Transplant Sweet Autumn Clematis

I transplanted some sweet autumn clematis vines so they would grow my privacy fence the runs down my driveway. I thought the vines would look pretty in the fall when the white flowers bloomed. I also liked the idea of looking out the kitchen window at the pretty star shaped white flowers and thought it would be fun to watch the hummingbirds, honey bees and butterflies that enjoy sipping nectar from this flower.

The green leafy vine grew up the wood privacy fence quickly and this week the flowers bloomed. Now this part of the yard smells sweet like vanilla and when I open the kitchen the scent fills the room.

If your fall is mild the clematis will continue to bloom until a frost.  Today is November 8th and my clematis still has pretty white blooms.  

In the late fall the seed heads will appear. That is when I remove the seeds and put them in a trash bag to throw out. This particular clematis can become invasive if you do not remove the seeds and prune after the flowers bloom. 

Tips for growing: Clematis is drought tolerant and grows well in full sun to part shade. I add a layer of mulch around the stems and feed with miracle grow bloom booster in mid August and always get prolific blooms throughout the fall season.

Transplanting Perennials During Growing Season

When it comes to planting and transplanting perennials I prefer to plant in the fall or spring months. The weather is more suitable in the spring, cooler days and the rainy season provides the hydration that newly planted perennials need to develop a strong root and to grow into healthy plants.  That is not to say that you cannot transplant or plant in the summer.  It can be done but the summer plants need tender loving care.  

Today I received word that all of my foundation plants needed to be moved; Hosta garden with fern and toad lilies.  My black-eyed Susan and my rose garden also need to be moved 10 feet away from my home's foundation. In the front I have my Liriope border grass also needs to be transplanted, presently it is growing next to the sidewalk and is in the line of fire from construction workers. 

My yard and garden have been set for the last several years and now I need to transplant 30 hosta, 12 ferns, 24 liriope, 12 toad lilies, 6 roses and a 10 x21 square feet wildflower garden and all plantings must be completed by the end of June or they will be trampled by excavating equipment and foot traffic.

The first thing that I did was look over my preexisting garden to see if there was any room for perennial transplants.  There was enough room in the back garden to transplant the wildflowers.   

The hostas would be moved into a garden that will encircle an oak tree. Rose bushes will be planted in clay pots and the border grass will be given to my neighbor so they can plant along their walkway.

Planting:

When it comes to planting in the summer I prefer to transplant in the late afternoon or on a cloudy day.  This will reduce transplant shock. 
  

I also think it is a good idea to plan to transplant on a day when rain is in the forecast.  Tonight there is a 40% chance of rain so I am transplanting perennials.

TLC

A perennial that is planted during the summer months requires tender loving care.   I recommend planting in well-drained soil that has been amended with compost.  Break up the clumps of soil so that the soil is loose and mix with all-purpose of continuous-release plant food.  

 After perennials have been planted apply 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch.  This mulch will aid in keeping the roots cool and retain moisture. 

Set up a soaking hose to keep the soil evenly moist.  A faucet timer is helpful as transplants in summer need a lot of hydration.  I water for 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the late afternoon. (soaking hose is s a  slow drip and will keep the roots of your plants hydrated

Check the soil around the perennials daily to make sure it is evenly moist.  


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