[frederick]

Hi There,Have obtained 2 clematis but because we are going into winter have decided to wait until spring and keep them in the Greenhouse. Should i water them or not?Merry Christmas.

[mumofstig]

Just a little now and again, if they dry out completely they will die. You'll have to be very careful in Spring  as any sun will cause a huge temperature rise and start them into early growth.

If it were me, I'd plant them outside as long as your ground isn't frozen solid.

[New shoot]

I'd agree with that.  They are not so easy to overwinter in small pots, hence the garden centres selling off their stocks each autumn. 

As Mum says, they will also be lulled into a false sense of security next spring and sprout early, which will make them very prone to being frosted.

[frederick]

Thanks for that, the ground is,nt frozen but quite wet, perhapes some drainage in the bottom of each hole, what do you think?

[New shoot]

It wouldn't do any harm while the roots are establishing 

[DIGGER]

Apologies for jumping in,I also purchased some end of season clematis October time £3 each so worth ago.
I planted them straight in the ground and watered well.Obviously the green has now turned to brown.Is it a good time to prune and if so how low or should I leave alone.
Again apologies

[mumofstig]

Pruning very much depends on the variety, do you know the name of yours?

[DIGGER]

I think the labels are still on.i will check in daylight.
Thanks,I'm ok with lotte things but flowers baffle.

[DIGGER]

Bit chilly out there.
One is Mrs cholmondeley the other Hagley hybrid.

[mumofstig]

Mrs cholmondeley is in Group 2 and Hagley Hybrid is group 3, so linking to the RHS pruning advice seems to be the easiest way.

group 2     https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=346

group 3      https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=347

[DIGGER]

Why didn't I think of that😟

[Growster...]

There's an old adage around here, that you always place an old tile across the roots at topsoil level. It keeps them happier apparently...

[DIGGER]

I think that is to do with keeping the sun of the roots,don't quote me on it.I use pebbles,don't know why but must have read it somewhere.Memory not to good.