Marianne's Response

Growing Clematis in Colorado

Hello! I have purchased a clematis and it is still in its container that came with a trellis in the container. I have not yet planted it and it is starting to grow on the trellis I am providing for it. The clematis has had blooms that are now finished and I would like to know how to winterize for Zone 6-Boulder, Colorado. Do I need to cut it back and store it in its container or should I go ahead and plant it. I have place mulch surrounding the plant in the container also. Thank you in advance to any help you may provide.

Posted by Anna Kramer on September 28, 2020

Marianne's Response

In your area I would dig a deep hole at least two feet deep and set the pot and all into the hole. Now fill in with fallen leaves and soil. In the spring you can pull out the pot and remove the clematis and plant it in the location you want. Clematis do great when planted in the fall but it is so late and an early freeze in your zone could hit the plant before the roots are established. A newly transplanted clematis is not as hardy as one that has had all summer to grow roots, but burying it in the ground and covering the soil with a mulch of at least 4 inches should be enough protection to get it through your freezing Colorado winters. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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