How do you grow Nelly Moser Clematis?

"Nelly Moser" clematis vines boast exotic pink and carmine flowers. Growing this low-maintenance plant requires only a few simple steps. You need well-drained soil, a trowel, a support structure, mulch, fertilizer and water.

1. Choose a good location

   Choose a location with fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Avoid any soil containing clay. If the soil contains clay, add compost or peat moss to the soil to soften it. Clematis vines need at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, and they also require some shade during the hottest times of the year.

2. Plant the clematis

   Dig a large hole for the clematis that is at least 2 feet deep and 2 feet in diameter. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the crowns of the roots are sitting 2 inches below the top layer of dirt. Fill the hole with soil.

3. Give the plant support

   Plant the clematis against a wall or fence to give it support and a place to climb. You can also place a trellis or tall shrub beside the plant.

4. Add mulch

   Keep the roots cool either by keeping the ground shaded with other plants or by adding mulch. Straw, leaves and bark make a good organic mulch. Spread at least 2 inches of mulch around the root area.

5. Water and feed the plant

   Water the plant regularly. Apply a 5-10-5 ratio fertilizer for optimum growth. Clematis also responds well to compost, manure or tomato growth supplements.