clematis

To ensure your Clematis 'Belle of Taranaki' gets the best start, water regularly and deeply to keep the soil moist but not wet. During the first few weeks of growth, limit watering moderately to once per week. After the first bloom, water the plant more frequently, approximately 2 to 3 times per week, or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the summer months, it may be necessary to water Clematis 'Belle of Taranaki' daily or multiple times per day, depending on the weather and soil conditions. When watering, it is best to water the soil around the plant and avoid getting the foliage wet.

Clematis 'Belle of Taranaki' thrives in full sun and partial shade, though it needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day for optimum growth. It can tolerate deep shade but will grow fewer and fewer blooms in a shadier environment. In areas with high heat and intense sunlight, it is best to provide some afternoon shade. Additionally, late afternoon sun can focus the intensity of the sun on the blooms and reduce the vibrancy of the colors. To prevent plant scorching, morning sun is preferred. Regardless of how much sun your Clematis 'Belle of Taranaki' receives, it should be given weekly watering to ensure its light, well-draining soil remains moist.

For success in pruning your Clematis 'Belle of Taranaki', you should begin pruning in late winter when the plant is dormant. This will encourage regrowth and more plentiful blooms. You should first remove any dead or diseased stems and thin out any overly crowded growth. After this, you can reshape the plant by pruning back any long stems by a third. It is important to make sure that you leave 2 or 3 buds on each stem as this will promote plenty of blooms later on in the season. Finally, you can add a final trimming again in late spring to remove any dead foliage, deadheads, or any spent flowers. This will help the clematis shape nicely and keep it vibrant and healthy.