Overwintering Clematis

[Dazed_Lily]

I have 2 clematis that were bought at discount a few months back. They are itty-bitty and still in pots--one no more than 6-7 inches in delicate growth and the other just starting a new flush of growth at its base after pooping out previously(yay Superthrive!).
How should I overwinter them ?(Zone 6)

[Rebecca]

Cathy,

Sink the pots up to the rims in a protected area, preferably on the South side of the house, close to the foundation. Then, once the ground freezes, mound them over with leaves, straw and/or pine needles. That should give them enough winter protection in your zone. Come Spring, carefully uncover them and plant them where you want them to grow. Plant them a couple of inches deeper than they are growing in the pots and mulch them again. Clematis like to keep their roots cool but their heads in sun. The worst thing you can do to them is to keep them too wet or try bringing them indoors. They just don't do well inside, not enough light, unless you have fluorescent lights you can put them under where they will stay cool.

It won't hurt to pile a little fluffy mulch around these little ones right after you plant them, just remember to pile on a lot more after the ground freeze. You might also want to place a couple of bricks on the ground and close to their stems. The bricks will help prevent the soil from heaving as well as supply a little more radiant heat for them through winter.

I have three Clematis growing in 3-gallon tubs, all will stay where they are, but I will be piling the leaves around them pretty heavy. In fact, I will probably surround a couple of them with other potted perennials and daylilies just for the added protection.


Rebecca