Companion Perennials for Clematis in Planters

Spring

• Crocus, snowdrops, miniature iris, grape hyacinth and species tulips are easy-to-grow spring flowering bulbs that will quickly form a mat over the top of the soil, providing the clematis roots with shade. While you are waiting for this to happen, mulch the top of the soil to retain moisture and keep the roots cool. If the container is large enough, plant lungwort, columbine or periwinkle to add color and texture.

Summer

• Astilbe, bellflower, coral bells, sweetwilliam, dianthus, lavender and candytuft are good choices for summer flowering perennials that visually compliment clematis. Some varieties of these plants prefer shade, so be sure to choose varieties suited to full sun or turn the container so the clematis vine shades the plants that need it. Understanding the direction the sun comes from and selecting tall plants that will block it from parts of the containers can lead to some successful and interesting planting schemes.

Fall

• Perennial asters and fall-flowering crocus are ideal companion plants for clematis in the fall. Remember that some of the summer-flowering plants will continue to bloom until the first frost. Fall also is an good planting time, although a fall-planted clematis will need protection during the first winter since the roots will not have had time to properly establish. Planting the container in the fall gives you plenty of time to select the plants you wish you combine and see exactly where all the root systems are when you plant. This leaves less chance that you will dig deep enough to harm the clematis roots.

Winter

• Heath, heathers and wintercreeper can help protect clematis roots over the winter months. These plants act like a living mulch. In addition, they will bring color to the garden during a time of year when not much else is happening. Gardeners in cold climates should wrap their containers with insulating material to protect roots from the freeze-thaw-freeze cycle that often occurs during the winter months.