Can Clematis Grow Sideways

Clematis can absolutely grow sideways, but it takes a little help from you to make it happen.
 
You see, clematis vines can grow sideways when they have the right support, guidance, and a gentle hand to train them in that direction.
 
I know you might be picturing this gorgeous climber reaching for the sky, but growing clematis sideways is actually a brilliant way to cover walls, fences, and even create lush ground cover.
 
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can grow clematis sideways instead of straight up, the answer is yes, and it’s easier than you might think.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into how clematis can grow sideways, the best ways to train it, and why this technique can transform your garden.
 
Let’s get your clematis going in the direction you want.
 

Why Clematis Can Grow Sideways

Clematis can grow sideways because they are naturally flexible climbers with a built-in instinct to reach toward light and wrap around whatever they find.
 
Unlike stiff shrubs that only grow upright, clematis vines are eager to follow a horizontal path when you show them the way.
 
Here’s the thing though, clematis won’t just grow sideways on their own, they need a structure like a trellis, wire, or mesh to latch onto.
 
The vine’s leaf stalks, called petioles, twist around thin supports, which means you can guide them sideways along a horizontal line with ease.
 
So yes, clematis can grow sideways, and it’s all about working with their natural climbing behavior.
 

1. Clematis Climbs By Wrapping, Not Sticking

Clematis can grow sideways because they climb by wrapping their leaf stems around supports instead of using sticky pads like ivy.
 
This wrapping action is perfect for horizontal growth since the vine can grip a wire or string that runs sideways.
 
When you run a support horizontally, the clematis will naturally twist around it and begin to grow sideways along that line.
 
You can grow clematis sideways along a fence rail or a stretched wire, and the vine will happily follow.
 
That flexible wrapping habit is your best friend when you want to redirect the plant’s energy in a sideways direction.
 

2. Light Drives the Sideways Growth

Clematis can grow sideways because the vine is constantly searching for sunlight, and it will stretch toward light even if that means moving sideways.
 
If you place a trellis or support so that one side gets more sun, the clematis will naturally grow sideways toward that brighter spot.
 
You can grow clematis sideways along a south-facing wall or a sunny fence line to take advantage of this light-seeking behavior.
 
The vine doesn’t care about going up, it only cares about finding light, so sideways is just fine.
 
This is why training clematis sideways along a sunny horizontal line works so well in real gardens.
 

3. You Can Grow Clematis Sideways as Ground Cover

Here’s a fun trick: you can grow clematis sideways along the ground, and it makes a fantastic living mulch or weed suppressor.
 
Instead of growing upwards, the vine spreads sideways, covering bare soil with lush green foliage and beautiful flowers.
 
Clematis can grow sideways along the soil surface if you let it roam, and it will root at nodes as it goes.
 
This sideways growth habit is perfect for slopes, banks, or areas where you want a carpet of color.
 
So don’t always think vertical, growing clematis sideways on the ground is a total gamechanger.
 

How to Train Clematis to Grow Sideways

You can train clematis to grow sideways with just a few simple steps, and the vine will thank you by blooming along that horizontal line.
 
The key is to start early and be consistent with your guidance during the growing season.
 
Here’s how to get your clematis to grow sideways like a pro.
 

1. Install Horizontal Supports First

Before your clematis gets going, set up the structure that will encourage it to grow sideways.
 
Run sturdy wire, plastic mesh, or wooden trellis horizontally along your wall, fence, or between posts.
 
The supports should be about 8 to 10 inches apart vertically, but the key is to run them lengthwise so the vine can grow sideways.
 
Clematis can grow sideways along these horizontal lines, wrapping its leaf stalks around them securely.
 
Make sure the support is thin enough for the petioles to wrap around, like wire or twine, not thick lumber.
 

2. Gently Bend and Tie the Vines

When your clematis starts growing, you can gently guide it sideways by bending the young stems in that direction.
 
You can grow clematis sideways by tying the soft shoots loosely to the horizontal support with soft plant ties or twine.
 
Avoid using wire or anything that can cut into the stem, and don’t bend too sharply or you might snap it.
 
As the vines grow, keep redirecting them along the horizontal line, weaving them through the support if needed.
 
Within a few weeks, the clematis will get the message and begin to grow sideways on its own.
 

3. Pinch Back for Bushier Sideways Growth

To encourage more sideways spread, pinch back the tips of your clematis stems early in the season.
 
When you pinch off the growing tip, the plant responds by sending out new shoots from lower nodes.
 
These new shoots will also want to grow sideways, filling out the horizontal space with more foliage and flowers.
 
This trick helps clematis grow sideways more densely, creating a solid curtain of color along your fence or wall.
 
Just pinch above a pair of healthy leaves, and you’re all set.
 

Best Clematis Varieties for Sideways Growth

Not all clematis are equal when it comes to growing sideways, so picking the right variety makes everything easier.
 
Some types are more vigorous and flexible, perfect for training sideways along a long horizontal run.
 
Here are the best choices if you want clematis to grow sideways successfully.
 

1. Clematis Montana

Clematis montana is a powerhouse that can grow sideways rapidly, covering huge areas with mass flowering.
 
It’s incredibly vigorous, so it’s ideal for growing sideways along a long fence or over a wide wall.
 
The vines are flexible and climb readily, making it a top pick for horizontal training.
 

2. Clematis Armandii

Clematis armandii is an evergreen variety with leathery leaves that grows sideways wonderfully on warm walls.
 
It can grow sideways along horizontal wires and even scramble across a trellis with fragrant spring blooms.
 
This one loves a sunny position and will hug the sideways support tightly.
 

3. Clematis Viticella

Clematis viticella varieties are easygoing, late-flowering vines that can grow sideways without much fuss.
 
They’re not too vigorous, so they’re great for smaller spaces where you want controlled sideways growth.
 
You can grow clematis sideways with this type even in containers, as long as you give them a support to follow.
 

Common Mistakes When Growing Clematis Sideways

Even though clematis can grow sideways, a few simple mistakes can frustrate your efforts and leave you with a tangled mess.
 
Here’s what to avoid so your sideways clematis thrives.
 

1. Using Supports That Are Too Thick

Clematis can grow sideways only if the support is thin enough for its leaf stalks to wrap around.
 
If you use a thick wooden post or a wide trellis slat, the vine can’t grip it and will flop over.
 
Stick to wire, netting, or narrow wooden battens for the best sideways growth.
 

2. Ignoring Regular Tying

You can grow clematis sideways, but you can’t just set it and forget it for the first season.
 
Check your vine every week or two and gently tie or weave new growth along the horizontal support.
 
If you leave it alone, it will revert to growing upwards and ignore your sideways plan.
 

3. Pruning at the Wrong Time

Pruning mistakes can stop clematis from growing sideways because you might remove the wood where flowers form.
 
Know your clematis pruning group before you cut, as each group flowers on different wood.
 
Prune at the right time for your variety, and your clematis will keep spreading sideways every year.
 

So, Can Clematis Grow Sideways?

Clematis can absolutely grow sideways, and it’s a clever way to cover horizontal spaces with beautiful blooms.
 
The vine grows sideways when you provide thin, horizontal supports and gently guide it along that path.
 
Clematis can grow sideways across fences, walls, and even along the ground with just a little patience and training.
 
So don’t be afraid to think outside the vertical box, your clematis will love growing sideways in a whole new direction.
 
Now go out there and give your vine the sideways direction it’s been waiting for.