How should I plant a clematis to get it to climb a mailbox post?

After doing some research I decided that I'd like to plant a clematis at the base of my mailbox and hopefully God willing, it will climb the post and create a beautifully decorated mailbox post. Is there any suggestions as to how to plant it? Also, is it best to use seeds or starter plants?

How should I plant a clematis to get it to climb a mailbox post?
Try to find a plant with buds low on the stem and two stems if possible.


Plant after frost and as long as soil is not waterlogged. The soil must be fertile, well-drained, and humus rich.





In heavy or adobe soil dig a big hole, preferably 24"x 24". In lighter or sandy soil, a hole 18"x18" will do the trick. Save only the best of your topsoil. Amend the soil as conditions dictate.


Clematis root are very fragile so cut the container off gently. Gently remove the clematis rootball from the container and plant it in the hole so that the base of the plant's stems are sunk 3" to 5" below soil level. Leave the original stake on the clematis for the first year to act as a support as well as a protection against accidental breakage.





Mulch the area around the plant 3" to 4" over the root zone. but keep the mulch well away from the stem to avoid stem rot.


To encourage growth of more stems all clematis can be cut down to the lowest pair of healthy buds in their first Feb. after planting. This delays flowering on those that bloom on old growth but ensures new shoots and strong base growth.


In spring, once the clematis buds are about 2 inches long begin feeding them.





Clematis come in categories. The label will tell but pruning is important with clematis.


Cat I no pruning


Cat II light pruning


Cat III hard pruning





Small clematis only 6 1/2 feet;


'Edourd Desfosse', 'Corona", 'Westerplatte' (only 3 1/2 ft), 'Minister', 'Ice Blue'


C. florida "Alba Plena' or 'Sieboldii'


There are many small herbaceous scramblers but you would have to tie them to the post. Even climbers will need something fine enough for them to climb the post. Lee Valley sells a trellis for posts or down spouts.





If you desire a larger clematis than your mail box will accomodate is there another plant like a rose or a tree for the clematis to climb onto?
Reply:Clematis IS very easy to grow. I do suggest starting with starts (as big as you can afford!) as they do take time. If your mailbox is set in cement you want to accommodate for that, possibly with a nice planter box around the base. Every plant grows better with rich dirt, fertilizer, water and the proper lighting! Enjoy!
Reply:I'd use a starter plant, there isnt much to growing a clemitas other than keeping it watered and doused with plant food. Just make sure to keep tieing to the post as it grows.
Reply:For seeds or starters, I would say starter plants. Then your guarenteed to have something grow. Though they can be expensive make sure you shop somewhere that has a one year guarentee (or more) just incase it gets sick.





Plant it near your mailbox and simply wrap the vines up and around. I would suggest tieing it with string so it stays up, it should start to grab hold and grow up on its own fairly quickly.





If you insist starting with seeds, don't plant them right by your mailbox post. Start them off in a pot (egg cartons work great for sprouts) and once it reaches a reasonable size, transport it into your desired location.