Clematis is a climbing plant that thrives in the sun, but its base likes shade. So to know which plant to put under a clematis, you have to look for plants that have similar needs in terms of soil and sunlight. Find the ideal companion in our selection of plants that will protect the clematis plant. Reproducing the conditions of its origins in light woods, you will give it every chance to develop fully impressively beautiful.
Which plant to put at the base of a clematis?
Criteria for choosing a clematis companion
- The first criterion is not to create competition for nutrients.
- Another condition is the morphological concordance of the plants, colors and shape of the flowers and foliage.
- What exactly does an adapted plant mean? If you know the answer, it is the third criterion which represents a plant which does not obstruct the vital space of the clematis, but which helps it to develop better.
- The fourth criterion corresponds to your needs in terms of functionality and maintenance. By seeking balance, you will be able to create an exceptional garden.
The ideal companions of clematis are those who harmonize with it
Which plant to put at the base of a clematis?
Suggestions for ideal companions for clematis according to the criteria mentioned above. The list doesn’t cover all the possibilities, but it might give you some ideas. The first five propositions flourish in the shade, while the second group of five prefer sun or partial shade.
The base of the clematis is usually in the shade, so plants that like these conditions are welcome
Hosta
Hostas grow well in shady areas and loose soil with good drainage capacity. If the soil is cool, the plant can be exposed to the sun. Knowing that the base of the clematis likes shade, hostas seem to be good companions with a height of 15 to 120 cm of growth potential and remarkable decorative foliage.
Hostas with their broad, ribbed leaves add contrasting texture to the clematis
Ophiopogon planiscapus “Niger”
Its almost black evergreen foliage creates a striking contrast with the very colorful clematis. It is a low plant 10 to 20 cm tall and bears pale lilac flowers from July to August. It likes rather dry soil and shade. After flowering ends, dark blue berries appear.
With its black and pointed leaves, another interesting contrast to create at the foot of the clematis
Periwinkle
Periwinkle thrives in shade. Use it as a ground cover plant forming a carpet at the base of a clematis. Known as “dawing violet,” it spreads quickly and although this plant likes humidity, it can tolerate dry soil. This adaptability makes it easy to maintain.
Periwinkle is an excellent choice of ground cover plant at the base of clematis
Fern
The fern plays a role as a habitat for wildlife in its original environment, the forest. It likes freshness and conditions close to those in the undergrowth, in the shade. It is a wise choice to plant at the foot of a clematis, because it will diversify the green mass with its cut leaves at a height ranging from 15 to 90 cm. In addition, the fern requires almost no maintenance.
The fern is an interesting choice for a green border
Ivy
Use another climbing plant like ivy. But instead of growing it vertically, use it to beautify the soil in your garden. It will add an extra dense texture that will protect the soil from erosion and make an ideal companion for clematis
Ivy as a ground cover plant is interesting, but remember to manage its growth, as it can become invasive
Heuchere
The advantage of the heuchera is its shallow root system, so it will not compete with that of the clematis. It provides rich, cool soil in partial shade in a rather humid environment.
The heuchera is an ideal companion for the beautiful clematis
Bellflower
The bellflower with its abundant bell-shaped flowers complements the floral mass of the clematis well. It extends up to 80 cm in height. With its wide variety of colors, it is ideal for borders. It is a very cheerful perennial plant and can often be seen in arrangements of different types of gardens. And what’s more, it is very easy to grow.
The bell-shaped flowers of the bellflower create a cheerful ambiance
Lavender
Lavender needs to be placed in full sun. It is a small shrub which will create shade at the base of the clematis. With its pleasant scent, its purple flowers can be used to create potpourri.
The olfactory attractiveness of lavender gives it some advantages
Geranium
Geranium is a universal plant, because it can adapt very well to any exposure, to sun or shade. But if you want to admire its flowers, it needs sun. Although it tolerates all conditions and all types of soil well, during the growing season, geraniums need regular watering.
Astilbe
Astilbe can create a beautiful texture of colors with its feathery flowers at the base of the clematis. They reach 120 cm in height. It is a very robust plant and ideal for partial shade in acidic, well-drained soil.
Which plant to put at the base of a clematis? We have made some suggestions, but you have a lot of choice among small shrubs, perennials and all kinds of plants that you can pot up and position them at the base of the clematis. This will create much-needed shade at its base and you will have additional plants that won’t compete for nutrients in the soil. It’s up to you to play and create the combination that will inspire you the most.