Climbing Clematis On A Sycamore Tree Trunk

Question

Hi. How do I train a clematis (comtesse de bouchaud) up a sycamore tree trunk? I have seen pictures of blooming clematis on trees, but no step by step instructions as to how to do this exactly. People suggest chicken wire, but is there a way of training the clematis up without the wire? As I feel the wire doesn’t look great. Also, can you climb more than one clematis on a tree? Non vigorous ones varieties. Thanks! Khadija

Answer 1

You could try string. Really anything to loosely hold it up until the tendrils grab the bark. Then the tie will be removed.

Here is an article for more information on the care of Clematis:

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

Answer 2

Thank you- I’ll have a try with it! If I tied some loose string around the trunk, and then just sort of threaded the longest vines underneath, am I just expecting that it will start to support itself on the trunk? Thanks!