clematis, can this go outside now?

[blue411]

I have bought a clematis (president) and was wondering if i am able to place this outside at this time of year or should i be holding back for a while???
Any help appreciated

[Herbie]

I would plant this one out now, as it will come into flower in spring/summer. That way it should put on some growth and you should get some flowers this year.

It also has beautiful purple flowers, I grew this one last year.

[blue411]

Thanks Herbie

[Two_Sheds]

As with anything that has been indoors in the warm (like a shop) - it needs to be hardened off for 7-10 days before it goes outside in the cold ground.

[lynda66]

frost and snow killed all my clematis, i'd be inclined to wait a while.

[blue411]

It has been hardened off, and its been planted against a wall and at the base of a large rose bush, hopefully this should be protection enough as ive already put it out!!! oops

[lynda66]

lol, i'd stick something over it if snow threatens just to be sure

[blue411]

Well you live and learn!! it wasnt expensive thank goodness!! lol. Just far too eager for my own good.

[lynda66]

i would have planted it too, if the weather hadn't been so horrible lately ........ was sad, mine was very pretty, gonna get another one this year

[Herbie]

I would have thought it would be ok as clematis are evergreen or deciduous climbers. Is there more snow forecasted? Sorry im latching on to spring, fed up of the white stuff.
The last of which has melted today.

[Two_Sheds]

frost and snow killed all my clematis, i'd be inclined to wait a while.

Are you sure? Mine are all still alive, though they look brown & crispy, new buds are showing

[kentvegplot]

Agree with Two Sheds - they look terrible over winter, but on closer inspection you might find a few buds starting, so don't be in too much of a hurry to give up on it!

[Flummery]

Two sheds is the woman! Listen to her! Harden off - plant at a good depth (it's often good to plant deeper than the soil mark in the pot) and stand back or it'll be up hyour trouse leg! They die down completely in the winter so expect nothing much at this time of year.

[Alison]

The only problems I've ever had with clematis is when they've got too hot at the roots in summer and they tend to wild. They're all perfectly hardy (well mine are anyhow!) but will need a good bit of hardening off at this time of year.