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Clematis can absolutely grow horizontally, and it’s a fantastic way to add lush, colorful coverage to your garden.
When you hear about clematis, you probably picture it climbing up a trellis or a fence, but these versatile vines are just as happy sprawling across the ground or weaving through other plants.
If you’ve been wondering whether clematis will grow horizontally for you, the short answer is yes, with a little guidance and the right variety.
In this post, we’ll dig into how to make clematis grow horizontally, which types work best, and the simple tricks to keep them looking their best as a ground cover.
Let’s explore this sideways growth habit so you can get the most out of your garden space.
How Clematis Can Grow Horizontally
Clematis grows horizontally when you encourage it to, because its natural instinct is to climb upward using its leaf stalks.
But that doesn’t mean it won’t cooperate with a more horizontal plan.
In fact, many gardeners successfully train clematis to spread horizontally across the soil, over low shrubs, or along the top of a low wall.
The key is understanding that clematis will grow horizontally if you provide the right support or simply let it ramble.
1. Choose the Right Clematis Variety
Not all clematis are equally happy growing horizontally, so picking the right type makes a big difference.
Herbaceous clematis, like Clematis integrifolia, are naturally non-clinging and will happily grow horizontally as bushy mounds.
These varieties don’t have tendrils that grab, so they spread out on their own without needing a vertical structure.
On the other hand, large-flowered hybrids can also grow horizontally, but they’ll need a bit more help from you.
If you want a vigorous ground cover, look for varieties like ‘Jackmanii’, ‘Purpurea Plena Elegans’, or any of the viticella group.
These are known for their flexible stems that take well to being trained sideways.
So, when you choose a clematis that naturally grows horizontally, you’re setting yourself up for success from day one.
2. Provide Low Support or Let It Ramble
To get clematis to grow horizontally, you can either give it a low support structure or simply let it wander.
If you’re using a trellis or obelisk, just position it low to the ground and guide the stems sideways as they grow.
Alternatively, you can let clematis grow horizontally through other plants, like a low-growing shrub or a bed of perennials.
The stems will weave through the foliage, creating a beautiful carpet of flowers.
You can also use garden pins or soft ties to gently hold the stems down against the soil.
This encourages the vine to root along its length, which makes it even sturdier and more likely to spread.
3. Understand That Clematis Grows Horizontally by Training
Clematis grows horizontally best when you train it early in the season, as new growth is flexible and easy to direct.
Each time a new shoot emerges, gently bend it sideways and secure it with a tie or pin.
Within a few weeks, the stem will harden in that horizontal position, and new side shoots will sprout along it.
This gives you a denser, fuller display because more nodes are exposed to sunlight, which triggers more flowering.
It’s a simple process that rewards you with a mat of blooms rather than a single vertical column.
Will Clematis Grow Horizontally as Ground Cover?
Yes, clematis grows horizontally as ground cover, and it can be one of the most stunning ground covers you’ll ever plant.
When left to sprawl, clematis will grow horizontally across the soil, forming a thick layer of foliage and flowers up to several feet wide.
This makes it perfect for covering bare soil, suppressing weeds, and adding color to slopes or awkward corners.
1. It’s a Natural Weed Suppressor
When clematis grows horizontally and forms a dense mat, it blocks sunlight from reaching the soil below.
This naturally prevents weed seeds from germinating, saving you hours of weeding work.
The thick layer of leaves also helps retain soil moisture, so you’ll water less often.
Just make sure you mulch around the roots to keep them cool, as clematis appreciates a shaded root zone.
2. Perfect for Slopes and Banks
If you have a tricky slope that’s hard to mow, clematis can grow horizontally to stabilize the soil.
The sprawling stems and their root nodes hold the earth in place, preventing erosion.
Once established, this horizontal growth creates a living carpet that looks gorgeous as it cascades down the slope.
It’s a low-maintenance solution that turns a problem area into a floral showpiece.
3. Combine with Shrubs for a Natural Look
Clematis growing horizontally through shrubs is a classic cottage garden trick.
The vine will scramble over and through the shrub, adding a second layer of bloom without harming it.
This works especially well with early-flowering shrubs, as the clematis will bloom later and extend the season of interest.
You can also use this technique with ornamental grasses, which provide a nice texture contrast.
Tips to Encourage Clematis to Grow Horizontally
Getting clematis to grow horizontally isn’t complicated, but a few simple tips will make the process smoother.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your sideways clematis thriving.
1. Prune Correctly for Horizontal Growth
Pruning depends on your clematis type, but for horizontal growth, you want to encourage branching.
For Group 3 (late-flowering) clematis, cut them back hard in late winter or early spring.
This forces new growth from the base, and that new growth is what you’ll train sideways.
For Group 1 and 2 clematis, lightly prune after flowering to shape them and remove dead stems.
Always prune just above a pair of healthy buds to encourage bushy, horizontal branching.
2. Water and Feed Consistently
Clematis growing horizontally needs regular water, especially during the first two years.
Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, as clematis hates wet feet.
Feed them with a balanced fertilizer in spring and again mid-summer to support all that horizontal growth.
A thick layer of mulch around the base will keep the roots cool and retain moisture.
This consistent care ensures your clematis will grow horizontally with vigor and produce masses of flowers.
3. Be Patient with Establishment
The first year, clematis focuses on root development, so horizontal growth may be slow.
Don’t be discouraged if your clematis seems to sit still; it’s working hard underground.
By the second and third year, you’ll see rapid horizontal spread as the roots are fully established.
Once it takes off, you might need to trim it back to keep it within your desired area.
That’s a good problem to have, because it means your clematis is thriving.
So, Will Clematis Grow Horizontally?
Yes, clematis will grow horizontally, and it can be one of the most rewarding plants in your garden.
Whether you let it sprawl as ground cover, train it along a low fence, or weave it through shrubs, clematis adapts beautifully to sideways growth.
The key is choosing a suitable variety, providing a little guidance early on, and giving it the right care.
With a bit of patience, you’ll enjoy a stunning carpet of clematis blooms that transforms your garden space.
So go ahead and let your clematis grow horizontally, you won’t regret it.
Happy gardening.