Hi this is my first post on this forum. A nice local garderner is going to give me a clematis start. I know it's not the best time to transplant them. I want to grow it in a container, but I don't know what size container I should put it in? I've never grown a clematis before, and I didn't know they did well in my climate.

Welcome to the Clematis Forum!

Sorry, I don't know about gardening in Texas. I hope others, who do know the climate, will chime in with their thoughts.

Thanks Arlene!

I don't know much about "gardening in Texas" either, but I know clematis plants pretty well and they should do fine down there. no reason why they wouldn't that I can think of...? if you plan to transplant it soon, try to do it on a cool, cloudy day, if thats even possible in Texas this time of year...? or even better, wait for a time when its going to be cool and cloudy for a week or so. this will minimize stress on the plant and give you the best odds for a successful transplant. most clematis need at least part sun to flower well; if not full sun. but their roots need to be shaded and kept cool. a pot sitting in Texas style direct full sun will act like a small bake oven of sorts unless its shaded by something. other plants, a fence, or something, at which point the entire plant will droop and look terrible, no matter how much water you give it. also, do not use water as a cooling agent either. more likely the amount of water needed for "cooling" will be too much for the plant and will cause water related root problems. we have 6 clematis vines. our "Pink Champagne" (see pic), clematis is in a large pot about 20 inches across. its been in there for 4 years. doing very well! good luck

Thank you so much for that information Jason. I guess the eastside of my house would be the best location since it's shaded from the afternoon sun. Unfortunately it's going to be sunny and warm all week. The gardener wants it removed as soon as possible too. Your ' Pink Champagne' clematis is gorgeous

Since you want to grow it in a container you will have the luxury of being able to move it around if necessary...
Container size depends on the size of the plant...
True, this is not really the best time of the season to transplant a clem in TX I'm sure, but if the gardener wants to get rid of it right now it's worth a try.

How big/old is it? who will dig it out?
That is probably the most crucial step in preserving as much of the root mass as possible...
OP says a 'start'--to me that implies a small or young plant, but the subsequent post gives the impression of something larger and more established.

Maybe dig it in the evening and keep it moist but not soggy and as cool and shaded as possible initially...like the north side of the house? and then move it to the east side after it recovers a bit?

What kind is it?

Hi dirtdorphins.
I didn't have a chance to look at the plant today but I'll probably get it next week. The gardener told me that she dug up the main plant and moved it on the other side of her house but she missed a piece. I'll be the one digging it up so I'll try to get as much of the root mass as possible. I definitely have plenty of shade, in fact I have too much
It's a noid clematis but the lady told me it has light purple blooms so that could be several varieties lol.

Okay--good luck with your first, and don't be afraid to get some more they're great plants!

Thanks dirtdorphins! Hopefully I'll be successful

I agree with dirtdorphins. they are great plants. flowers all spring and summer if you time it right with the right plants. cold hardy as all heck as well!

Those are great qualities.

Just saw your post TexasPlumeria87.I live in the DFW area and can grow clematis. You have been given good advice. I agree with keeping it in the shade for a while. I keep some of my mine in those plastic pots until I am ready to plant them in the ground or in a container. I usually add expanded shale and compost to the mix and if it is handy , add bone meal at the very bottom not touching the roots. Place the crown a little bit under the soil line. Water it with a diluted epsom salt solution and mulch it too.

Thanks Anna How much epsom salt should I use? I'll remember to bury the crown a little below the soil line.

See that! I'd never have known to plant them shallow in TX! Here we plant them 2 to 3", no harm in 4 to 5", below the soil line. So glad you came along to save the day (and the clem) for Cameron. Thanks, Anna.

One tablespoon of Epsom Salt diluted in one gallon of lukewarm water. You can use any excess for roses, tomatoes, peppers, etc.

You are right Arlene. When I said a little , I meant ~3 ".

Glad we caught it before it was planted.

Thanks Arlene and Anna. I'll keep everyone posted on the clem.Hopefully I'll get it sometime this week.

They'd love some bone meal mixed in with the soil, along with a handful or two of manure. I don't know if Chickity Doo Doo (don't blame me for the name!) is available but it's lightweight, easy to use, and it's all I use since the heavy bag of manure is just too difficult to handle for me now. Mulch it very heavily so the soil will retain the moisture. Four inches is not too much!

I wish that was available here. It has a catchy name

Smells the same as the wet heavy stuff!

Walmart, Ace Hardware and Amazon have it. Better to look online in your area than waste time and gas looking in person. Lowe's had it as well.