Clematis Expert Deborah Hardwick
Deborah has spent more than 20 years studying, collecting, growing and hybridizing Clematis, a plant affectionately known as "queen of the vines." A renowned expert, her Hardwick Hall garden in central Ohio includes thousands of varieties.
Spring Hill partnered with Deborah to create our extraordinary, new line of Ready-to-Grow Clematis. These vining plants are known for their versatility, long lifespan and vibrant, exotic-looking blooms. Clematis plants can live 15 years or longer and produce blooms in many shapes, colors and sizes—some as large as 10 inches across.
Deborah's vision for bringing Clematis to your garden springs from her high standards. She requires plants that are colorful, durable, hardy, easy to establish, strong stemmed and heat tolerant.
Deborah Debunks 5 Clematis Myths
Get some expert advice on some common Clematis FAQs!
To learn more about growing Clematis, see our complete guide to growing Clematis:
Clematis How To Grow Guide: Planting, Maintenance & Care
1. Are Clematis difficult to grow?
Myth! Clematis are actually fairly easy to grow when planted correctly, and when they receive adequate water during the growing season.
2. Do Clematis need to have their feet in the shade to keep their roots cool?
Myth! There is no need to protect Clematis roots from the sun. In fact, growing smaller plants too close in an effort to shade the roots can hurt Clematis plants by keeping them from getting the nitrogen and other nutrients they need to thrive.
3. Does pruning harm your Clematis?
Myth! Pruning actually promotes Clematis performance. When and how to prune depends on the type of Clematis. Pruning is a garden style, not a requirement for Clematis. To learn more about pruning Clematis, see our EZ Pruning Guide.
4. Do Clematis have a short flowering time?
Myth! In Many cases, you control the flowering time of your Clematis. Really, deadheading, pruning, and adequate watering extend the bloom season of your plant. You can also plant multiple Clematis varieties with different bloom times to enjoy a longer season of flowering.
5. Do Clematis need full sun and have special soil requirements?
Clematis are very adaptable. They can thrive when receiving sunlight levels ranging from full sun to partial shade, and they tolerate many soil types and pH levels.
Myths About Clematis
Deborah's Recent Hits
Introduced for the first time in the U.S. by Deborah and Spring Hill:
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2019
Chloe
Compact, non-vining Clematis with reliable flower power -
2020
Mazurek
A vigorous hybrid from Poland, launched for the first time in the U.S. -
2020
Lady Kyoko (Available for Fall 2020 Shipping)
Multi-sepaled winner of a 2020 DGA Green Thumb Award
Deborah about Clematis
in these videos
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Why Clematis?
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Bareroot: Key to Success
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Deborah's Top 5 Tips and Tricks
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Proper Planting
When planting a vining Clematis, be sure the bottom-most growth nodes on stems go into the soil. Spread the roots out as you firm up the base.
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Roots Matter
Bareroot plants can establish faster because you are planting in the soil it will be growing in and they're less likely to dehydrate.
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Pruning
As blooms start waning, vining varieties can be pruned down to about 6-8" from the soil. Non-vining types can be cut off hard to the ground each spring before they commence growing.
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Watering
Clematis prefer to be deep watered on a regular basis, but don't water them too frequently.
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Ornamental Supports
You can use a variety of supports, from the simplest wire fence to elaborate structures.
Learn More:
