Clematis for Pot-Culture 
The cultural directions given for forcing Clematis are also 
applicable to plants grown outside in pots. The pots may be 
plunged in coal-ashes or set in a coldframe until foliage has 
developed. In fact, most gardeners usually grow their potted 
plants in such an area until they are ready to flower. Applica¬ 
tions of liquid manure at periodic intervals will help materially. 
It should be remembered that potted plants require watering 
frequently when they are set on terraces or porches. Then, too, 
Clematis require sunlight to produce well-developed flowers, 
and one cannot expect to obtain satisfactory flowering plants 
in heavy shade. 
Forcing Clematis for flower shows or for house decoration 
offers little or no difficulty. Six-inch pots are both convenient 
and large enough to hold an average-size plant. 
Use potting soil composed of three parts of gritty loam, one 
part leaf-mold, and a small amount of lime or lime rubble. This 
mixture should be put through a coarse sieve. Provide ample 
drainage of broken crock in each pot. Moderately firm potting 
suits the plants best. 
The temperature and moisture requirements for Clematis are 
similar to those of other potted plants grown in greenhouses. 
A temperature varying from 65 to 72 degrees is satisfactory. 
Water the plants thoroughly after potting and thereafter treat 
them like other potted plants. 
If one would have well-formed specimens, supports should 
be provided as soon as the potting is done. It may be a bamboo 
cane, or a piece of strong wire, or a simple wooden trellis. The 
potted specimen of Clematis illustrated on page 31 has been 
trained on a globular wire form. If these forms are used, string 
may be interwoven for additional support. 
Usually Clematis grown in a greenhouse produces ample 
foliage and comes into bloom about eight to ten weeks after 
planting. The blooming-date depends on the temperature of 
the greenhouse. Plants grown in a temperature of 65 degrees are 
more satisfactory than those forced at a higher temperature. 
Among the best varieties for general pot-culture and forcing 
are: Mme. Edouard Andre, Lawsoniana, Crimson King, Prins 
Hendrik, Mrs. Cholmondeley, Duchess of Edinburgh, Com- 
tesse de Bouchaud, Elsa Spath, Lord Neville. 
[28] 
JAMES I. GEORGE & SON 
