Can I bring a young Nelly Moser clematis in house or cooler garage over winter?

Question

I have a young Nelly Moser Clematis growing in an 8” Pot and wonder if I can
Bring it into house for winter ….or cool garage ? I live in Southern New Jersey
Near Ocean. Have lost 2 Jackmanii’s over 2 years due to lack of heavy winter
mulching outside.

Answer 1

Nelly Moser is hardy to zone 4 and you are likely in zone 6 or 7. You could plant it in the ground and mulch it well. If you are worried about it, yes, you can bring it inside this winter. The garage should be fine. Water sparingly so as not to encourage root rot. Next year, move it to a larger pot and mulch well for winter if you are keeping it in a pot.

Were the Jackmanii in a pot or in the ground? They are also hardy to zone 4 so that might not be the reason you lost them. If you had a dry winter and didn't irrigate over winter, that could cause their loss. Clematis like sun for their foliage, but shade for their roots, so take that into consideration when planting. Mulching them will keep the roots cool.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/growing-clematis-in-pots.htm