilt generally can only affect large flowering varieties.
Pruning
Some people like to prune their newly planted clematis hard to 12” the first February/ March after
planting. This is to encourage a strong bushy plant. Clematis that are already multi-stemmed may be left,
especially early flowering types and evergreens.
GROUP ONE (G1) - NO PRUNING
These are varieties which flower on the previous seasons growth, they all flower early in the season.
They include alpinas, macropetalas, montanas, koreanas and the evergreens. No pruning is required
other than removing any dead or excessive growth immediately after flowering (if need be). Pruning
these types at any other time may result in no or fewer flowers.
GROUP TWO (G2) - PRUNE LIGHT
This group consists of all early large flowered hybrids, including double and semi-double varieties. The
main flowering period is May to June. When this period is over at the end of June you may give your
clematis a prune, possibly a third to half of the plant pruned back or as much as you think is necessary
to keep it looking neat and tidy. Then start to feed again with a high potash fertilizer in accordance
with the manufacturers instructions. This will encourage new growth and more flowers for August and
September time. Then in February or March prune lightly to the first pair of strong buds and cut out
any dead or weak stems. Try to leave some stems at different heights.
GROUP THREE (G3) - PRUNE HARD
Medium sized flowers that flower after June, viticellas, texensis, herbaceous and tanguticas all fall into this
group. These produce flowers on the current seasons growth and should be reduced to two strong leaf
buds in February/March, this will normally be 12-18” from the ground. Failure to prune these varieties
may result in your plant becoming bare of leaves and flowers near the base.
To order Telephone: 01302 700716 or order online www.taylorsclematis.co.uk