Question
Hi, I have a few questions about Clematis vine. We recently bought two Clematis vines: Warsaw Nike, and Jackmanii, but I realized we don't have a place to put it. But doing research I read you can put them in large pots (we'll use two different pots)and keep them (but we don't know if we can take them in.) So first of all I know Jackmanii is a pruning group 3, but I'm not sure about Warsaw Nike. Also we live on the zone 4a/3b boundary, and in cold weather clay pots can crack so what can we use instead, or is there a way to protect them from freezing weather? Also what size pot should we use, and is miracle gro potting soil adequate to use? Also, I know you should shade roots so should we do that with mulch? And I also read about growing other plants in the same pot as the clematis (like tulips, or annuals)as another form of shade, but would the clematis roots kill the plants and if not is it a good idea to grow them with the clematis? And finally, is there any specific care for potted perennials (watering, fertilizer, re-potting, type of pot.) Sorry I had so many questions, but thank you.

Answer
Hello, Mini.  You've got quite an uphill battle, living in a relatively cold climate and growing Clematis! That said, Clematis don't mind growing in containers one bit, as long as those roots are kept cool and shaded.  Because they'd be above-ground, potted clematis might like a drink more often than their in-ground siblings, simply because pot-grown plants' roots dry out #and heat up# faster than those in the ground.  As for winter-proof containers, I would advise against leaving your Clematis in a pot outside regardless of how crack-resistant the container might be.  In your zone, the roots would almost certainly freeze.  You could try keeping the pot in a garage if there's no place for it in your home.  Pot should be Clay, at least 16" in diameter, and standard Miracle-Gro soil is fine. Shade roots with mulch, or - even better - other plants.  Clematis love company, as long as the roots of those plants are shallow ones.  Bulbs might not be a great idea, as they start to multiply after a few seasons and might start crowding the Clematis' roots.  Annuals are best, and you can change them up to enjoy different colors and textures.  Warsaw Nike Clematis is also a group 3, and it likes to be pruned in early spring, just as the vine's buds are starting to swell.  Prune off last year's dead stems and cut each stem back to the first strong new bud from the top, pruning just above each bud. Clematis are prone to 2 diseases: powdery mildew (caused by too much heat/humidity during the day) and something called "Clematis wilt."  To avoid powdery mildew, try not to wet leaves when watering (water roots instead) and make sure the vine gets enough air circulation.  Clematis wilt is caused by a fungus that spreads via spores, especially in damp/humid weather.  At the first sign of wilt, cut off infected stems as close to the ground as you can, and remove any fallen leaves. (Don't put these in your compost bin, for obvious reasons!) If your clematis gets enough drainage and stays evenly moist and the vine gets enough air circulation, Clematis wilt shouldn't be a problem.  I am sorry to go on like this, but you asked lots of good questions!  I hope I have helped, and good luck, Mini!