Do Clematis Need Ericaceous Compost

When planting plants like clematis, many people may be confused about what kind of compost and fertilizer they should use. After all, there are so many different types of compost and fertilizers, and they all work best for different plants. This will leave many gardeners wondering: do clematis need ericaceous compost? 

Ericaceous compost is not recommended for use on clematis. This is because ericaceous compost is very acidic, and clematis needs a neutral soil pH to survive. 

Here we will explain why ericaceous compost is not the best option for clematis. We will also be giving you tips on how to grow clematis and explaining what plants can thrive on ericaceous compost. Let’s jump right into it! 

What Is The Best Compost For Clematis? 

The best-reported compost for clematis is John Innes No. 3. This is because this compost provides the clematis with plenty of nutrients while keeping the soil at a neutral pH. 

Ericaceous compost is not the best for clematis because it is very acidic. As a result, you should only use ericaceous compost on plants that need acidic soil to grow properly and thrive. 

Even though ericaceous compost is not the best for clematis, they are a great option for other kinds of plants. Roses, hydrangeas, and lavender all tend to do well in acidic soil with ericaceous compost.  

Is Clematis An Acid Loving Plant? 

No, clematis is not an acid-loving plant by nature. Clematis is a plant that does best in soil with pHs of 6.0 and 7.0. This means that neutral soil is best for these plants, but it is alright if the soil is slightly acidic. 

What Is The Best Soil For Clematis? 

The best soil for clematis is one that has a neutral pH. This is because compost and fertilizers can sometimes add extra acidity to the soil. Slightly acidic soil is fine for clematis as long as the soil’s pH does not go below 6.0. 

More Clematis Growing Tips

Growing plants can sometimes be tricky, especially if this is your first time growing them. Of course, growing clematis is no exception. Here we will be giving you some tips on growing clematis. 

Growing Clematis In Pots

Cematis does tend to grow well in pots as well as other types of plant-growing containers. For most types of clematis, large and deep pots or containers tend to work best. Large and deep pots will provide the roots of the clematis with ample room to grow and provide these roots with much-needed protection from the elements. 

However, potted clematis tends to need a bit more TLC than clematis planted in the ground does. You will need to water a potted clematis more often than a clematis planted in the ground. This is because the soil in pots tends to dry out more quickly than in the ground. 

Where To Place Clematis 

Most of the time, clematis thrives in either full or partial sun. The exact clematis will let you know how much sun they need. Some species of clematis need at least six hours of sun daily, while others thrive best with just four hours. 

If you have a type of clematis that needs full sun, then it is best to plant them in a very sunny spot. Meanwhile, if your clematis needs just four hours of sunlight daily, then placing them in partial sunlight will be fine. 

The Best Times To Grow Clematis

It is best to grow clematis in either autumn or early spring; before planting, it is best to take note of your region’s climate and what time is best to plant your specific type of clematis. These factors can dictate whether you should plant your clematis in the fall or spring. 

How Often Should I Water Clematis? 

You will likely need to water a clematis twice a week. Clematis needs about one inch of water per week, so you may need to water your plant more often in hot or dry weather. Similarly, you will likely need to water a potted clematis more often than a clematis planted in the ground. 

How Often Should You Give Your Clematis Compost? 

You should give your clematis fertilizer or compost about once a month. Doing this should give your plant plenty of nutrients to grow, thrive, and develop properly. 

Many gardeners will choose to use a mixture of John Innes No. 3 compost with a granular fertilizer. This fertilizer should not make the soil acidic. 

Is Clematis Better In Pots Or Ground? 

The answer to this question depends entirely on who you ask, as it is definitely up to personal preference. Many gardeners will plant their clematis in the ground because they need less watering and care than potted clematis. 

Meanwhile, others will prefer to plant their clematis in large pots or containers. Even though clematis technically require more care when planted in pots, many gardeners prefer the look of potted clematis over in-ground clematis. 

What Is The Bst Mulch For Clematis? 

The best mulch to use on clematis is those that help retain moisture in the soil. Types of mulch like wood chips, recycled bark, and yard clippings can make great options. 

Things To Consider 

There are some more things that gardeners should consider when it comes to if clematis needs ericaceous compost. These include if tomorite is good for clematis and what other plants can grow in ericaceous compost. Here are some other things to consider about growing clematis in ericaceous compost. 

Is Tomorite Good For Clematis? 

Tomorite can be a fine plant food for clematis. It is important to always dilute the tomorite per the instructions on the label when using tomorite on any plant, though. This is because using too much tomorite could potentially poison your plants. 

What Other Plants Can Grow In Ericaceous Compost? 

Although ericaceous compost is not the best option when growing clematis, other plants are perfect for ericaceous compost. Ericaceous compost works best for ericaceous plants such as huckleberry, azalea, and Rhodora. Similarly, other plants that thrive in acidic, alkaline soils will likely do well on ericaceous compost.