Evergreen Clematis 'Cartmanii Joe'

• Plant with the crown of the plant 5-8cm deep to encourage new shoots to grow from below ground level
• Clematis like a cool root run so try and plant so that the roots are shaded. If you are planting in a sunny position, place some pieces of slate or flat stones on the soil after planting or use groundcover plants to keep the roots cool.

Planting your Clematis:

• If planting by a wall or fence - the hole should be dug approx. 30cm (12in) away from its base.
• If planting by a tree - plant about 2 feet (60cm) away from the trunk leaning the cane of the clematis towards the support.
• Dig a planting hole 3 x wider than the roots of the shrub you're planting and mix some well-rotted compost or manure with the soil from the hole and use this to re-fill once the clematis is in place.
• Before planting soak container-grown shrubs thoroughly and allow to drain.
• Remove the plant from its pot and tease out a few of the roots.
• Add Mycorrhizal fungi to the roots when planting to help plants establish quicker.
  Plant with the crown of the plant 5-8cm deep to encourage new shoots to grow from below ground level.
• Refill the hole with the earth removed (backfilling).
• Firm in the soil with your heel, avoiding the root ball and water well.

Aftercare advice for your:

• Feed in spring with a general-purpose feed, avoiding the stems. Mulch immediately afterwards with organic matter such as well-rotted manure, leaf mould or garden compost.
• Water regularly during periods of dry weather in the first few seasons after planting, especially for container plants.
• Clematis in pots should be given a liquid feed through the summer and early autumn.

Pruning Your Clematis:

• No regular pruning is required, but if necessary, prune immediately after flowering when the danger of frost has passed. Cut new plants back to just above a strong pair of leaf buds about 30cm (12in) above soil level to encourage multiple stems.
• Established plants just need overlong branches trimming back and any dead or winter-damaged shoots pruned back to a pair of healthy buds.