How To Get Clematis To Rebloom – 4 Secrets to Stunning Second Blooms in Summer!

Ever feel like your clematis just loves to tease you? They give you a burst of beautiful blooms in spring, and then poof, all that’s left is waxy green foliage for the rest of the summer. It’s like it gave you a taste of the good stuff and then left you wanting more. Well, what if I told you that with just a bit of extra care, you could enjoy those stunning flowers twice in one season?

That’s right – getting your clematis to rebloom once again in the summer is not just a gardener’s dream—it’s totally achievable with a little extra care. Imagine your clematis giving an encore performance, a flush of new blooms that will sparkle in your backyard throughout the summer.

I know, I know. You’re thinking, “More gardening work? Really?” But trust me, these three simple tasks are all it takes to turn your clematis into a blooming superstar all summer long.

Deadheading Clematis: Remove Spent Blooms for Fresh Growth

Deadheading your clematis can work wonders, giving you a second round of those gorgeous blooms and rejuvenating the plant. You might be thinking, “Is deadheading really necessary?” While it’s often overlooked, deadheading offers tons of benefits. It’s especially great for early-flowering varieties, helping them sparkle in your backyard all summer long. It promotes healthy growth by directing the plant’s energy to new growth and blooms. Plus, it keeps your clematis looking neat and well-maintained.

Know Your Clematis Group

Before you grab those shears, it’s crucial to know which group your clematis belongs to. This determines when and how you should deadhead and prune.

• Group 1: Early-Flowering Varieties – These bloom on last year’s wood and need minimal pruning. Just snip off spent flowers and tidy up any stray shoots.
• Group 2: Early Summer Bloomers – These flower on shoots from last year’s growth and can bloom again on new shoots if deadheaded. Cut back spent flowers after the first bloom and leave the rest unpruned until late winter.
• Group 3: Late-Flowering Varieties – These bloom on the current year’s growth. Deadhead during midsummer, then prune back in late winter.

How to Deadhead Your Clematis

Here’s how to deadhead your clematis to keep those blooms coming:

Tools Needed:

• Clean, sharp pruning shears
• Garden gloves

Steps to Deadhead Clematis:

1. Wait for the First Bloom to Fade: As soon as you see clematis flowers starting to wilt, it’s time to act.
2. Use Clean, Sharp Pruners: Make sure your tools are clean to prevent the spread of disease and sharp to make a clean cut.
3. Identify the Spent Blooms: Look for flowers that are wilting, browning, or losing petals.
4. Cut Just Above a Healthy Leaf Node: Trim the stem about a quarter-inch above a set of healthy leaves. This encourages new growth from the node.
5. Regularly Check for New Spent Blooms: Make deadheading a regular part of your gardening routine to keep your clematis looking its best.

Keep Your Clematis Hydrated for Continuous Blooms

To get your clematis to bloom again in the summer, consistent and correct watering is absolutely crucial. This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-do.

In early spring, you might get lucky with enough rainfall. But as summer rolls on, Mother Nature can get a bit stingy with the rain. Clematis plants need 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week to stay happy and healthy. So, let’s talk watering strategy.

Forget the quick daily sprinkles. What your clematis really loves is a good, deep soak once or twice a week. This deep watering lets moisture reach the plant’s deeper roots, ensuring better absorption and retention of water. This thorough hydration is what promotes the growth and development needed for that glorious second bloom.

Fertilizing Clematis After It Blooms

Next up, it’s feeding time. Clematis are hungry for nutrients, especially after their first bloom. Let’s dive into how to choose the right fertilizer and the best way to apply it.

Before you even think about fertilizer, make sure your soil is ready. Clematis prefer a neutral soil pH of 5.5-7.0. You can test your soil using a simple kit at home or get a detailed test through your county’s agricultural extension office. If your soil is too acidic, add agricultural lime to make it more alkaline. Mixing in some compost is also a great idea as it helps regulate nutrient uptake and keeps the roots cool.

Selecting the right fertilizer can make a huge difference in your clematis’s performance. Look for the N-P-K ratio on the fertilizer package, which stands for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).

For clematis, you’ll want a fertilizer that’s higher in phosphorus and potassium and lower in nitrogen. Too much nitrogen leads to lots of green leaves but few flowers. Phosphorus and potassium, on the other hand, help your plant produce more buds and blooms.

Here are some recommended fertilizers for clematis:

• Lilly Miller Bulb & Bloom Food 4-10-10: This provides a balanced dose of phosphorus and potassium.
• Jobe’s Organic Bone Meal Fertilizer 2-14-0: High in phosphorus, it can boost flower production.
• Miracle-Gro Bloom Booster 15-30-15: Excellent for promoting more blooms.

Right after the first bloom fades, apply the first round of fertilizer. This boosts your plant as it starts to recover and set new buds. In mid-summer, check the plant’s progress and apply more if needed. Prepare the soil by watering it thoroughly before applying the fertilizer. Sprinkle the fertilizer around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the stems. Gently mix the fertilizer into the top layer of soil and water again to activate it.

Keep Your Clematis Weed-Free for Stunning Summer Blooms!

Keeping weeds at bay is crucial for your clematis to thrive and bloom again in the summer. Weeds are like uninvited guests who crash your garden party, stealing water, nutrients, and space from your clematis. They compete aggressively and can quickly overwhelm your plants if not managed properly.

Mulching is one of the simplest and most effective ways to control weeds around your clematis. Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of your clematis, extending it out to cover the entire root zone. Organic mulches like shredded bark, straw, or compost are excellent choices as they break down over time, adding nutrients to the soil. By covering the soil with these materials, you not only suppress weed growth but also retain soil moisture and improve soil health. Make sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the stems to prevent rot.

While mulch is great for preventing weed growth, you’ll still need to do some weeding from time to time. Hand weeding is effective, especially for small patches of weeds. Pull them out by the roots to prevent regrowth. Use tools like a hoe or a weeding fork to make the job easier, especially for larger or deeper-rooted weeds.