Will Clematis Grow Horizontally

Clematis will grow horizontally when given the right support and guidance.

This beautiful climbing vine naturally wants to reach for the sky, but with a little training, you can absolutely encourage it to spread sideways instead.

If you’ve been wondering whether you can grow clematis along a fence line, over a low wall, or even as ground cover, the answer is a resounding yes.

Clematis grows horizontally in garden settings more often than you might think, and it can look absolutely stunning when trained this way.

The key is understanding how clematis climbs and then using that knowledge to redirect its growth.

In this post, we’ll explore how clematis can grow horizontally, the best techniques to make it happen, and the varieties that are naturally suited for this style.

Let’s dig into the wonderful world of sideways clematis.

Why Clematis Can Grow Horizontally

Clematis can grow horizontally because its climbing mechanism is flexible and adaptable.

Unlike some vines that use sticky tendrils or aerial roots, most clematis climbs by wrapping its leaf stalks around whatever support it finds.

This means it doesn’t care if that support is vertical, diagonal, or completely horizontal.

When you give clematis a horizontal structure like a wire, a trellis laid flat, or a long fence rail, the vine will happily grip on and grow sideways.

Clematis grows horizontally as a natural response to the support you provide, not because it has a built-in preference for going up.

1. The Leaf Stalks Do the Work

The secret behind why clematis can grow horizontally lies in those twisting leaf stalks.

Each leaf has a little stem called a petiole that reaches out and grabs onto anything thin enough.

Once it finds a wire, a string, or a branch, it curls around tightly and holds on.

This gives the vine incredible flexibility in which direction it grows.

You can weave clematis along a horizontal line, and those leaf stalks will latch on just as easily as they would to a vertical trellis.

2. Training Changes the Growth Pattern

Clematis grows horizontally only when you actively train it, but the plant responds quickly and willingly.

As new shoots emerge, you simply guide them along your chosen horizontal path.

Within weeks, the vine accepts this direction as its natural route.

The growth becomes longer and more lateral, creating a beautiful sprawling effect.

This is why so many gardeners use clematis to cover unsightly fences or to soften the edges of garden beds.

3. Horizontal Growth Actually Benefits the Plant

Growing clematis sideways can lead to more flowers along the entire length of the stem.

When a clematis grows vertically, the lower parts often become bare and woody over time.

But when you train it horizontally, light reaches every part of the vine more evenly.

This encourages bud development all along the stem, not just at the top.

So clematis grows horizontally not only because it can, but because it often looks fuller and more floriferous.

Best Ways to Train Clematis to Grow Horizontally

If you want to make clematis grow horizontally in your own garden, there are a few reliable methods that work beautifully.

1. Use Horizontal Wires or Netting

The most straightforward way to get clematis growing sideways is to install horizontal wires.

Fix strong galvanized wires along a fence or wall at different heights.

Space them about 12 to 18 inches apart.

As the clematis grows, weave the stems through the wires in a zigzag pattern.

This makes clematis grow horizontally in a neat, controlled manner.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly the leaf stalks grab the wires and hold on tight.

2. Lay a Trellis Flat or Angled

Another simple trick is to mount a trellis at an angle or even completely flat against a low wall.

Clematis doesn’t care that the support isn’t upright.

It will climb sideways across the trellis just as happily as it would climb up a fence post.

Use garden ties to gently fasten the stems to the trellis as they grow.

Over time, the vine will cover the entire horizontal surface with lush foliage and flowers.

3. Use It as Ground Cover

Did you know you can let clematis simply sprawl along the ground?

Yes, clematis can grow horizontally as a ground cover, especially in areas where you want to suppress weeds.

Let the vine wander through shrubs, over rocks, or across a bank.

The stems will root where they touch the soil, creating a thick mat over time.

This is a fantastic way to use clematis in a part of the garden where vertical space is limited.

4. Weave Through Shrubs and Hedges

Clematis also grows horizontally when you weave it through established shrubs.

This is one of the oldest and most charming ways to grow clematis.

Simply plant the clematis at the base of a shrub and let it scramble sideways through the branches.

The shrub’s twiggy growth provides perfect horizontal supports for the clematis to grab.

Soon, you’ll have a shrub that seems to be blooming with two different colors at once.

Clematis Varieties That Grow Naturally Wide

While all clematis can be trained horizontally, some varieties take to sideways growth more eagerly.

These are the ones with flexible stems and a sprawling habit.

1. Clematis Montana

This vigorous variety is a champion when it comes to growing horizontally.

Its long, flexible stems can easily be redirected along wires or fences.

Montana also flowers profusely, so a horizontal display will be absolutely covered in blooms.

Just make sure you have enough space because this one grows fast.

2. Clematis Orientalis

Also known as the orange peel clematis, this variety has a more open, spreading habit.

It thrives when allowed to wander sideways over low structures.

The delicate yellow flowers look lovely cascading along a horizontal line.

It’s a fantastic choice for a more natural, informal look.

3. Clematis Alpina

If you have a smaller space and want a more delicate look, alpina is perfect.

It’s not as vigorous as some others, making it easier to control sideways growth.

Train it along a short fence or over a low arch, and it will reward you with charming bell-shaped flowers.

Alpina is also early flowering, so it brings color to your horizontal display in spring.

4. Clematis Viticella

Viticella varieties are known for being tough, trouble-free, and very adaptable.

They grow horizontally without complaint and are perfect for weaving through shrubs.

The stems are not too woody, so they bend easily when you train them.

This group also flowers for a long season, giving you months of sideways color.

So, Will Clematis Grow Horizontally?

Clematis will absolutely grow horizontally when you provide the right kind of support and a little training.

It’s not a difficult plant to redirect, and the results can be truly spectacular.

Whether you want it to cover a fence, spread along the ground, or weave through shrubs, clematis grows horizontally with ease.

Just remember to give it thin structures to hold onto, guide the young stems in the direction you want, and be patient.

With a little time, your clematis will be a stunning horizontal feature in your garden.

Hope this post has helped you understand how clematis can grow horizontally and how to get the best results.

Happy gardening.