Hello,

So I ordered a clematis from brushwood that I just received, it is 'venosa violacea'. I chose this one because it is in the vitacella group which are purportedly a good choice for beginners, and supposed to do good in Southern California, where many of the larger flowered hybrids just do not thrive here.

I've read up on what they like and so forth. My question pertains to growing it in a pot. I am going to be growing it in a pot with a trellis. However can I plant it right into the 5 1/2 gallon pot I plan to grow it in for this year? Or should I start out smaller so as not to drown it? I've read you should grow them in at least in a 3 gallon pot. Any advice or experience with this would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!
Carly

Venosa Violacea is a very good choice!
Yes, you can plant your new clematis to a 5 gal pot now. Brushwood plants have a very good root system and ready to go in the ground.
Do you plan to grow your Venosa in a 5 gal pot? Well, you can keep your clematis in a 5 gal pot for a couple of years, but If you think to grow it there permanently it won't be a good showy plant that you see on the pictures. It will survive but don't expect much from a rootbound plant. If you want it in a pot you need to get a 22 gal pot, at least 18 inches deep. Plus, from my experience, viticella clematises look much better in the ground. When mature, they have a massive root system which is water thirsty. Think how many times a day you will water your plant in your climate.
If you really want something for a 5 gal pot look for Raymond Evison clematises or other new varieties. Modern hybrids are more suitable for pots and usually have viticella genes to produce more flowers. I have Nubia and Chelsea. So far they look good in 5 gal pots but I am not sure for how long they can stay there.

Thank you Luda! Well maybe I will grow it in this pot for just this season then! I will check out those varieties. Thank you so much for your help!
Carly