Planting

    For #1 sized pots.

    You found your plant now it's time to put it in the ground.... Prepare a hole of a minimum size of 1' by 1' by 1' (2'x2'x2' is even better) and amend with 50 % compost.  Not amending soil and/or providing ample drainage can cause no end of problems.  Follow the pictured instructions for easy installation...

Squeeze the container to compress the root ball away from the sides of the pot.  This makes removing the plant much easier and helps prevent root damage.

Pry the stake away from the pot.  Be sure the staple(s) is removed from the pot.  This may require removal of both the staple and the small wood block.

Place your hand on top of the soil and grasp the stake firmly with your fingers.  

Using both hands tip the plant upside down.  Remove pot while maintaining grip on the stake with the other hand.

Place hand on bottom of root ball and turn back upright.

Using both hands place plant in hole.  Keeping your grip on the stake until the plant is settled into the hole.

    We stress that you keep a firm grip on the stake and maintain the alignment of the stake and root ball.  This will prevent kinking of the stem while removing pot and planting.  Stem damage is the primary source of clematis wilt symptoms. 

    We recommend that you leave your plant attached to the stake for at least a year before transferring to another structure.  This provides support to help keep the stem from kinking.  You can train the vines up through another support as they grow.

    Mulch with bark or compost.  Water in thoroughly.  You are done!