Hello all. I have been trying to grow clematis for 3 years now. I need some advice. The last one I planted had 3 good stems that grew to about 4 feet. I planted it along a chain linked fence so it had the ability to climb. At the end of July 2015 the leaves suddenly went brown and the plant died. Is there a trick to keeping them alive? Should I try growing it indoors now in February and then transplant late spring? Any advice is welcome. Thank you.

Hi Schelene Welcome to ATP

It may be that it was just to exposed to sun and heat, or perhaps it got damaged?

I am not very versed in Clematis care, but maybe these folks can help you.

@Calif_Sue @springcolor @goldfinch4 May be able to advise you.

Welcome Schelene. I've planted a few clematis in my daughter's garden in Salt Lake City. No problems getting and keeping them going. I think especially in a hot, dry summer climate it's important to first amend the soil with lots of good organic material to help hold moisture, water consistently the first summer at least, and also to shade the root area through the hot part of the day. A good, deep organic mulch over the planting area, plus you can plant flowers that will grow tall-ish nearby, (but not close enough to compete) or situate the clematis where a structure or wall will shade the root area.

An old basic rule of thumb for clematis is to plant them with "their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade". This is probably very important to keeping the plants going in the dry Intermountain climate.

Hi Schelene, to ATP!

Here is an article I wrote about clematis: http://garden.org/ideas/view/g... About half way down the article I mention Clematis Wilt. That sounds like what happened to your plant this summer. Hopefully you'll find some information in this article that will be helpful.

Thank you so much for the replies!! I will definitely check the articles!

Thank you so much for the replies!! I will definitely check the articles!

Hi All good advice. Hope you have better luck this season.