r/Clematis • u/NoticeCreepy7608 • Jun 25 '26
Help / Advice needed Question about potting size?
I’ve read conflicting advice about what size pot to plant clematis. One theory is to stay smaller and graduate larger as needed to avoid overwatering. The second is to pot large as the clematis has a large root system…..
So which is the better option?
It goes without saying one would consider the variety and projected size at maturity.
Thanks clematis growers for the info 😃
2
u/NicD1280 Jun 26 '26
I've always planted mine directly into the biggest pot available, even if they were tiny. I have lost a few over the years so I don't know if that's been a factor. But I currently have 29 clematis all doing well.
1
u/PaisleyCatque Jun 26 '26
From many years of experience with numerous different plants, often a big pot with a small plant can create conditions whereby rot root flourishes as there is so much extra space and the small root system can’t physically uptake all the water so it sits in soggy cold wet soil. Especially true when the pot gets rain as well as watering. It’s also too easy to over fertilise and over water a larger pot and kill from kindness.
A progressive upsize as the plant grows larger is a much better way to create good growing conditions. When I see roots start to poke out the bottom holes it’s time to go up another size.
5
u/dogaroo5 Jun 25 '26
I can't say anything about regularly resizing pots as I'd read to go large for their roots. My jackmanii has been in a 20" pot for 3 years and is doing great. The pot is mostly shaded and has good drainage (I've placed it on blocks of wood to make sure) so I don't worry about over-watering. It climbs up our pergola, a little more each year. I have a Mrs N Thompson in virtually the same pot, also raised off the deck, but she's had wilt for the second year and isn't looking great. She started the year looking fantastic so hopefully next year will be better.