How to choose a support for clematis
Before choosing the design and material of the supporting support, you need to decide how the flowering plant should look like. Not all clematis grow taller than 2 meters. Tall, unpretentious clematis are suitable for continuous decoration. It is necessary to plant a liana from the south side, its flowers will always face south. The location of the support should be such that a decorative screen made of blooming liana (arch, trellis) pleases the eye of the owners of the house (dacha), and not the neighbors.
A graceful plant requires an appropriate supporting structure. The best material for the supporting support of flowering clematis: chain-link mesh, metal notch, wooden picket fence, metal tubes. The mesh used must be painted or coated. This will protect it from corrosion and add decorative effect to the structure.
The types of supporting supports depend on the type of clematis, material. Curly shapes made of mesh and metal or wooden rods can have the most bizarre character: a ball, a cone, a cube, a circle. The choice of material and design depends on the imagination of the builder and the type of clematis.
Types of wooden and metal bearing supports for creepers:
To create cylindrical landscaping, clematis varieties are used that do not cling to the support during growth.
When choosing the type and material of the supporting support, it must be remembered that it will be closed during the warm season. The design of the support should not spoil the appearance of the site on other days, when the plant sheds the leaf or is pruned.
The supporting structures of tall vines must be stable and withstand their weight and the weight of the stems and leaves. Such supporting supports are buried in the ground to a depth of half a meter, followed by soil compaction or concreted. This measure will help to withstand the support in case of strong gusts of wind.
When determining the dimensions of the supporting structure, it is necessary to take into account:
- height of clematis;
- arrangement of flowers (at the top, along the entire length);
- the size of the buds.
A liana on a high support will grow, turning its flowers to the south. It should be borne in mind that tall clematis have smaller flowers than medium and low-growing species. The height of the supporting support depends on the varietal characteristics of the vines: it should not rise much with flowering clematis.
The high arch is suitable for fast growing plant species. Other varieties of clematis curl the arch after 8-10 years
Clematis up to 1.5 m do not need high support for support. For them, a small openwork rack, welded from fittings, a wooden support made of rails will do. Large-flowered varieties of clematis are suitable for creating single cylindrical compositions, low arches, carpet screens (areas of 4-5 m2 and up to 3 m high). Cascades and garlands are made from tall vines blooming at the ends of the shoots
Cylindrical mesh
A similar support for clematis is built from the same mesh. Most often it is used when you need to decorate unsightly elements, for example, poles, dry tree trunks and other objects that can spoil the overall appearance of the garden.
Materials for construction:
- metal grid;
- 2 metal fittings;
- metal wire.
Sequence of work:
- 1It is necessary to fasten the mesh along the edges to make a cylinder, for this you need a wire.
- 2On opposite sides of the mesh, 2 fittings are welded so that they can be dug into the ground to a depth of 0.5 m.
- 3 The mesh is painted over with enamel, it is advisable to apply 2 layers to prevent further corrosion.It is advisable to select the enamel in green tones so that the mesh merges with the plant.
If the mesh is made of PVC rather than metal, this option does not need to be painted. Only 2 planted plants are enough for them to completely braid the metal mesh.
Why do “grandfather's curls” need a support?
Lozinka, clematis, grandfather's curls, wart are the colloquial names of clematis. A variety of varieties and species, elegant, bright flowers made this flower popular among amateur gardeners. Herbaceous, semi-lignified, lignified - clematis, for the most part, belong to climbing plants.
The net is an excellent support for plants
The general requirements for the growing season of all types and varieties of clematis are:
- good illumination of the growing place;
- the opportunity for the development of the root system;
- wind protection;
- protection of shoots and plant roots from frost.
It is not always possible to fulfill these conditions if plants are planted near a fence, wall of a house or other structure.
When planting a plant near the house, the distance should be such that the drain from the roof does not fall on the roots of the vine, otherwise they will get wet. The foundation of the house will prevent the formation of the root system of clematis and absorb water from irrigation.
Clematis require moisture depending on the summer temperature and precipitation. Fertilizing flowering plants during the growing season will give good growth, strong shoots. Planting vines close to solid vertical surfaces can interfere with flower care.
Semi-shrub and shrub vines, which give a strong growth, develop poorly without stable support, do not bloom when they are in partial shade. A strong wind will break the grown thin stems of the plant, the thickness of which does not exceed 2-5 mm.
How to make a support for a clematis flower with your own hands - description
The support for clematis must be strong, since they are characterized by rapid growth and a set of a sufficiently large mass, which, after heavy rainfall, increases several times.
REFERENCE: A distinctive feature of the leaves and petioles of young clematis is the ability to grip the support. Older leaves do not have this feature.
It is necessary to choose a support taking into account this feature: parts of the support should not be more than 10-20 mm in diameter, otherwise the plant will not be able to grasp the support. Give preference to supports with rough surfaces. It is allowed to use both a ready-made support or a trellis, and one made by oneself.
How to make a wooden trellis for clematis?
Wood support construction technology:
- Dig the timber into the soil 40-50 cm deep, with an interval of 60 cm;
- Sew up the distance between the timber with a mounting strap: figuratively or with a classic cage;
- With the help of two small slats, an inner frame is formed;
- A lattice is made from the remaining 12 slats;
REFERENCE: In order for the structure to be strong and stable, it is necessary to make fasteners between the frames and nail a horizontal bar from above.
Paint the finished structure with varnish or paint.
More ideas
It is possible to make a support using available tools quickly and without special financial investments:
- Stick the poles into the soil with pointed ends and set in an upright position, forming a circle;
- The poles are closely intertwined with twigs or vines;
REFERENCE: To make two such rings, when planning a support in the form of a vase, the rings should have different diameters.
After determining the position of the rings, they are fixed with twine. If necessary, adjust the height of the poles.
Making a cone support for miniature varieties:
- On the ground, mark the square;
- Stick long strong sticks in the corners;
- Add more sticks around the perimeter;
- Connect and tie all tops;
- Use small sticks to make a grid.
REFERENCE: A coarse mesh netting is also suitable for making a support.
Pull the net between the two dug-in posts and fix it with wire or hooks. Give preference to galvanized or plasticized chain-link. In a short time, the plant will curl the entire net, and the living flower wall will completely hide the netting. As a support, you can use the walls of gazebos, baths or summer kitchens. For this purpose, in the upper part of the wall, it is necessary to drive in nails or fasten the hooks, and tie the plants growing below with twine and fasten to them. Plants are tied 20 cm above the ground to avoid breaking them as a result of unfavorable weather conditions. Also, the planting of clematis is carried out half a meter from the buildings, this will prevent overheating of the plants and protect them from water that flows from the roof.
Hand-made construction of an arched support:
- To make an arch, you need a metal rod (diameter 10 mm) and 4 pipe sections (diameter 4 cm);
- First, by welding, connect the two halves, which, after manufacturing the structure, are bolted;
- The pipe sections required for the manufacture of an arched support should be installed in the ground and poured with a concrete mixture;
- Using the same principle, install arched structures along the path with an interval of one meter. To create additional support for clematis, weld transverse strips with a one and a half meter distance between the arches;
- The finished arch is painted with green paint.
Do I need to cover clematis for the winter
In order to prevent freezing of the lower bud and roots, these vines need to be sheltered from frost. Therefore, before sheltering the shoots, remove all the leaves from them in order to exclude rotting. Then we remove the mulch at the base of the bush and cover the neck of the vine with compost or peat. After that, we spread the stems in a circle in a ring, fasten the stems to the ground with clips of thick wire, cover with mulch on top and cover with a waterproof material, leaving holes for ventilation. In early spring, we release the shoots and tie them to a support.
For all its beauty, clematis frighten some summer residents with the difficulties of growing and caring for. But, if you take care of this amazing and liana correctly, then you will be able to grow wonderful and luxurious flowers in the country, which look especially beautiful when paired with climbing roses.
Species overview
Each owner dreams of creating a cozy corner on his garden plot, where you can not only relax, but also hide from the hot sun rays. It can be created in different ways, including using clematis placed on supports of various shapes. It is worth considering the most common among them and choosing the option that is most suitable for a certain personal plot.
Lattice
The most common and simplest option is a trellis made in the form of a lattice. You can buy it or do it yourself. Generally speaking, the main part of the grille consists of a sufficiently strong frame. Inside, most often there are figures in the form of rhombuses or squares.
As for the size of the cells, according to the standards, they should be within 5 by 5 centimeters. Such grilles can be installed as a stand-alone structure or attached to the wall. In the first case, the support will need a support so that it does not fall from strong gusts of wind. But in this case, the support should also have an attractive appearance and not stand out too much against the general background.
Support-ball
Clematis will look very nice if a ball-shaped supply is used to support it. In addition, this option is very convenient, because you can install such a support anywhere: in a flower bed, in a garden, and even near a terrace.
Most often it is made from several curved rods, and its pin legs can be deepened into the ground, which will give it stability.As a material for its manufacture, you can use metal-plastic or aluminum tubes, which have the ability to bend well.
Cylinder support
With the help of such a structure, you can decorate any vertical objects. It can be electric poles, and dried tree trunks, which ultimately create the appearance of flowering poles. Their height should be within 2 meters.
An iron mesh can be used as a material for the manufacture of such a cylinder. It must be twisted into a cylinder and fastened with ordinary wire. From the sides, it is necessary to weld to it along the reinforcement, and then with their help, dig the entire structure into the ground.
Arch
The forged arch looks very nice. It can be placed at the entrance to the courtyard or used to justify a place to rest. Most often, such a structure is made of iron pipes or metal. In order to make a semicircle, you need an armature that must be bent. The arch should be high and wide. This is necessary so that both the table and chairs can fit under it. Around such an arch, you need to plant several clematis bushes. The composition will look very beautiful if the flowers have different shades.
Support-pergola
It is a horizontally or vertically installed canopy, which is subsequently braided with clematis. Most often, a pergola is made from very thin wooden planks. It can be one or more knocked down frames. It can be placed on the site both as an independent structure and near the wall.
Support-obelisk
Structures made in the form of pyramids are called obelisks by many gardeners. They are made from iron rods or wooden planks, which are fastened together with special crossbars, as a result of which they are very stable. Such structures can be installed in the most unusual places, for example, in flower beds, in the garden or even near the terrace.
Support with cord
It can be made from ordinary ropes or dense threads, which are quite capable of supporting the weight of the clematis bush. Such supports have several advantages. For example, when you need to prune, the vines can be easily removed from such supports. After all, they will slide off them without much effort and at the same time will not be damaged.
Support trellis
This design represents the same trellis made in the form of a lattice. Its only difference is that it consists of several sections. The most popular option among gardeners is the one made of 3 or more sections. Each of them is collected separately. The cells of the central section are made in the form of rhombuses, but the lateral ones are made in the form of squares of the correct shape.
All these sections must be connected together into one wall. Above the middle pillar, you need to install a small semicircle that will look like the sun's rays. The trellis must be carefully anchored in the ground with guy wires, which must be very strong. After all, such a design, together with flowering clematis, will weigh quite a lot.
Description and varieties of clematis
The genus Clematis, according to some sources, has about 380 species. These are shrubs, semi-shrubs and herbaceous vines. Today we will consider the most unpretentious clematis varieties adapted to Central Russia, which require pruning at the end of the season. To decorate the site, the following varieties are most often grown:
- "Cloud" is a liana up to three meters long with purple-violet flowers. Can be planted near fences and trellises. Able to climb bushes and form arches.
- "Solidarity" is a variety with bright red buds, the diameter of which reaches 16 cm. It is used for framing trellises, nets, gazebos.
- "Cardinal Vyshinsky" - is distinguished by resistance to frost, compactness and bright red inflorescences. The variety is most often grown in flower beds and containers.
- "Ballerina" is a vine that even beginners in floriculture can grow. This plant is not afraid of diseases, pests, temperature extremes. In addition, it blooms profusely and for a long time.
- "Integrifolia" is a herbaceous group of clematis up to one and a half meters high with a powerful skeletal part and abundant flowering. A lot of lashes are formed on the bush, with the help of which you can twine around hedges. But at the same time, the lashes must be tied up, since they do not cling to the supports at all. Flowers of Intergryphoria up to 12 cm in diameter can be pink, bright red, dark red, purple.
- "Alyonushka" - a variety with bell flowers can be intertwined with other plants and used as a ground cover or balcony decoration.
- "Zhakmana" is a hybrid created by crossing several plant species. Liana grows up to 4 meters tall, is winter-hardy, large leaves and purple flowers.
- "Nelly Moser" is a variety that grows well and blooms in the shade. The flowers are lilac-pink. The vine does not grow very quickly, but supports are required for it. It is a good option for trellises, gazebos, pergolas.
- "Piilu" - clematis bred in Estonia gained their popularity in Russia for flowering at the same time with ordinary and double flowers on the same bush. In length, the vine will grow up to one and a half meters. The petals of her flowers are lilac-pink.
- "Burning" is a highly ornamental plant that is not afraid of frost. Great for growing in the Northern regions.
Why does clematis need support and the requirements for them
In the process of growth, almost all types of clematis tend upward. Therefore, for their normal development and subsequent flowering, it is necessary to equip the appropriate devices for which the leaf petioles will cling. The designs of supports for clematis can be very diverse: from ordinary ropes stretched along the wall of the house along and across, to complex architectural arches framing the front door or gate.
During periods of rapid development and lush flowering, these plants gain significant weight, which increases even more after rain. Therefore, regardless of the design features, the supporting devices must be strong enough to withstand not only the weight of the plants, but also an additional significant load.
And, of course, the appearance of the manufactured devices plays an important role, because flowering plants will hide the details of structures from the eyes only during the growing season. Therefore, the rest of the time, the supports should not introduce dissonance into the overall aesthetic picture of the design of the personal plot or garden.
Clematis in landscape design
To decorate the garden, hybrids are most often used, which do not require shelter for the winter and cardinal pruning. Every year, landscape designers offer more and more solutions for decorating a site with a variety of clematis:
- Lianas can be used both for vertical gardening and as a multi-colored carpet on the lawn.
- Some not very tall varieties that do not need support can grow in flowerpots and boxes, decorating verandas, gazebos, balconies and loggias.
- Having planted several types of clematis near the arch and intertwining them, you can get a beautiful multi-colored entrance to the garden or plot.
- Soft colors in the background highlight the individuality of roses that can be planted in front of clematis.
- Bare tree trunks will look beautiful if they are braided with a flowering liana.
- The original zest of the alpine slide will be given by the whips of plants, which will, as it were, crawl over the stones.
- Plants with large flowers near low walls, in central flower beds, in front gardens and ceremonial places look most impressive.
- The shady alleys that are in the background of the garden are decorated with bright, variegated flowers.
But most often clematis are used to decorate fences, arches, gazebos, hedges, walls.On hot days on the veranda or in the gazebo, which is entwined with vines, you can escape from the scorching sun.
It will be useful for everyone to learn about the variety of unpretentious long-flowering perennial flowers for the garden with a description and photo.
Clematis and roses
The conditions for the growth and flowering of roses and clematis are approximately similar. This is probably why the British love to grow these gorgeous plants together.
However, clematis grow a little faster, so roses are planted first, which will serve as vines as supports. When planting these plants, you must follow some rules:
- it is better to plant varieties of clematis with small flowers for climbing roses;
- when planting, the liana needs to be tilted slightly towards the central part of the rose bush;
- plants are planted and cling to the supports so that they do not interfere with each other, and each of them was able to enjoy the sun's rays;
- you should choose varieties that have approximately the same height and volume;
- it is recommended to put a partition between the roots of the seedlings;
- roses are planted only those that are well adapted to the terrain.
Clematis can simply be put on the ground between the roses, and over time it will wrap around the bushes. Each grower can independently choose his own combination of colors.
- To make the composition bright, vines with crimson flowers can be planted with white roses.
- Pink roses and blue clematis will look gentle.
- Vines with purple and violet flowers go well with yellow roses.
- Red roses will stand out among the delicate buds, and any bright flowers will suit the tea rooms.
Clematis with other flowers
The neighbors of a lush creeper can be:
- conifers;
- black elderberry, fragrant acacia, willow pear, willow, hops;
- scumpia, barberry;
- buddleya, hydrangea, viburnum, forsion, spirea;
- grapes, jasmine;
- lilies;
- chubushnik.
When growing clematis, it is recommended to shade their roots, so calendula, marigolds or other plants with shallow roots are planted around them. Geraniums, irises, astilbe, phlox look beautiful against the background of lianas.
What is needed to create support for clematis
For example, to create carpet-type compositions, the varieties "Jubilee 70" and "Space Melody" are suitable. Their arrangement of flowers during flowering goes evenly from root to top. The varieties "Serenade Crima", "Biryuzinka", "Alpinist" are used as garlands and cascades.
If you plan to use a cylindrical support, use varieties that do not cling during growth: "Gray Bird", "Memory of the Heart", "White Dance", "Anastasia Anisimova", "Alyonushka".
When planting clematis and deciding which support to choose, keep in mind that it will be closed by the plant only in the summer. The rest of the time, his support will be uncovered. Therefore, make it such that it fits nicely into your garden design without the plant.
You also need to take into account the peculiarity of the soil on which the structure will be installed, because the mount must be reliable and capable of withstanding the weight of the overgrown plant.
As for the material for creating a "stand", it depends on what kind of supports for clematis you stop at. These can be metal or wooden lattices made of planks, arches and stairs made of metal or wooden rods, a metal lattice, or just a rope running along a given perimeter. They can be attached to walls, decorated paths, windows, entrances, trees or specially installed pillars.
Wicker support from twigs
For the manufacture of structuresyou will need a twine, an ax, willow rods or a vine, several pairs of high poles.
The poles are sharpened from below and stuck vertically into the ground where clematis is planned to be planted.
Two rings of such a size are woven from branches or vines so that they can snuggle tightly to the poles.
How to make trellises using wooden beams
To do this, you need to take wooden slats and bars up to 5 cm thick.Fold a frame from the bars, on which slats are applied in the form of a lattice.
Horizontal ones are superimposed on the front side, vertical ones, which run perpendicular to the first layer, on the back side of the frame. They are fixed with self-tapping screws or glue, but it is with the help of self-tapping screws that the intersection of the rails must be fixed (this is more reliable).
Now, at the place of installation of the trellis, it is necessary to fix the support pillars. If clematis is planted near the path, and the trellis is placed on it, then they are attached with metal corners. The same corners must be attached to the posts and the trellis itself. To make the structure reliable, additional supports are installed to it. For example, if the trellis stands close to the wall of the house, it can be supported on the wall with additional beams.
Creating a support for clematis from a chain-link mesh
If you do not have the desire or ability to create decorative designs, the support for clematis with your own hands can be made in other, simpler ways - gardeners have a lot of ideas for this. For example, you can install a regular mesh netting. It is simple, economical, but no less effective when the plant braids it.
So, to create such a support, you need a chain-link mesh of the right size, a thin metal wire, three plastic or any other thin supports, and an old electrical cable (or something that can replace it). Also have pliers and a screwdriver ready to work.
Two of them are located on the sides, and one on top of the mesh. First, lateral supports are threaded into the mesh stretched over the cable so that about 20 cm of the end free from the mesh remains below. This part of the support will go into the ground. The third support is threaded over the top of the mesh to give stability to the structure. At the joints, the supports must be fixed with a thin wire.
Now the structure must be installed in the chosen place, usually by the fence. The legs are immersed in the ground at a distance of about half a meter from the fence, and the top is leaned against it and fixed with screws.
The clematis plant is often used to decorate the porch, and the question "How to make a support in this case?" Is solved very simply. Trellises are formed from a cord or wire, which are attached under a canopy or above a door with one end, and with the other, to a peg driven into the ground next to a bush.
How to make an arch for clematis
To do this, you will need two long duralumin tubes (about 3 m), five short (about 0.5 m), a welded mesh in PVC insulation, enamel and stainless screws.
Now we measure two sheets of the grid so that they are two cells wider in width than the width of the installed structure, but the length should exactly match. On the edge of the mesh with pliers, they form protruding twigs (about 40 mm), with which it is attached to the arch. Having securely twisted each of them around the duralumin tube, install the arch by submerging its base into the ground for about half a meter.
Do I need to cover clematis for the winter.
In order to prevent freezing of the lower bud and roots, these vines need to be sheltered from frost. Therefore, before sheltering the shoots, remove all the leaves from them in order to exclude rotting. Then we remove the mulch at the base of the bush and cover the neck of the vine with compost or peat. After that, we spread the stems in a circle in a ring, fasten the stems to the ground with clips of thick wire, cover with mulch on top and cover with a waterproof material, leaving holes for ventilation. In early spring, we release the shoots and tie them to a support.
For all its beauty, clematis frighten some summer residents with the difficulties of growing and caring for. But, if you take care of this amazing and liana correctly, then you will be able to grow wonderful and luxurious flowers in the country, which look especially beautiful when paired with climbing roses.
What can you build yourself?
The material for making supports for clematis can be wood or metal. The thickness of the rods and wooden bars, to which the clematis leaf petioles cling, should not exceed 10-15 mm.Structures are erected with a height of 1 to 5 meters or more.
For the manufacture of external frames of the structure with dimensions of 180x60 cm, you will need:
- Four beams with a section of 50x40 mm and a length of 1.8 meters;
- Four beams, section 100x40 mm, 0.6 meters long;
- One plank with a section of 150x15 mm and a length of 0.6 meters.
To build an internal lattice, the dimensions of the cells of which are 25x15 cm, it is necessary to prepare:
- Four slats with a section of 25x15 mm and a length of 1.8 meters;
- Eight slats with a section of 25x15 mm and a length of 0.55 m.
Having prepared all the necessary elements for the trellis, we assemble the structure. To do this, first we make two external frames, the bars of which we connect to each other using a screwdriver and a drill. To make the inner lathing, using a tape measure, we outline the dimensions of the cells and fasten the slats together with self-tapping screws.
The trellis for clematis is a structure consisting of two external frames, between which there is a wooden lattice
Install the grill between the two outer frames. To stiffen the structure on the upper side of the trellis, you can fix a horizontal strip connecting the outer frames and the batten
The tapestry is ready. It can be placed on the wall of a gazebo or at home, leaving a distance of 10 cm between the vertical surface and the structure. To extend the life of the wooden support, the surface of the trellis can be coated with paint or varnish.
To make an elegant arch that will decorate the front area of the site, you need to prepare:
- Four pieces of pipe with a diameter of 30 mm with a wall thickness of 1.5 mm;
- Metal rod with a section of 10x10 mm;
- Concrete.
The dimensions of the future structure are determined based on where it will be located and what function it will perform. When planning to place an arch along the central path, which is 110 cm wide, it is necessary to build a structure 120 cm wide. The side walls of the arch can be made in the form of frames on "legs", which can be filled with simple patterns of curls created from metal rods 6-8 mm thick ...
Most often, arched vaults are given a semicircular shape, but the lancet, gable or ordinary flat version looks no less impressive.
Individual elements of the pattern can be easily made using "cold forging" or simply by winding a thin rod onto a pipe of a larger diameter.
If the flat vaults of the structure can be made independently, then it is better to bend the arched vaults on a rolling mill. The supporting pillars of the arch can simply be driven into the ground, deepening by 70-80 cm. Wishing to create a more solid support for the flowers, it is advisable to additionally concrete the “legs” of the structure.
Having installed the walls of the arch, you can weld the vaults and connect them at several points with horizontal rods. Assembling a frame drawing is a fun creative process.
To simplify the process of creating a twisted pattern, it is advisable to first make full-size templates from soft aluminum wire, for clarity, which are fixed on the tensioned frame cords using clerical clips
First, we "grab" large elements, making smooth transitions from smaller arched parts. When the pattern is fully completed, we scald all the details on both sides, and then we process them against sagging.
The arch is assembled. It remains only to treat its surface with a "rust converter", and then thoroughly wash, dry and paint in the desired color.